The rabbit patient The behavior of rabbits has a strong influence on their suitability as candidates for surgery. Rabbits are timid and submissive. Their desire to return to health diminishes with fear or pain. Not uncommonly, rabbits may stop eating, even to the point of starvation, following surgery. Rabbits are fractious and may struggle violently if frightened.
Improper restraint can lead to fractured limbs or spine.
Sometimes it may be necessary to postpone surgery until a preexisting problem is resolved or until the rabbit is calmer. Prior to surgery, the rabbit is anesthetized and her bladder emptied by gentle palpation. Her abdomen is shaved and washed, and she is positioned on the surgery table lying on her back, draped with sterile cloths. The uterus, found just under the urinary bladder, is lifted through the incision, followed by the oviduct and infundibulum, which are coiled in a large loop several times longer than that of a dog or a cat. Care must be taken not to contaminate the abdomen with urine or the contents of the vagina.