5 year old female. Too old to be spayed?

[NewBunnyOwner123]

I have a friend who has a 5 year old rabbit. She wants to get her spayed but is worried that she is too old and she won’t make the surgery. Has anyone spayed their rabbit at 5 years old? She doesn’t have a lot of money. I’ve linked her to a low cost clinic and she really wants to get her spayed but nervous about the outcome of surgery with an older rabbit

[Sarita]

I’ve helped in rescues where they have successfully spayed older female rabbits (cannot be sure of course of approximate ages for the most part) but certainly older rabbits.

It would certainly be a good idea to do bloodwork – it’s an added expense though.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Yeah she’s only 16 and unfortunately having to pay for this on her own. I don’t think she can afford blood work. She’s barely being able to afford the spay *sigh* I don’t know what to tell her. I told her about the blood work. But she’s afraid she can’t afford it. Do you have an average cost on what blood work normally costs?

[Sarita]

Yikes, yeah I feel for her wanting to take on this responsibility at this age. It’s been awhile since I’ve had bloodwork done and if I remember correctly they have different panels they can do but I think mine cost about $150 for a full panel and I think my vet is on the high side too.

I’m not entirely sure if they do a full panel for a surgery or if they just check liver values to see if the animal can withstand the anesthesia…it’s been a long while since I’ve done a spay or neuter…

[NewBunnyOwner123]

It’s a low cost clinic so I’m hoping they’ll be a little cheaper than the average vet. The spay will be $100 and that’s already a lot of money for a 16 year old.

[Sarita]

Is this the place you got Sally spayed?

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Yeah Sally and Harley both got desexed there.

[Sarita]

Are you allowed to meet and speak with the vet? If so maybe you can arrange that and let her speak directly with the vet and then she can make the decision based on the conversation.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

I know when I dropped Sally and Harley off it was more of a drop off and they assess their health separately. But I’m sure if my friend spoke up because she had questions they’d be willing to address any concerns because they were fry friendly when I went. But she’s so soft spoken she probably won’t speak up and instead avoid it all together. Feel terrible because she wants to get her rabbit spayed so bad. But I relayed the message to her. Now it’s up to her.

[LittlePuffyTail]

My vet only charges about $60.00 for basic pre-anaesthetic blood work. I think vet bills are on the low side in this area so it would really require a call to the vet.

I really hope your friend can work something out with her vet. She obviously is responsible and wants what’s best for her bunny.

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