Rabbit Post-Surgical Instructions

Your rabbit will need special care during recovery from surgery. Please keep your rabbit in a quiet and safe place so he or she doesn’t startle or panic. Artificial tears have been applied to your rabbit’s eyes before surgery to protect them from drying out during anesthesia.

Monitor your rabbit’s incision daily. There are no external sutures to be removed. A small amount of swelling and/or clear- or red-tinged fluid from the incision may be normal the first day following surgery. It’s normal for the male rabbit’s scrotum to show mild to moderate swelling the day following surgery. The swelling should go down within 1-2 days. If you see signs of excessive swelling, pain, redness or discharge, please contact the MN SNAP veterinarian immediately at 612-759-0880.

 The MN SNAP veterinarian on duty will monitor her phone for messages from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., every day of the week, and will return your call. She will evaluate your rabbit’s condition over the phone and will provide follow-up care if needed. If you choose to seek emergency veterinary care without consulting the MN SNAP veterinarian, all charges associated with that visit will be at your personal expense.

It’s important for your bunny to start eating within 1-2 days after surgery. Please be sure to provide pellets, water, and hay at all times. Vegetables are often the first food rabbits will eat after surgery, so we recommend that you offer your rabbit romaine lettuce, parsley, cilantro, or other dark green, leafy vegetables. Some rabbits may have soft or clumped stools for a day or two following surgery.

Be sure to give your rabbit the medication MN SNAP has sent home with you. Here is a link to a YouTube video to coach you on how to give medication to your rabbit (start at 1:39). http://tinyurl.com/RabbitBasics

We recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks after surgery before attempting to introduce new rabbits into your home. This allows time for the rabbit to heal and for his or her hormones to balance. Males can stay fertile for up to six weeks after neutering and may still exhibit hormonal behavior during this time. Bonded pairs or trios should stay together at all times.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT TODAY’S SURGERY,
PLEASE CALL THE MN SNAP VETERINARIAN AT THE NUMBER LISTED ABOVE.