Neutering

A common misconception is that neutering will cure behavioural problems in dogs. Unfortunately this is not the case. Only correct behavioural training will modify a dog’s behaviour.

Spay (Ovario-hysterectomy)

Spaying, or neutering, involves the removal of the ovaries and the uterus (Ovario-hysterectomy). Surgery can be performed from 5½ months of age in both cats and dogs. We do not spay bitches that are in season as surgery is more risky at that time and, if surgery has been delayed to after the first season, then the optimum time to spay is 3 months after the finish of the season.

Frequently asked questions

1. 'Will it make my pet fat and lazy?' No. Obesity is due to excessive calorie intake. Weight can be controlled with proper feeding and exercise.

2. 'Shouldn't my pet have a litter first?' No. There is no advantage in allowing your pet to have a litter and there are potential health problems associated with pregnancy and labour.

Reasons for...

1. There will be no more seasons (no mess or inconvenience).

2. She will be unable to get pregnant - so there will be no unwanted offspring.

3. The risk of her getting a potentially life-threatening uterine infection (pyometra) is removed. This is common in older cats and 75% of entire (un-neutered) bitches will develop womb problems later in life; the vast majority of these will need neutering. Surgery at this stage, carries a much higher risk, as the pet is invariably quite ill.

4. The chances of her suffering from hormone induced mammary (breast) cancer can be reduced. Neutering early in life reduces the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer; it is the most common form of cancer in the bitch. If neutered early in life the incidence of breast cancer in bitches is reduced by 3- 7 times.

Reasons against...

1. Weight gain. This is always a worry as this in itself can cause problems. Neutering doesn't make your pet overweight, too much food does! Once your pet has been neutered, food requirements will lessen; reducing the daily food allowance by a third will help to prevent excess weight gain. You can monitor your pet’s weight by regular weight checks - the scales at the surgery are free to use.

2. All general anaesthetics involve some risks. The risk is smaller in young, fit animals than in older pets (e.g. those that are ill with a womb infection).

Castration (orchiectomy)

Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles. The operation may be performed on any male cat from 4½ months onwards. Castration can be done in any male dog from around 6 months onwards. Reasons for...

1. Reduction of the desire to stray or roam.

2. In cats, castration can reduce: aggressive behaviour; territorial marking - spraying urine to mark territory; the strong, offensive odour of cat urine; and territorial fighting (so reducing the risk of Feline Leukemia).

3. In entire male dogs, some potentially life-threatening medical problems are more likely to occur e.g. hernias, prostate trouble, testicular tumours. Castration reduces or removes the danger.

4. He will be unable to reproduce - so there will be no unwanted offspring.

Reasons against...

1. Weight gain. This is always a worry as this in itself can cause problems. Neutering doesn't make your pet overweight, too much food does! Once your pet has been neutered food requirements will lessen; reducing the daily food allowance by a third will help to prevent excess weight gain. You can monitor your pet’s weight by regular weight checks - the scales at the surgery are free to use.

2. All general anesthetics involve some risks. The risk is smaller in young, fit animals than in older pets.

Neutering Rabbits

Incidentally, have you ever considered having your rabbit neutered? Neutered rabbits are more social towards one another and relations between owner and rabbit can be improved. More importantly, females can suffer from womb cancer; the incidence is in excess of 80% in rabbits over 4 years of age. If you would like more information about neutering your rabbit, please contact the clinic.