Neutering - The Veterinary Surgery

Neutering is the general term we use for our pets, it is the removal of an animals’ reproductive organs to prevent breeding, as well as other health benefits.

For Males we use the term ‘Castration’ also known as ‘the snip’ – this is where we surgically remove both testicles.

For Females we use the term ‘Spaying’ – this is where we surgically remove the ovaries and the uterus.

Why?

We always recommend that you neuter your pet unless you are planning to breed or show them.

Neutering has many health advantages.

Spaying –

Your pet will no longer have seasons, so you will not have to worry about exercising or letting your pet out.
There will be no unwanted pregnancies.
Your pet will not have phantom pregnancies.
You will completely prevent them from having a Pyometra, a life threatening uterine infection.
You will reduce the chance of your pet having mammary tumours in later life, the earlier the Spay is done the less the chance of the tumours.

Castrating –

Your pet will not be interested in girls in season, preventing them from running off or becoming ill.
Your pet will have no testosterone in their system so are less likely to have behavioural problems(depending on how early the procedure is done).
You will prevent any unwanted litters.
You will prevent them from getting testicular tumours.
You can reduce the chance of prostate problems in later life.

What happens?

Your pet will need to be fasted from the night before the surgery.
They will come in to the practice on the morning of the surgery, they will have a health check to make sure everything is ok for the surgery.
Your pet will receive a premedication including analgesia(pain relief)
Your pet will have a full general anaesthetic
Your pet will have a surgical procedure, for boys the testicles will be removed via a small incision, for girls the ovaries and uterus will be removed via a slightly larger incision on their abdomen.
Your pets wound will have some stitches in, these are usually disolvable.
Your pet will stay at the practice for the day so we can keep a close eye on them through recovery.
Your pet will usually be able to go home around 5pm that evening.

Once you have got your pet home you will have some post op instructions, these include:

A small, light meal on the evening of the surgery, usually something along the lines of chicken.
They will need to be kept rested in a warm spot for the evening.
Exercise will need to be restricted for atleast 10 days
You will need to keep an eye on their wounds, looking for any swelling, bleeding, discharge or anything that you are concerned about.
You will need to prevent your pet from licking their wound as this can introduce infection and delay wound healing, this may be with a buster collar.
Your pet should be feeling a lot better within a couple of days of the surgery.
We will usually see your pet back for a post op check appointment a few days post surgery.

To Know

Cats can be neutered, both male and female, from about 5 months old.

Dogs can be castrated from around 6 months old.

Bitches can be spayed from the age of 6 months.

There are many options when it comes to having your bitch spayed. You can have her spayed before her first season so at 6 months old. You can have her spayed after her first season, you will need to wait 3 months after her first season has finished.

Or at any stage in adult life, but it must be 3 months after their season has finished.