need advice

Question
do you know if it is possible that my minature rex rabbit got meaner because when he got neuterd the vet forgot to take off one testicle? do you think that that is unacceptable and that i should begin taking him to a new vet? my rabbit chews on everything do you have any advice on bunny proofing? also, he has been shedding since september to the point where it can be lightly pulled from his skin in big clumps. i was told it is called molting and it would stop in a few weeks but its been a few months. is this normal do you know? thank you,
Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,

Wow...a vet missed a testicle?  Did that really happen?  If the rabbit does have a remaining testicle, it certainly could cause continuing aggressive behavior.  I have also heard of a rabbit that had been neutered...both testicles...but all the unspayed females that were placed next to him delivered kits.  In rescue, it's not uncommon for does to come in pregnant...but not every one.  This rabbit had a third testicle that was undescended.  Very rare, but it happens. We also know of rabbits that displayed male territorial issues after being completely neutered.  No known cause but some of the more advanced vets are treating these symptoms with a drug called Lupron.  It is a human drug used for some prostate issues in men, early puberty in pre-teen girls and endometriosis in adult women.  It is a nasty drug with lots of side effects.  The jury is still out on it's usefullness with rabbits.

As far as directly addressing your question...at the very least, if the vet did miss a testicle I would think it would warrant at least a very intense one on one discussion with the doctor.  I would have to hear some very convincing statements and I would have some very pointed questions.  But mistakes do happen.  I know many of the best in the country and nobody is perfect.  It's what they do to rectify the situation as to my decision on using that vet again.

I would also suggest giving your rabbit something constructive to do with his time.  Chewing is a natural behavior so you can't eliminate it but you can redirect it.  Rabbits need mental stimulation.  Give him toys to play with...we use the hard plastic human baby toys, an empty paper towel roll, a plain brown paper bag or a phone book with the shiny pages removed.  Anything that makes noise works well to....we make toys using plastic soft drink bottles and put coins or marbles inside to make noise.  Make sure you interact with him as much as possible.  We have a "bad" rabbit in our rescue.  We were told he was terribly destructive.  We found out that he was locked inside a room by himself and he wanted to be part of the family.  He came here and is is our "bunny room" which is the hub of activity here.  He has never destroyed anything here and is perfectly happy.  And he might like a spayed female friend to keep him company.  We have calmed down many "studs" by introducing them to a strong willed female.

A molt is usually a temporary condition.  There are also some issues like parasites...even intestinal parasites...that can cause this.  It can also be stress related.  Since he is showing other undesirable behaviors....I think this entire thing might be related to stress of some type.

Talk with your vet and get a good answer on the surgical mistake.  Examine your home husbandry protocols and make sure your rabbit's environment is as stress free as possible and that he has things to stimulate his enthusiasm in a positive and constructive way.  Look things over and let me know.  We can go from there.

Randy