rabbit castration

• what steps should you take to minimise the surgical risk in rabbits?

  • manage temperature to ensure hypothermia doesn't occur e.g., heat pads and blankets
  • lift the table so the abdomen is off the lungs
  • limit stress before surgery e.g., keep with a friend in a quiet environment
  • limit tissue handling / ensure gentle tissue handling
  • reduce surgical time where possible
• when should you castrate a rabbit?

  after 12 weeks (some prefer to wait until 16 weeks)
• how do you reduce the post-operative risk in rabbits?

  • provide promotility agents e.g., cisapride to prevent ileus / gut stasis
  • provide analgesia e.g., buprenorphine or morphine to prevent pain induced ileus
• when admitting a rabbit there are additional steps that should be taken which are not commonly done for dogs and cats

  • house with a mate
  • use a rabbit run rather than a kennel
  • keep away from predators
  • keep in a quiet and dark environment
  • complete the surgery first so you have time to see the rabbit eat and pass faeces
• where do you place an IV catheter in rabbits?

  marginal or lateral ear vein
• the marginal ear vein runs along teh edge of the ear and is superficial. this vein is the preferred site of IV access in smaller rabbits
• the lateral ear vein is located centrally on the ear, this tends to be larger than the marginal ear vein which can help with catheter placement
• what are the benefits of castration in rabbits?

  • reduce sexual behaviours which can reduce unwanted pregnancies
  • prevents testicular tumours
  • can reduce aggressive behaviour
  • can reduce spraying