Vaccinating and Neutering your Rabbits

At Pets Corner, we recommend that you have your bunnies vaccinated and neutered as preventative measures to help ensure your rabbits live a long, happy and healthy life.

Vaccinations

Vaccinating your bunnies protects them against two deadly diseases: Myxomatosis (Myxi) and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD or HVD).

Myxomatosis is a viral disease which is transmitted by insects from infected wild rabbits. It is usually fatal after a period of suffering from sore, swollen eyes and respiratory distress.
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (HVD) is a viral disease which kills very quickly by causing severe bleeding disorders.

These viral diseases are almost always fatal but can be prevented through annual vaccinations.

Neutering

Neutering your rabbits will enable you to keep them in pairs without the risk of fighting and unwanted breeding.

Rabbits are very sociable creatures who love company of their own kind. Wherever possible, we sell our bunnies in litter pairs to ensure they have the friendship and companionship they naturally crave. Neutering your bunnies can help to avoid any aggression between the two.

The Bucks

Bucks (male rabbits) are responsive and enjoyable pets, but most are territorial and frequently spray urine. Aggression can be a common problem. A neutered buck is often more relaxed than a non-neutered male, making them much more responsive as a pet. Having the buck neutered means that they are free to enjoy life without constantly looking for a mate, which can mean they are likely to be much less aggressive. If introduced correctly, a neutered buck can live with a spayed female or another neutered male happily.

Neutering a buck is a relatively minor operation with benefits that greatly outweigh the risks. Neutering can occur in males from the time that the testicles distend, however check with your chosen veterinary practise as some vet surgeons prefer to wait until the rabbits are 4-5 months of age.

The Does

Does (female rabbits), can often become territorial and aggressive from sexual maturity at 4-6 months which can result in growling, biting and scratching owners or other rabbits. Female bunnies who are un-spayed can have repeated false pregnancies.

Spaying reduces and can often eradicate these behavioural problems. Spayed females may live longer lives than their un-spayed sisters who can have increased potential health risks. Unfortunately the risk of uterine cancer in unsprayed female rabbits is high and is often seen to develop by the age of 5 years. Does who are not spayed when young and in good health may have to undergo the operation as an emergency in later life if uterine cancer develops. Prevention is always better than cure.

Spaying is generally performed when the doe reaches sexual maturity at 4-5 months however this is veterinary surgeon dependant.

Costs

The cost of castrating and spaying rabbits can vary. Vet practice dependant, you can expect to pay between £50-£90 for castration of a Buck and £80-£120 for Does as they require a slightly bigger operation.

Our staff in store can direct you to a local friendly and bunny experienced veterinary practice who will be able to advise you further on both vaccinating and neutering your rabbits.