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  #1  
Old 03-19-2008, 05:26 PM
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Photoesque Photoesque is offline
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Unspayed female...


Do they really live shorter lives?

If so, why? That doesn't really make sense.

And should I get my female spayed even though she will probably never come in contact with another male bunny in her life?
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Old 03-19-2008, 06:16 PM
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Dragonrain Dragonrain is offline
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A lot of unspayed females get cancer in either their uterus, or their mammory glands. Sadly, cancer in unspayed females is VERY common. Studies have shown that as female rabbits age, their chances for developing cancer increase. One study suggests that as much as 85% of females develope uterus cancer by age 5, which is why unspayed females usually don't live as long as they could - because they die from a type of cancer that could have easily been prevented by getting them spayed.

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/valley/1155/UC.html

And then there's behavioral problems that come with having an unfixed rabbit.

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

There are so many benefits to spaying, the only way I would ever not recommend someone get it done to a pet rabbit is if their rabbit is to old, or not healthy enough to go through the surgery. Better to pay for the spay now and get it over with, then have to deal with behavioral problems, and possably cancer (which will be MUCH more expensive to treat then paying for a spay will be).
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Old 03-19-2008, 06:54 PM
binki binki is offline
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hiya, i have an 8yr old lady bunny, who has never been spayed, infact never gone to the vets in 7 yrs. and i do i guess regret it in some ways, i wish id of got her spayed when we first got her (because now i worry constantly about her getting cancer of her female bits) but really knew nothing about the care that my bun needed (and she is way too old for me to even think about anything like that now).
but on the other hand shes never had that much to do with vets, she has arthritis (which we knew when she was 1) and we have been giving her a herbal capsule since we found out, which works. she has always been a house bunny (she has her own room), and she has never been spayed. which i think causes her to be moody, i remember for the first 2 yrs she would growl at us. wv had her 8 yrs and used to her now (my boyfriend says she's like me
i think if your bun is young enough and you can find a good rabbit vet then it would be worth while (iso-flo is the best annastetic that they can use, its gas rather than injection, its what they use on children).
but the risk of not having you bun done means they run a high risk of developing uterine carcinoma, and being moody. although couldnt imagine our moll anyother way
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Old 03-19-2008, 08:16 PM
kathydip kathydip is offline
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I firmly believe that spaying and neutering make litter training easier. My Ophelia rarely used the litter box before her spay but once she was done she has been very good.
I also have a coworker who recently lost two bunny girls that were about 5 or so. The first bunny was rushed to the vet when she was found bleeding. The vet said it was most likely cancer.
The second bun she is not sure why. She was found after she passed.
But they also have a bun that is also about 5 and she is not too healthy but the vet has not mentioned cancer.
I never had my first bun done - I found her when she was old and ill. There was no point in having her done. All the other buns have been done.
I am not sure what part of PA you are in but if you are near Philly a fantastic bunny vet is Radnor Vet and Dr Donanto. I have had all wonderful experiences with them.
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Old 03-19-2008, 11:30 PM
Luckybunny Luckybunny is offline
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You may find once your bunny reaches puberty you will need to get her spayed. Molly was a very nice bunny, loves head rubs, very playful. She was an excellent patient when she was ill, easy to catch and handle. Then two weeks ago she started spraying urine every time we were cleaning her cage and the raging hormones are driving us crazy. The kids don't want to play with her because she sprays. We can't get to the vet fast enough to have her spayed to reduce this behavior...let alone reducing the risks of cancer. Hopefully her surgery scheduled for the end of the month will proceed pending her health status.
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Old 03-21-2008, 08:56 PM
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Wow. I had no idea it was that serious!!

Any idea on the cost?!
I may have to get a job (FYI I'm only 15)a

Oh well. Ruby is worth it.
And that explains why my old rabbit Thumper sprayed when he peed!

She'll just have to wait for that new cage!
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Old 03-22-2008, 02:20 PM
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Dragonrain Dragonrain is offline
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Sometimes if you talk to rabbit rescues or shelters in your area, they can suggest good, cheaper, vets - or maybe even direct you to a low cost program in your area.

I've seen prices range from $50 at a great low cost clinic, to up to $500, which is around what they charge at Tufts University. So the prices will really vary.

Remember that it's important to find a good, rabbit savy vet with lots of experience.

These are great links to House Rabbit Society pages that would be good to read while looking for a vet...

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html
http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html
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Old 03-23-2008, 02:47 PM
Luckybunny Luckybunny is offline
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The estimate we got was $260 for the spay and her recent illness was $600. She is our golden easter bunny.
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