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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Neutering a post-head tilt bunny?

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    • scarletbegonias
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        Henry came down with headtilt last december, it is now nearing the end of July. He has come a long way, runs around, gives kisses, does happy little hops…both of his ears even fall down to eather side sometimes. 

        We have moved into a new home and he has taken to marking his territory EVERYWHERE. He used to be mainly fully litter trained but ever since the move, he has been going potty all over the really nice and expensive carpet. We were given 30 days notice at one point, but I promised our roommates I’d get him fixed to help stop that behavoir. 

        I’ve waited this long because I have read about possible head tilt relapse due to the anesthesia. Has anyone had any experience with this? I’m so nervous because I love this bunny like a child. I dont want to see him go through this again, but I really have no choice. If anyone could give me any pointers, or signs to look for, I would greatly appreciate it. 

         


      • Sarita
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          It would be a good idea to have bloodwork done – also have a conversation with the vet about your concerns.


        • scarletbegonias
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            Blood work…looking for anything specific? I called the vet today and made the appointment for august 1st. I told the lady my concerns, and she spoke to the vet on my behalf. She said the vet said it would be my call, that they haven’t had a TON of experience with headtilt bunnies, only 3, but they all were all successful surgeries (the clinic is a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, not a normal vet). I’m prepared to deal with a relapse, I just want to make sure it won’t kill him and he will come out of the relapse in a reasonable amount of time….


          • Sarita
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              What a cutie! The vet will look at liver and kidney function to make sure Henry can undergo anesthesia safely and any other concerns that may show up in the bloodwork.

              When you say 3 rabbits do you mean 3 rabbits total or just 3 rabbits with headtilt? I just want to make sure I understand. Do they do alot of rabbits in this clinic overall?


            • scarletbegonias
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                Thank you! he really is the most adorable little creature!

                The vet has done surgery on 3 “head-tilt” bunnies total, but they see rabbits all the time. Will this vet check his liver/kidney function if it’s not a normal vet and just a neuter clinic do you think?


              • Sarita
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                  Well, any vet should know this…I’ve never used a spay/neuter clinic – I guess it’s best to talk to the vet directly – of course, it’s your choice as they mentioned HOWEVER you need the vet to guide you so you can make a decision whether or not you feel comfortable. I think that’s why it’s best to try to speak to the vet not the staff – maybe get a list of questions ready so you know what to ask him :~)


                • scarletbegonias
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                    The clinic has good yelp reviews, so I think they should know what they are doing. I’ll be sure to mention that I’d like to have some blood work done just so there aren’t any unexpected surprises…
                    I would just love it if someone that has been through this before could tell me about their experience… I really don’t want to loose this little guy. I’ve read horror stories of NORMAL bunnies going under, making it through the procedure and then dying when they try to wake them up from the anesthesia


                  • Sarita
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                      Unfortunately there is always a risk with anesthesia which is why bloodwork is a good idea as well. I’m not sure I would trust Yelp reviews for a vet….but that’s just me. Was this clinic recommended to you by someone? How did you find them?


                    • scarletbegonias
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                        It was listed as a low cost clinic on the house rabbit society page.. A rescue group sent me the link.
                        http://rabbit.org/rabbit-center/low-cost-spayneuter-clinics/


                      • scarletbegonias
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                          (I’m taking him to the first listing “For Paws Spay and Neuter Clinic”


                        • Sarita
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                            Well, at least it comes from a reputable website. But you still need to make sure you are comfortable with the vet and with the procedure.


                          • scarletbegonias
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                              There are a bunch of 5 star reviews from people bringing in their rabbits, so that makes me feel a bit better. I’ll be sure to voice my concerns when we go in for the surgery and make sure someone checks him out beforehand…
                              http://www.yelp.com/biz/for-paws-spay-and-neuter-clinic-fremont

                              Thanks for your advice!


                            • skunklionshow
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                                Was the other vet able to identify what caused the head tilt in the first place?  My Jessica had head tilt and recovered fine, however, her litterbox skills SUCKED after that episode.  My vet had explained to me that many issues could have caused the head tilt, such as worms or viral infection.  She also explained that head tilt is basically an infection that does cause some brain damage.  She wanted to prepare me that I may have to change her set up, which I did to a single level, and her litterbox skills never truly resolved.  I’m thinking w/ the move that could also have caused the litterbox issues.  Most spay/neuter clinics don’t do bloodwork b/f the surgery, unless it’s requested.  These clinics are designed to keep costs down for speuters.  So if you want bloodwork, you will be paying out of pocket for it.  My experience w/ speuter clinics have always been very positive.  If they say they do bunnies, they usually have very good bunny experience.  When I’ve taken rabbits to our local speuter clinic, I have had better recovery time than the reg exotic’s vet.  These clinics know how to get in & get it done quickly. 

                                I haven’t had any head tilt/speuter together experiences, but I agree w/ what’s been posted there is ALWAYS an anesthesia risk!  So it is your decision, but I would consider the reason for the tilt in the first place, your potential booting from your current apt, vet’s experience, and bloodwork that should ID if there is any active infection.  Hope it all goes well…he’s  a cutie pie!


                              • scarletbegonias
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                                  The cause of the head tilt was an ear infection, not worms or mites. His litterbox skills were fine until we moved, even right after he was beginning to recover he still used the box. Im going to change the color of his bedding, I just read that if the bedding is similar to the carpet he might be confused? I used to use a white bedding but changed it the all natural version which is beige, the same color of the carpet…
                                  I would rather pay extra out of pocket for bloodwork than have something terrible happen, so I’ll be sure to request it. Thanks for pointing that out. The bunny parents that have reviewed their experience working with the clinic all say the recovery time was quick… so good news there.


                                • skunklionshow
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                                    I think your bunny will be fine since it was an ear infection.  You should plan on bunny litterbox retraining after the neuter.  Anticipate cage rest for the week following, even if he seems fine.  Then start w/ the litterbox retraining.  I would suggest a carpet cleaning b/f bunny is set free in the apt so no urine residue remains.  Good Luck!

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                                Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Neutering a post-head tilt bunny?