How Much Does Rabbit Neutering Cost?
According to Rabbit.org, a neutered rabbit is going to live longer due to his sexual aggression being gone. A neutering procedure today for a rabbit is relatively safe. Out of every 1,000 rabbits that are neutered, approximately 0.1% have a mortality rate, and this is due to the anesthesia.
The neutering procedure refers to the removal of reproductive organs, and in males, this will remove the testes from the scrotal sac.
How much does it cost to neuter a rabbit?
The low end for the surgery is going to cost anywhere from $100 to as much as $275. It will depend on the clinic you choose and geographical location.
Rabbit neutering overview
An initial exam will be performed before rabbit goes under the procedure. During this time, the doctor will be able to answer your questions or concerns. Some people, depending on their vet’s recommendation, will offer their rabbit acidophilus for a couple days. This will make sure the rabbit’s digestive system is working.
A doctor recommends a rabbit should be neutered around four to six months old at a minimum. They will usually wait as soon as the testicles descend, which is usually around this four month period. While they can be neutered before this, the vet will have to perform an abdominal surgery which can be more complicated. If the rabbit is older than two, the doctor may want to perform an advanced inspection.
After the surgery, the vet will ask you to keep the rabbit in a quiet environment so you don’t startle or scare it.
What are the extra costs?
The initial exam won’t be included in the price. Many vet doctors are going to charge anywhere from $40 to $110 for the exam pricing alone.
Anesthesia will more than likely be an additional cost as well. Some include this in the surgery price, while others are going to charge it separately.
For rabbits older than six months, the vet will more than likely want to take in blood work to make sure they will be able to handle the anesthesia.
A follow-up visit is going to more than likely be required to ensure that the rabbit is healing properly. The follow-up visit will be the same price as an office visit.
Medications will also be prescribed after the surgery. Medications can start at $20.
Tips to know:
Rabbits that are altered are going to live a longer and healthier life. The reason this is because the risk of reproductive cancer is virtually eliminated.
When a rabbit is neutered, they tend to become more loving and have a calmer attitude. These animals are also less apt to destructing things such as biting and chewing through things.
Since rabbits are social animals, one may find if they aren’t neutered, they won’t get along with other rabbits. Once this procedure has been done, sexual and aggressive behaviors due to hormones will be gone.
Neutered rabbits are easier to litter train. It also stops spraying behavior and sexual aggression.
There are often two myths you may hear about when thinking about neutering your rabbit: your rabbit may become lazy and their personality will change. Regardless of any altering, the only reason a rabbit will become lazy is due to too much food or not enough exercise. As for personality changes, rabbits will be calmer; however, the underlying personality won’t change, especially if the rabbit is altered at a younger age.
Why you should neuter a rabbit:
Overpopulation
It’s no secret that the world already has too many rabbits and other pets. Do your deed to society, and prevent your rabbit from reproducing. Over seven million dogs, cats and rabbits are killed in shelters every year.
Social
Rabbits that aren’t neutered can often have social problems. Because of this, they can get aggressive or even bite those who pick them up.
Safe
Today, the procedures that are done are 99 percent spayed. As long as the vet is experienced with the process, there is little to no risk for your rabbit.
Questions to ask:
How many rabbits have you worked with in the past in terms of neutering?
What is the success rate with these procedures? It’s always best to have a success rate of at least 98%. Anything lower than this needs to be questioned.
If any rabbits died, what was the cause?
What type of procedure does the vet use?
What anesthetics are you going to use?
How can I save money?
Call up a local rabbit rescue to see who they would recommend. Most of these rescues have great recommendations for a lower price.
Your local Humane Society may also have the procedure available if they have a vet clinic. The Humane Society vet clinics are fairly competitive compared to most of your private vet offices.
If you’re tight on money, consider looking for low-cost local shelters that can help with the procedure. There are some shelters that may be able to perform the procedure at no cost. A great resource that you can use to find these clinics is NootersClub.org.
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