Neutering a rabbit make it live longer?

Question

i have a belgian hare buck, 4 months old and was wondering if neutering a buck makes them live longer? i read it on an internet site..

Answer 1

It will make them healthier and less hormonal thereby a better pet

Answer 2

This statement usually refers to female rabbits.

A major cause of early death in female rabbits is uterine cancer - which is why many do not live beyond 3 years. Spaying prevents this, and other types of reproductive cancer - so the doe is more likely to have a normal lifespan (about 7 years).

I believe neutering males has a simial effect, as it does prevent certain cancers.

Statistically, neutered animals have longer average lifespans than entire animals.

Where rabbits are concerned you could also consider the effect of neutering on other areas of your rabbits life.

For example, it is known that "chronic stress" causes a huge variety of health and welfare problems, and can cause reduced lifespan.

Causes of chronic stress can include boredom, frustration of natural behaviours, and unsuitable living conditions.

Rabbits are a social species and really need the company of their own kind. An entire buck will fight with other males, or breed with females, so most live alone (which is bad for them). If you neuter your buck, then get him a companion - he may live a longer happier life as a result of a better social life.

Answer 3

Neutering will eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. What veterinarians will not tell you is the odds of a rabbit (or dog for that matter) getting it is not likely. So if your rabbit is going to be one of the few to get such a disease -- yes, neutering would have made a difference in life span. Otherwise, no.

I would neuter for other reasons. Spaying and neutering often leaves the rabbit less aggressive, less territorial and of course able to interact with a doe/buck without an "accidental" pregnancy.  

Answer 4

Yes, they do tend to live longer, on average.  However, neutering a buck will not extend the lifespan as much as spaying a doe does (spaying doubles the average lifespan of a doe).