SPEYING, CASTRATING AND VACCINATING

Castration and speying are done under general anaesthetic. It is a surgical procedure that requires sterile surgical instruments and preparation of the skin, in order to minimize infection.

A spey is the removal of the ovaries and womb via an incision into the rabbit’s belly (abdomen). Castration is the removal of both testicles and is done by 2 incisions in the scrotal area.

Desexing a rabbit is advised for many reasons. It is recommended in order to reduce difficult behavior, like the marking of its territory with strong smelling urine, aggressive attitude, and mounting objects like human body parts like feet and arms.  A desexed rabbit will often be more affectionate and they have been shown to live longer. Desexing will prevent infection and cancer of the reproductive organs.

Speying rabbits is also recommended of course to prevent unwanted pregnancy, they are able to effectively mate as early as 4 months of age!

Have you vaccinated your rabbit? Rabbit calicivirus (RCV) also known as Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), is a highly contagious, highly lethal disease in wild and domestic rabbits. The virus infects only rabbits, and has been used to control rabbit populations. There is a vaccination available at Pets n Vets to protect your family bunny against getting rabbit calicivirus. This can be given at 2.5-3 months of age.