spayed rabbit now very aggressive.HELP

Question
QUESTION: I RESCUED A FRENCH LOP 3 MONTHS AGO . SHE IS 3 YEARS OLD. HER EYES WERE VERY INFECTED SO THE VET RECOMMENDED DEALING WITH THAT FIRST AND LETTING HER BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO ME AND HER NEW HOME THEN HAVING HER SPAYED. THE FIRST MONTH WAS SO GREAT SHE WAS THE MOST LOVABLE BUNNY I'VE EVERY SEEN SHE WANTED TO BE WITH ME ALL THE TIME .SHE CAME WHEN I CALLED HER NAME AND SHE WANTED LOTS OF LOVE AND KISSES.  I DECIDED TO HAVE HER FIXED BECAUSE SHE WAS NOT THE BEST POTTY BOX USER AND THAT USUALLY HELPS PLUS I DIDN'T WANT HER TO GET CANCER.HER PERSONALITY HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED NOW ,SHE DOESN'T WANT ME TO TOUCH HER ,MOST OF THE TIME SHE GROWLS AND GOES INTO ATTACK POSITION.THERE IS OCCASIONAL BITING.PLEASE HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT COULD BE GOING ON.THANK YOU

ANSWER: Dear Christy,

How long ago was she spayed?  I have heard of some rabbits becoming more aggressive immediately after being spayed or neutered, though this is rare, and it usually starts to subside after a week or two.

But for more tips on how to get her back to her loving self, please see:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html

If these tips don't calm her down in a week or two, please write again, and I'll refer you to a behavior expert who might be able to offer more ideas.  Or you can write now to that person (I believe it's Amy Espie) at:

behavior@rabbit.org

I hope this helps!  Hang in there.  She will get better.  I know how frustrating and scary it is to deal with a grouchy, aggressive bunny, but she *will* turn around.

Dana



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI DANA , THANKS FOR GETTING BACK TO ME SO QUICKLY. BELLA KAHUNA WAS SPAYED ALMOST TWO AND A HALF MONTHS AGO. I THOUGHT SHE WOULD GET BETTER AFTER ABOUT TWO WEEKS AS WELL. SHE DOES HAVE RARE MOMENTS WHEN SHE IS SWEET ,BUT THEY DON'T USUALLY LAST VERY LONG AND THEY ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN. SHE IS A 14 POUND FRENCH LOP AND THEY ARE USUALLY THE MOST LOVABLE BUNNYS EVER.DO YOU THINK IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOMETHING IS HURTING HER FROM HER SURGERY? AGAIN THANKS FOR YOUR HELP,THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE HERE IN KENTUCKY WHO HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE ON BUNNYS SO I APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU HAVE .THANKS ,CHRISTY

Answer
Dear Christy,

Your thoughts about her being in pain are smart, and that could very well be part of the problem.  Sometimes a bunny will form adhesions at the surgical site, and if they are pulling or causing her constant discomfort, that could certainly make her grouchy.

Please talk to your vet about this, and ask about trying pain medication to see if it makes a difference in her outlook on life.  We've had excellent success with metacam combined with tramadol (low dose, so she doesn't get gorky), and if this works, then it might be time for the vet to do some detective work and find out what's causing pain.

It might not have anything directly to do with the surgery.  It's possible she's developed molar spurs (I'd certainly ask the vet to check that) or has some other source of pain.  But a constant aggression in a bunny who was formerly sweet could certainly have a medical reason.  The problem is finding it!

If you're not sure your vet is very experienced with rabbits, then you might seek another one here for a second opinion:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps, and that she'll be back to her sweet self soon!

Dana