intact female rabbit

Question
Hi,
   I have a three month old female mini-lop that is not fixed.  I've only had
her for a few day (I got her from a girl whose other rabbit was fairly
aggressive towards her) and she is very sweet and affectionate - more so
than other rabbits i've come across in the past, although she is the first i've
owned personally so i'm not as knowledgeable as others.  I've read that
rabbits can become quite aggressive if they are not neutered.  Unfortunately,
her previous owner's vet, whom i also use and find to be educated at least
with other animals, said that he didn't want to risk having her fixed because
she responds so poorly to both being at the vet and having procedures done.  
I was told at one point she underwent a minor tooth examination and almost
didn't make it.  is this something that's fairly common?  also, if my bunny
can't, or shouldn't, be fixed, when will she become aggressive if she's going
to?  does that make sense?  i was just wondering at what age she would begin
to change personality, if she does at all, so that i don't mistake hormones for
signs of pain or fear or something more serious.  and lastly, should i seek out
a different vet willing to perform the surgery, or does this explanation sound
reasonable?  i know that not fixing rabbits can lead to cancer, but is that
worth the expense of her dying now?  are there any other options, such as her
having a litter later in life?  thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Dear Courtney,

I would seek a second opinion about the spay, but also take the caution of the first vet seriously.  Ask the vet why the bunny nearly didn't make it.  Was it because she was very stressed?  Or did she have a bad reaction to anesthesia?   

If the former, then a dose of Valium/Diazepam about an hour before the vet visit could help tremendously.  If the latter, then you do have some concerns that she might have a congenital sensitivity to anesthesia, and this might make surgery too risky for her.  The decision is best made in consultation with the vets with everyone fully informed about exactly why the first vet has concerns.

Not all bunnies become aggressive and bratty if not spayed.  Some stay very sweet and wonderful.  Let's hope yours is one of those!  

Also consider that a three month old bunny is quite young to undergo any surgical procedures at all, and as she matures and mellows she may be a better candidate for vet exams and surgeries.  

I would not breed her, as this won't prevent cancer.  Plus, read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html

But for now, sit tight and don't consider spaying for a few months.  See what happens with her personality and litterbox habits, and then consult with a vet later, when she's more mature and possibly better able to withstand a surgical procedure.

Dana