PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. CONSULT YOUR VET BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANYTHING.
- Rabbits MUST eat a healthy portion of food before any surgery/vaccination. They cannot throw up like most other animals, so they do not fast. If they are sore/feeling miserable after the procedure, at least they will have a full tummy to carry them.
- Be prepared with emergency pain or stasis meds that the vet prescribes. (If they don’t prescribe, ask). Listen carefully, take notes if necessary. (Personally I prefer to have procedures/vaccinations done early in the day, then I can still get to the vet before 6pm if something goes wrong.)
- Keep contact with the rescue where you adopted from. (One of the major reasons you do not buy from a breeder, or pet shop. You will most likely be on your own.) Their support is invaluable and sometimes available after hours when vets are not. (Vets also need to sleep, believe it or not.)
- Keep the rabbit warm and secure. Some movement is good, but if it is a female, the sterilisation leaves a big scar. So, excessive movement is not advisable. Neither is jumping up onto something or into a high entry litterbox.
- Have your rabbit’s favourite greens/snacks/treats on hand.
- Cones are not advisable, so keep an eye on those stitches. Some do pick at them.