Increased agression after neutering

[lovebunnyok]

Hey all

My bun Tupper was neutered last Friday, and since then has been very aggressive and nipping at me! Before the surgery, he never nipped or anything like that, now he is doing it all the time, and just bit my hand when I was trying to clean out his cage! Is this normal? He is usually a very sweet bunny, wanting to be held and petted. His humping has not decreased, and tries to get at me or his stuffed panda he sleeps with.

Can someone help?? Is this just a phase?

Thank you

Worried Bun Mom

 

[Flashy]

Was it Friday two days ago or Friday a week and a bit?

He may still be in pain if it was Friday two days ago.

He may be 'miffed' at what you have done to him.

It may be behavioural in that maybe he was spoilt after his neuter and he ended up the dominant bunny (whereas before he may have been submissive) which can change his behaviour.

It could also be nothing to do with his neuter. Has anything changed in his world? Any new additions to the house?

I remember Pipp writing something about agression after neutering ages ago, but I have no idea where it was and if the search function will find it. I'll try and see if I can.

 

[lovebunnyok]

It was Friday, last week...so what, 9 days ago?

Nothing else has changed. He is an only bunny, so he has my undivided attention for most of the day. It just seems odd that the nipping has started AFTER he gets the surgery. I thought nipping was more of a hormonal thing, and his humping hasn't decreased. Does it take time for the hormones to get out of his system?

 

[delusional]

It will take a few weeks for the hormonal behaviour to settle down, and as Flashy said it may be that he's just a little put out at what was done to him..

I know I've had bunnies who have had no problems with the carrier until they're taken to the vets for the first time, then they're quite resistant to go in! So I'm sure that the experience does stick with them..

 

[Flashy]

Yes, he can exhibit hormonal behaviour for a good few weeks after being neutered.

Nipping can be lots of things, it can be hormonal, behavioural, related to pain or a medical issue, trying to communicate something to you.

How is his neuter wound doing? What does it look like?

 

[lovebunnyok]

It looks good. Not any swelling, as I can tell. I am to take him back in next Friday for the vet to look him over. He is doing good otherwise. He was not himself for the first couple of days, but I knew that was to be expected. Now he wants out all the time, but he is thumping, nipping, and humping everything in sight! I guess I will just wait and see what happens.

Thanks all

 

[Flashy]

I found it! I feel so proud *sniggers*

Anyway, on this thread http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=31021&forum_id=48&jump_to=409052#p409052

Pipp says

'Abstract
There is a growing interest in rabbits as pets, and many pet rabbits are neutered to prevent pregnancy and avoid behavioral issues. Behaviors such as mating and aggression in neutered rabbits may suggest incomplete gonadectomy, adrenal disease, or other conditions. '

 

[lovebunnyok]

So does that mean that the surgery didn't wasn't done correctly? I'm not putting Tupper through another one of those!

I guess I will wait it out, and see what the doctor says when we go next Friday. I hope it really is just that he's ticked at me, but it doesn't seem that way when he lets me hold him and "kisses" me.

Oh well, Thank you all

 

[Flashy]

I raised that issue as another potential reason alongside behaviour, hormones, etc, so try not to worry about that, just something to bear in mind like the others. Hopefully it will all settle with time though.