Desexing Your Pet

Desexing (otherwise called ‘spay’ for females and ‘castrate' for males) is a surgical procedure, carried out under general anaesthetic, to remove part of your pets reproductive system to prevent them from having babies.

Spay procedures are a complete ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus) and castrate surgery is a surgical castration (removal of both testicles).

This may sound a little scary, but it's not – it is a routine procedure performed by our experienced veterinary surgeons every day, and it has many benefits, so lets talk about them.

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Benefits of Desexing:

  • Firstly, and the most obvious, is that desexing your pet prevents unwanted pregnancies in female cats and dogs, but it also prevents the instinct in your pet to wander away from home to find a mate.
  • There are also health benefits to desexing your pet, this includes greatly reducing the risk of certain cancers in both male and female animals (e.g. prostate cancer, mammary tumours), as well as preventing conditions such as pyometra in females (an infection of the uterus) which is life-threatening.
  • Behaviour modification; 

    Desexing plays a significant role in behaviour modification for pets. For males, neutering can help reduce aggressive and dominant behaviours such as territorial marking, roaming, and mounting. It can also minimise the risk of certain territorial-based aggression, especially towards other males. Neutering can contribute to a calmer and more balanced temperament, allowing for better focus on training and socialisation.

    In females, spaying eliminates the heat cycle and associated behaviours, such as incessant vocalisation, restlessness, and attraction of male animals. It can also prevent aggressive behaviours that may arise during the heat cycle, reducing the likelihood of conflicts with other animals. By removing the hormonal influence, spaying can promote a more stable and predictable temperament in female pets.

    It is important to note that while behaviour modification is a potential benefit of desexing, it is not a guaranteed solution for all behavioural issues. Each pet is unique, and individual temperament, upbringing, and training also play significant roles in behaviour. If you have specific concerns about your pet's behaviour, it is advisable to consult with a professional veterinarian or animal behaviourist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored advice.

  • Population control is a critical aspect of pet desexing. By spaying or neutering pets, we can help reduce the number of unwanted litters, preventing the strain on animal shelters and the potential for euthanasia. It is a proactive approach that contributes to the overall welfare and management of the pet population, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable environment for both animals and humans.

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The Surgery Process:

When your pet comes in for their de-sexing surgery they will need to stay in the clinic for the day (where they’ll receive a lot of love and hugs – a complimentary extra our nurses insist upon).

  • To start the day you will have an admission appointment in the morning with one of our friendly nurses where they will ask you basic questions and get a consent form signed.
  • The vet will then perform a pre-surgical health check, and then they'll be settled into a warm, cosy bed.
  • When it's coming up to time for their surgery they receive a pre-anaesthetic sedation to help prepare them for the general anaesthetic, provide pain relief and to help their wake-up and recovery once the surgery is over.
  • When it is time for the surgery your pet will go under a general anaesthetic.  During surgery and recovery our experienced nurses will closely monitor your pets vitals (with advanced monitoring equipment). Your pet is also placed on intravenous fluids (a drip) during their surgery.
  • Once your pet has woken up, and they are settled back into their toasty, comfortable bed we will monitor and actively warm them until they are fully awake. We then contact you to let you know that they are out of surgery and confirm their discharge times.
  • Finally, when you come to pick up your pet there will be a discharge appointment with a nurse where we will discuss how to fully care for your pet as they recover from the anaesthetic and the healing process after surgery. We also will email you through home care instructions and information (as we know all this information at once can be very overwhelming).

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

Before surgery:

  • Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate age and timing for desexing your pet.

  • Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and overall in good health.

  • Fast after 9pm the night before your pet's scheduled surgery (no breakfast allowed).

  • Arrange for a comfortable recovery space at home, with a cosy bed and limited activity.

  • Keep your pet calm and stress-free leading up to the procedure.

  • Remove any collars, tags, or accessories that could interfere during surgery.

  • Discuss pain management options with your veterinarian to ensure a comfortable recovery.

  • Prepare any necessary post-surgery care supplies, such as medications or wound care materials.

  • Ask your veterinarian any questions or concerns you may have about the desexing procedure.

After Surgery:

  • Keep your pet quiet and warm, the anaesthetic effects can take a while to wear off.  They should be quiet but alert after a procedure.
  • Feed small portions of their normal diet the day or night of surgery unless advised otherwise from the Vet staff.
  • Ensure that post-surgical medications are administered as per the label instructions.
  • Keep your pet quiet and restrict exercise for 10 - 14 days after surgery to allow healing.
  • They will go home with a small wound dressing in place. If it’s still there after 48 hours, please pull it off (quickly, like a bandaid!). Or take it off if it becomes dirty or wet.
  • We would like you to check the wound every 24 hours for 10 - 14 days. Mild redness of the skin around the incision is normal. Please phone us if you notice excessive redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding.
  • They'll be sent home with a head collar to prevent your pet from licking and chewing the wound.
  • When animals lick their wounds they become infected, they break-down and they can remove stitching.
  • Unless you have concerns or unless we’ve instructed you otherwise, we do not need to see them for a revisit appointment.