My spayed rabbit is lethargic 2 days after surgery. Is this normal?

Spaying is a major abdominal surgery, and it's not surprising that Harley isn't very active. It's good that she is eating and defecating, so just keep an eye on her for now. If she isn't more active tomorrow, give her vet a call.

Rabbits have very sensitive GI systems and signs of inappetence and constipation could suggest a serious underlying illness. It is very important that you take Emmie back to the vet who spayed her right away. These signs could be because if a reaction to the anesthesia or they could suggest a more serious issue including infection or pain from the surgery. Good luck! I hope Emmie is feeling better soon.

The incision looks normal. Her behavior is not. I recommend a recheck exam. She could be painful or could have a urinary infection. If the doxycycline is causing a stomach upset they may be able to switch antibiotics. They can put her on pain medication also to make her more comfortable. I recommend feeding wet food with added water in it so she doesn't get dehydrated. Again most dogs are back to normal in a day or two after the surgery so please bring her in for a recheck to make sure there is no complication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is definitely a great decision to have Bubba spayed. It’s also great that she has been eating and having regular bowel movements. It maybe a bit awkward for her to lay down at first, especially if she has a cone. I recommend monitoring her incision site closely for any redness, swelling, or discharge as these can be signs of an infection. Unfortunately, rabbits have notoriously small veins, so it is difficult to place an IV catheter, but Bubba’s ear and paw should heal quickly. The hair regrowth may be patchy, so do not be alarmed. I hope all is well and am happy to answer any other questions you have!

Hi, It sounds like Luna may just be tired from the increased activity earlier in the day. However, if her appetite and defecation decrease or her behavior is otherwise altered, then that could certainly be a sign of illness. I think it’s fine to wait and monitor her, as long as she keeps eating and defeating nornally. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to take her in to see her veterinarian. Good luck!

Hello, and thank you for your question. Rabbits do not always show obvious signs of pain or illness; oftentimes being more quiet or eating a bit less, or pooping less are the first signs that something is wrong. It does sound like her symptoms may be related to the issue she had in June (gut stasis). Other possibilities would be pain from another area such as her teeth or an injury, or focal or systemic infection. I would recommend having her checked out by the vet within the next 12 hours if she is still acting very quiet. In the meantime, keep her hay and pellets close by to encourage eating, as well as her water, and monitor her poop output closely. If her appetite or energy are worsening over the next few hours, if she is producing very little to no poop, I would get her to the vet sooner, as gut stasis in rabbits can quickly become an emergency. I hope this helps, and that Miss Cottontail feels better soon!

All the behaviors you're describing sound normal and relaxed, even though they are a bit different than her. Going to the vet for an exam wouldn't be wrong, but since you're tight on funds anyways, and none of that sounds concerning to me, I think it's ok to wait and watch her. If she seems to be getting MORE subdued, or has a decreased appetite, a distended abdomen, or doesn't want you to touch her belly (if she'd normally allow this), then I would be concerned.