What is neutering?
Neutering involves the surgical removal of reproductive organs to prevent pets reproducing. When we ‘spay’ female cats, dogs and rabbits, we remove both ovaries and the uterus. In males we remove the testicles. Despite the ‘routine’ nature of these procedures, we approach each patient as an individual, devising the protocol best suited to them in terms of when we carry out the surgery and the medications we use.
Is neutering the right thing for my pet?
Neutering is commonly the best course of action, for a whole host of reasons. Behaviours such as roaming or ‘mate-seeking’ are less likely to occur in cats and dogs who have been neutered; keeping them safer from outside dangers such as traffic. Urine spraying/scent marking is likely to be reduced as will the ‘crying’ that female cats often do when they’re in season. Rabbits who are neutered are more likely to get along and cohabit peacefully.
Medical benefits of spaying females
Neutered female cats and dogs have a much lower incidence of some cancers, for example mammary tumours. Spaying also removes the chance of developing a life-threatening infection of the womb called a pyometra.
Medical benefits of neutering males
Neutered male cats and dogs are less likely to develop certain cancers as well as prostate disease. Dogs, cats and rabbits are far less likely to get into fights and suffer injury in this way.
Male cats are especially vulnerable to bite wound infections and contracting incurable viral diseases if they are not neutered.
When NOT to neuter
Every animal is individual, and sometimes neutering is not the way we choose to go. Obviously those who are to be used for breeding should not be neutered and there may be the occasional medical or behavioural reason to delay neutering. Our team will listen to your concerns and help you come to an unbiased decision based on your pet’s needs.
What are the risks of neutering?
We recognise that all surgical procedures carry a certain degree of risk, and that pet owners worry about the anaesthesia and surgical risks of neutering.
Experience has shown that the benefits of neutering far outweigh the risks.
Because of this, our team are extremely diligent in their approach to safety and are very experienced in recognising and reducing the risks; we will be happy to discuss the whole procedure with you, as well as options such as pre-anaesthetic blood tests.