To neuter or not to neuter

[Barbara]

Thank you for your reply!
Is it possible for males to get testicular cancer when neutered. If so how much is it’s chance decreased?

I'm with you Chicken girl. I'm having the same dilemma although, my guy is just turning 5 months. I "think" lol at least for now decided to at least hold off. No reason to rush it if there are no obvious reasons.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

Well, I decided that I’m going to get him neutered, but before I can do that I have to figure out how much the OTHER vet we decided on is.

I'm with you Chicken girl. I'm having the same dilemma although, my guy is just turning 5 months. I "think" lol at least for now decided to at least hold off. No reason to rush it if there are no obvious reasons.

I definitely didn’t rush it either considering Dune is now 8 months old and still not neutered because his behavior is perfect.

 

[Barbara]

Well, I decided that I’m going to get him neutered, but before I can do that I have to figure out how much the OTHER vet we decided on is.

I definitely didn’t rush it either considering Dune is now 8 months old and still not neutered because his behavior is perfect.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

We called the other vet. They are experienced with rabbits, but they cost $370 dollars whereas the vet I was going to take my bun to only cost $110. I only have $110 saved up and it would take me a while to save up $370. Because of the prices we are going to call the original vet back and see if they have other reasons for not spaying other than inexperience.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/neutering-in-rabbits

 

[Barbara]

We called the other vet. They are experienced with rabbits, but they cost $370 dollars whereas the vet I was going to take my bun to only cost $110. I only have $110 saved up and it would take me a while to save up $370. Because of the prices we are going to call the original vet back and see if they have other reasons for not spaying other than inexperience.

That is insane! Talk about totally taking advantage. Thats just so wrong.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

That is insane! Talk about totally taking advantage. Thats just so wrong.

Well, I understand it takes a lot of money for them to do it if you think about the people they have to pay and stuff they have to use. Although I don’t know how much rabbit neutered usually cost so you might be right.

 

[NYAngela]

If a vet won't spay, only neuters, I would highly suspect them of not being very experienced with rabbits.

The main reasons to neuter a male is because of unwanted hormonal behaviors or plans on bonding with another rabbit.. Reasons for females is hormonal behavior, plans on bonding, and the risk of reproductive cancer, which older females are at higher risk of developing. For male rabbits, while they certainly can develop testicular cancer, there are no studies(that I've seen) to suggest they are at high risk of developing it. The ones I've seen say it's uncommon, except for males with undescended testicles. Google 'testicular cancer in rabbits study' and it will bring up science articles on the subject.

As long as he is an only rabbit and has no unwanted hormonal behaviors, doesn't have an undescended testicle, and the low cancer risk isn't a concern to you, then it's just your personal choice whether you want to have it done or not.

I have been debating neutering my 10mos old bun because we lost our last bun to an aneurysm 24hrs post anesthesia (they never went through with neutering because of how he reacted to it)

So at 10mos he’s not aggressive, does not spray. My only issue is he’s chosen my entryway as his spot to mark with pee/poop. So I keep a waterproof rug there clean the poops 2x a day & wash it every other day. Other than that all poops/pee are in his litter. If unneutered do I assume these behaviors will remain forever? Could they worsen? And if I do go ahead with the neutering is there a chance other negative behaviors could start?

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Have you reached out to rescue groups in your specific location about rabbit-savvy DVM recommendations?

 

[Barbara]

Well, I understand it takes a lot of money for them to do it if you think about the people they have to pay and stuff they have to use. Although I don’t know how much rabbit neutered usually cost so you might be right.

Yeah, but it takes all of about 15 minutes for the procedure.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

An experienced DVM who's done thousands of surgeries will ease your mind. We will pay for the pre-op evaluations, bloodwork, as JBun noted. A stress-free environment with knowledgeable, bunny-speaking CVT staff is likewise beneficial.

Former owners of Penney contacted us because she was no longer wanted and being kept in a dinky cage in the basement because the 5 chihuahua dogs on the main floor of their home were priority. Our DVM showed me the pre-cancerous tissue after sugery.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

Have you reached out to rescue groups in your specific location about rabbit-savvy DVM recommendations?

I will definitely try that. Thank you!!!

 

[Sweet Potato rabbit]

We called the other vet. They are experienced with rabbits, but they cost $370 dollars whereas the vet I was going to take my bun to only cost $110. I only have $110 saved up and it would take me a while to save up $370. Because of the prices we are going to call the original vet back and see if they have other reasons for not spaying other than inexperience.

Try checking with the house rabbit society in your state/area. Some offer neuter vouchers which you can use at selected rabbit-savvy vets. I paid $120 for my bun's neuter surgery with the voucher instead of the original $350 or so, and did a top-up of $20 to get the laser procedure which I heard has a shorter recovery time. All went well. All the best!

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

Try checking with the house rabbit society in your state/area. Some offer neuter vouchers which you can use at selected rabbit-savvy vets. I paid $120 for my bun's neuter surgery with the voucher instead of the original $350 or so, and did a top-up of $20 to get the laser procedure which I heard has a shorter recovery time. All went well. All the best!

Wow, thanks! I’ll definitely look into that! It sounds like it would help a lot!

 

[crafty-mom-2]

I just found out today that the vet wants to neuter my 10 year old intact male rabbit to prevent testicular cancer. I'm concern given his age. Is it necessary? The vet did do pre-op bloodwork. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Preitler]

In my opinion testicular cancer is not very prevalent, it's not an issue like with the reproduction organs of does. So imo unless there are signs that one actually is there I would not consider neutering my buck. Definitly not just as a precaution at this age.

This strong narrative to neuter animals is a rather american thing, afaik there was a decades long campaign of many groups to reduce the number of dogs in shelters - and it did work out great, but imho it also created some arguments, that got projected on any animal.

So if there isn't a clear medical diagnoses that suggests neutering, I, personally, wouldn't do it.