Neutering

Have questions about Neutering?

• What does the operation consist of?

  In a female animal “speying” consists of removing the ovaries and uterus, an ovariohysterectomy.

  In male animals the testicles are removed, known as “castration”.

  Neutering is done under a general anaesthetic so your pet will need to be starved from around 8.00pm the night before. 

  They need to be dropped off at the surgery between 8.30am- 9.30am and we will ask you to sign a consent form for anaesthetic and surgical procedures. Your pet will have a health check prior to being anaesthetised and will be monitored constantly throughout their stay with us. 

  The procedure is usually very straightforward and your pet can go home the same day. They will receive painkillers by injection.

  You will be given a discharge form when you collect your pet detailing the procedures we have done and giving you all the post-operative instructions.

  If you have any queries or are worried about your pet you can ring us anytime for help and advice.

• What problems can I expect from an un-neutered animal?

  Male Dogs

  Dogs can smell a bitch in season from 5 miles away. Unable to resist temptation they may run away and cause road accidents or get into fights.

  If he can\’t get away, an amorous dog may turn his attention to furniture or even people. Barking and aggression are also signs of frustration.

  Female Dogs (Bitches)

  Bitches come into season every 6 months. This can be messy and cause temperament changes.

  You could end up with visiting dogs and a bitch doing her best to escape, leading to unwanted pregnancy.

  Male Cats (Toms)
  

  There\’s no getting away from it- entire tom cats SMELL!! They spray mark their territory with urine and if they do it in the house the smell can be difficult to remove.

  Tom cats are great wanderers. They may cause accidents and often get into fights with other cats, leading to infected wounds, abscesses and the spread of serious diseases.

  Female Cats (Queens)
  

  As with bitches, a queen in season will attract a continual host of admirers. Romantic cat calls in the night are difficult to sleep through and inevitably lead to pregnancy.

• What are the health benefits of neutering my pet?

  Male Dogs

  Entire male dogs can suffer from testicular tumours. prostate problems and perineal hernias.

  These conditions are under the control of testosterone so neutering will prevent them from happening. Neutering also reduces aggression and sexual frustration which can actually cause illness.

  Bitches

  Speying greatly reduces the incidence of mammary tumours in later life. The earlier you spey her (after her 1st or 2nd season) the lesser the chance of tumours developing.

  It also eliminates the risk of developing a condition called \”pyometra\” which is where the uterus becomes infected and needs to be removed. This is a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

  Speying also eliminates false pregnancy which can cause physical and behavioural changes that may require veterinary attention.

  Tom Cats
  

  Done early enough, neutering reduces the tendency to scent mark territory. It will keep your cat closer to home, lessening the risk of accidents, fights and the spread of disease.

  Queens

  Female cats are also at risk of developing mammary tumours and pyometra.

  90% of mammary tumours in cats are malignant.

• When can I neuter my pet?

  Cats can be done anytime from 6 months of age.

  We recommend waiting until three months after bitches have finished their first season.
  

  Male dogs can be done once they are fully mature which is dependent on breed.

• Will it make my pet fat?

  NO!

  Animals only get fat from over eating. However, when an animal is neutered their metabolism slows down and they require fewer calories. You should keep an eye on your pet’s weight following the operation.

  You can bring your pet in to the surgery for regular weight checks and one of our nurses will be happy to discuss their diet with you.

• Will it change my pet's personality?

  NO!

  Your pets behaviour and personality are formed by their experiences and training. Neutering may help reduce sexually driven behaviour but is no substitute for good socialisation and training.