Spay coming up...

[iluvmybuns]

Can she still hop up to her other levels or should they be blocked off?

How long after the spay should I wait until introducing her to the new addition?

Do I have to do anything with the incision? Clean it or anything?

I'm a new bunny mom so sorry if i sound paranoid.

 

[ra7751]

Hi,

It would be a good idea to block off anything she could jump on oroff. A spay is an invasive surgery so keeping her quiet for afew days would be a good idea. I usually wait at least 2weeks before introducing them to a new rabbit...and sometimes arebonding to an established partnermight be required sinceshe will have a different smell than she did previously. Justkeep a watch on the incision for any signs of infection. Andinsist on aggressive pain meds for 3-5 days after the procedure.

Randy

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

:yeahthat I've never had a femalespayed (Angel was already spayed when I adopted her), but after readingall these threads when folks get their buns spayed this sounds likegood advise. Definitely insist on the pain meds.They will probably have given her some when you pick her up and itshould last 24 hours, although I have heard too that alot of times, itdoesn't last that long. Just keep an eye on her and see howshe's acting. She probably won't eat the first 24 hourshardly at all. She should nibble though a bit.

 

[iluvmybuns]

Is there anything I should feed her besides herhay and pellets she gets? It's coming up and I'm so scared! What isthat Critical Care? Do I need that? Where do you get it?

 

[ra7751]

Hi,

I really like Critical Care. It's a special powdered formulathat has lots of nutrition and vitamins and supplements. It'soffered by a company called Oxbow.www.oxbowhay.com It can'tbe ordered online...you have to call and talk with arepresentative. They will verify your vet information beforeselling you the CC. We have used it with many sick rabbitsand also use it in weaning our cottontails. American PetDiner offers another product called "Critter Be Better". Itcan be ordered on line atwww.americanpetdiner.com .

Keep offering her hay and pellets before and after thesurgery. Do not fast a rabbit before surgery. Weusually take away the pellets about 2 hours before sedation but theyalways have access to hay and water. We offer a buffet offavorite foods after the surgery. Most will start eatinggreens pretty quickly depending on the effectiveness of the pain medsadministered before and aftet the surgery. Insist on strongpain meds. Don't be alarmed if she doesn't eat for a day orso. We have had some go as long as three days withouteating. Keep offering her some of her faves. Sheprobably won't be in the best of moods for a day or so. Bestwishes.

Randy

 

[Haley]

Julie, Dr. Hines is doing the spay, right? Sheshould give you some Metacam for pain. You will give it to her via asyringe once aday for at least2-3 days.Ittastes like honey so hopefully she will take it willingly. You can justput the syringe up to her mouth (near the corner) and hopefully shewill open up. If not, you can hold her gently on yourlap andplace it in her mouth.

Keep her on her normal diet before and after thesurgery.You'll want to get her eating as soonaspossible. I would buy some canned pumpkin (100% pure) and her favoriteveggies just in case.

Sometimes too much fussing causes them stress, so maybe put a blanketover part of her cage so she can just come home and relax.Clean the cage upas much as you can and try to keep the haypicked up.

The incision is really small. I was surprised when I had my first girlspayed because I was expecting it to be bigger. Just make sure shes notfussing with it too much. You can check it by getting her to stand onher hind legs (holding a treat up against the cage works well forthis). If this wont work just lift her gently to look at the wound.Watch for swelling and/or discharge/bleeding.

She will be prettyout of it for the first 24 hours or so.Justkeep is as quiet as you can for her. I would block offother levels if you can. Keep her in her pen for at least a few days todiscourage too much exertion.

She shouldbe fine though. From what Ihear, Dr. Hines is wonderful.

Keep us posted and let us know if you have any other questions. I'll bepraying for your girl. The surgery is Thursday, right?