Neutering is widely performed in domestic rabbits to control breeding and address related health concerns, making effective pain control an essential part of postoperative care. However, evidence guiding routine clinical decisions remains limited. In this investigation, the analgesic performance of carprofen and meloxicam was evaluated in rabbits subjected to ovariectomy or orchiectomy. Fifty rabbits representing diverse backgrounds were enrolled. Pain was measured using the Centro Animali Non Convenzionali Rabbit Scale (CANCRS). Following surgery, individuals received either 2 mg kg⁻¹ of carprofen or 1 mg kg⁻¹ of meloxicam by subcutaneous injection. Anesthesia consisted of intramuscular ketamine (20 mg kg⁻¹), medetomidine (0.4 mg kg⁻¹), and butorphanol (0.2 mg kg⁻¹). CANCRS scoring was performed before surgery, again six hours after the procedure, and at three additional times the next day. The return of voluntary eating and fecal output was also documented as indicators of recovery. Analysis showed no meaningful differences between treatment groups in pain scores or gastrointestinal activity. Both drugs were well tolerated with no clinically apparent adverse effects. Although the study relied on a single pain-assessment instrument and lacked a placebo comparison, the findings support the use of both carprofen and meloxicam as practical options for postoperative analgesia in rabbits. Broader evaluation methods in future studies would strengthen clinical recommendations for pain management in this species.
