Rabbit Ovariohysterectomy
Rabbits should be spayed anytime after 5 months of age. When very young, the uterine horns and ovaries are very tiny making
identification challenging. However, in older mature and perhaps overweight rabbits, the mesometrium is extremely fatty and
friable. OVH is indicated in all female rabbits to prevent pregnancy, control territorial aggression, prevent uterine neoplasia
(80% incidence), or other uterine disorders such as pyometra. Unique anatomy for the rabbit is their bicornuate cervix, long
convoluted and fragile fallopian tube, and a flaccid vaginal body that will fill with urine during micturition, and a very
large amount of fat is common in the region of the broad ligament and suspensory ligament (making it difficult to ID the ovarian
and uterine vessels)
Surgical Technique
A 2-3cm midline incision is made approx. half way between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis. The linea is identified and
grasped and greatly elevated with thumb forceps as a stab incision is made into the abdomen. Great care is taken when entering
the abdomen as the very large and very thin walled cecum and urinary bladder often lay directly against the ventral abdominal
wall. The GI tract should be minimally handled to minimize the likelihood of post op adhesions. A spay hook is not necessary
as the uterus is easily visible and can be gently lifted through the incision using fingers or forceps. The uterus is followed
to the oviduct and infindibulum. These may be embedded in fat and gentle digital manipulation and traction will allow for
identification of the ovary and its vasculature. .The ovarian vessels are double ligated using PDS or Monocryl suture. The
procedure is repeated for the opposite ovary. The uterus and its vessels are identified. The vessels are double ligated separate
from the uterine body. The uterus can then be ligated cranial or caudal to the cervices. Closure of the abdomen with a 4-0
or 3-0 monofilament absorbable suture is routine. Simple continuous or interrupted in the linea followed by simple continuous
pattern in SQ/intradermal.
Rabbit Castration
Rabbits should be castrated to control urine marking behaviors, prevent reproduction, control and minimize territorial aggression,
and avoid chance of testicular tumors.
Surgical Technique:
Both prescrotal and scrotal techniques have been described. The scrotal technique is very similar to the cat. Complication
of scrotal edema and hematoma is reported. An incision is made in the scrotum in a non-vascular region being careful to not
incise the vaginal tunic. A hemostat is used to help separate/free the testicle from the scrotum and the testicle with gentle
pressure is manipulated out of the incision. The caudal ligament of the testicle is torn from its scrotal attachment, completely
freeing the testicle and spermatic cord. The spermatic cord is clamped distal to the testicle and close to the inguinal ring.
The spermatic cord is double ligated using 4-0 absorbable suture and then resected. The scrotal skin is apposed using tissue
glue. The procedure is repeated for the opposite testicle. For the prescrotal technique a 1.5cm incision is made on the midline
just cranial to the scrotum similar to a akin incision for a canine castration. One of the testicles is manipulated toward
the incision by applying gently digital pressure on the scrotum. It the testicle is withdrawn into the abdomen, gentle pressure
is applied to the abdomen to return testicles to their normal position. The fat is dissected away with hemostats to expose
and isolate the vaginal tunic. The vaginal tunic is lifted up and the caudal ligament of the testicle is carefully torn from
its scrotal attachment, freeing the testicle and spermatic cord. The spermatic cord is clamped distal to the testicle and
close to the inguinal ring. The spermatic cord is double ligated using 4-0 absorbable suture and then resected. The procedure
is repeated for the opposite testicle. The subQ tissue is closed with a simple continuous pattern followed by a continuous
intradermal skin closure.
