Reproductive Surgery in Rabbits, Rodents, and Ferrets

Reproductive surgery is a common procedure in small mammal practice, performed for both elective and therapeutic indications. This article reviews species-specific reproductive anatomy and provides practical guidance for ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, hysterotomy, orchiectomy, and surgical management of accessory sexual glands and mammary glands disorders in rabbits, rodents, and ferrets. It also describes the available approaches for each technique, outlining their respective advantages and disadvantages. Key considerations include appropriate patient preparation, careful tissue handling, and selection of surgical approach based on species and pathology. Techniques to minimize postoperative pain, gastrointestinal stasis, infection, and herniation are emphasized.