Should I spay or neuter my rabbit — what are the health benefits and risks?

Spaying female rabbits is strongly recommended by exotic vets — unspayed does face up to an 80% lifetime risk of uterine cancer after age 4, making early sterilization one of the most impactful preventive health decisions a rabbit owner can make.

Sterilization in rabbits carries unique considerations compared to dogs and cats, including higher anesthetic risk and a common myth about fasting that can actually harm them.

The case for spaying female rabbits
Uterine adenocarcinoma is extraordinarily common in unspayed does — studies report 50–80% incidence in rabbits over 4 years. It metastasizes to the lungs and liver rapidly once established. Other uterine conditions (pyometra, endometritis, uterine polyps) also occur frequently in intact does.

Benefits of neutering male rabbits
- Eliminates testicular cancer risk
- Significantly reduces territorial spraying and aggression
- Improves litter training
- Allows safer bonding with a spayed female

Optimal age for surgery
Does: 4–6 months (after sexual maturity). Bucks: 3.5–5 months (as soon as testicles descend). Surgery before 4 months carries higher anesthetic risk due to small body size.

The fasting myth
Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits should NOT be fasted before surgery. Rabbits cannot vomit, so aspiration is not a risk. Fasting causes dangerous hypoglycemia and GI stasis. Feed your rabbit normally until the vet instructs otherwise.

Anesthesia risks
Rabbits have a higher anesthetic mortality rate than dogs and cats. Choosing an exotic animal specialist with rabbit anesthesia experience significantly reduces this risk. Ask your vet about their rabbit caseload and monitoring equipment.

Post-surgery recovery — week 1
Day 1–2: Offer hay, water, and favorite foods immediately on return home. Monitor for eating and defecation within 6 hours.
Day 3–5: Normal activity usually resumes. Monitor incision for swelling or discharge.
Day 7: Suture check with vet.

Log your rabbit's surgery date, weight, and recovery notes in Flovvi. Track appetite, incision status, and energy levels day by day.