Speying rabbits

Question
Good morning

I have just read on your web page some answers relating to the above.  They were extrmely helpful.  I just have two questions if you could please help.

I have two female rabbits ( they are sisters )  and they keep trying to hump each other.  Please could you tell me if they will stop doing this if I have them speyed.
Also is it very painful for the rabbits to be speyed and for how long afterwards.  What form does the pain killer come in is it powder.
Many thanks

Answer
Marie if your 2 females have been living together for a very long time they may not need to be spayed.  Rabbits hump each other whether they are spayed or neutered or not.  This is a sign of dominance.  They are trying to prove who the most dominant bun bun is going to be.  Spaying can be more painful for females than neutering is for males.  

Depending on the hospital you go to they may keep females overnight.  They biggest problem believe it or not with spaying is not pain, but gut motility.  This is why they like to watch them.  Of course the doctor will give you pain medication but it is going to depend on the exact size of the wound, how the bunny is going, what you are capable of giving etc.  Rabbits will need about 1 week away from all other rabbits  to recover.  So  if you are going to get your 2 girls spayed you should do it at the same time.  Then re-bonding them will be much easier.

There is huge controversary over the spaying of female rabbits, most of the "house rabbit" people will tell you that there is about 80% chance that if your rabbit is not spade then it will develop ovarian or uterine cancer within 5 years.  Whereas, most Veterinarian doctors will tell you it doesn't matter either way.  I am un-biased.  If you aren't using them for breeding, and they are going to be your pets then get them fixed.  That is just my opinion.  

And most rabbit medicine does not come in powder but it will come in either shot or liquid form.  Most vets will teach you to give the shots by yourself, but a lot of the liquid meds can be given orally, you just need to put the rabbit on your legs upside down and basically force it down its throat.  After the first few times you will be a pro.

Goodluck to you in whatever you decide to do.  If you have any more questions please feel free to ask under my name on the main vet medicine/rabbits page.  I rarely read the open question category.

Thank you again Maria and have a great day!!!

Pam Enve

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