Why should you spay and neuter pet rabbits
Male and female rabbits, known as Bucks and Does respectively,
can and should be neutered much like dogs and cats. Bucks can
become very territorial and show signs of aggression as they
become more sexually mature--usually around 4-6 months.
Because of this, as well as territorial "marking" (urinating around
the house purposely) many owners opt to have the buck neutered.
It is also recommended that does are spayed when sexually
mature (also 4-6 months). Does are similar to cats as far as
being induced ovulators, and have no true heat cycle; rabbits are
receptive to breeding many times throughout the year. Does, like
bucks, also have territorial changes when older if not spayed.
In fact, intact does can even be more aggressive than the bucks.
Uterine cancer is the most common cancer seen in rabbits over 4
years of age and has been noted to occur in 50-80% of intact
rabbits. Aggression changes and risk of cancer are strong
reasons many owners get their rabbits spayed.
Pet rabbits not intended for breeding should be sterilized at any
time after 4 1/2 months of age. Male rabbits (especially of the
dwarf varieties) have a tendency to become aggressive upon
reaching sexual maturity. Neutering (castration) is the best way
to reduce the severity of the problems (biting, urine- spraying)
seen in sexually mature male rabbits.
Female rabbits should be spayed (ovariohysterectomized) to
prevent unwanted pregnancy and uterine cancer. Uterine tumors are
the most common type in female rabbits and often are associated
with serious blood loss. Spaying female rabbits may also help to
prevent or reduce territorial aggression among females. This is a
relative trick procedure due to the difficulty of maintaining
anesthesia during the surgery.
See Also:
Index of All Rabbit Care & Bunny
Fun Stuff
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Try doing a search
