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Spayed/neutered rabbits are healthier and live longer than unaltered rabbits. Female rabbits have an 80% chance of developing uterine cancer. Male rabbits can also develop diseases of the reproductive organs (the testicles) but with much less frequency than females. Other benefits of spaying/neutering your rabbit are: preventing unwanted litters, a calmer and more loving companion because the urge to mate has been removed, and they are easier to litter train.

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You should take your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet once a year for a checkup. The vet should check inside the ears, look at the eyes, weigh them, feel for any lumps and bumps, and look at their teeth. This is also a great opportunity to vaccinate your rabbit against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Serotype 2 (RHDV2).  RHDV2 has been in the United States since February 2020, and is now present in Minnesota. The virus is resistant to extreme temperatures and can spread through direct contact or via people indirectly carrying it on their clothing and shoes. Many times, the only signs of the disease are sudden death and blood stained noses caused by internal bleeding. Infected rabbits may also develop a fever, be hesitant to eat, or show respiratory or nervous signs. The virus has an estimated fatality rate of 90% in infected individuals (reported October 2020). Additional information can be found here.

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Below is a list of rabbit-savvy veterinarians in Minnesota. Rabbit Rescue of MN makes no endorsements regarding these veterinarians. Veterinary medical schools typically do not include domestic rabbits as a required species in their core curriculum. Veterinarians interested in rabbit medicine must learn about rabbits elsewhere, such as by attending conferences, completing continuing education modules, and working with rabbit rescue groups.  Do not assume that because one veterinarian at a clinic is experienced with rabbits, all of the doctors are. If you call for an appointment, and are offered an appointment with a vet you do not know, insist on seeing the vet you asked for. 

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