Avoid Unwanted Litters

Neutering (desexing) your pet is a common surgery that stops them from reproducing. In male pets it is commonly known as a “castration”, and in females as “spaying”. This is a regularly performed surgery. Your pet is usually home by the same evening after surgery. A pet is generally desexed around the age of 4 and 6 months, however there is no age limit.

There are a lot of benefits to desexing your animal before 6 months. They include:

  • Preventing unexpected and unwanted litters, which is not only costly but can add to an overwhelming amount of unwanted stray animals that are euthanized each year.
  • Prevention of prostate and testicular cancer in males.

  • In females it can help prevent infection on the uterus (pyometra) and breast cancer (mammary tumours).

  • Stopping the females from going “in season” and decreasing aggression especially in males.

  • This often stops males from wandering

  • It can help the animal live a longer, healthier life.

  • Even a reduction of fees for council registration.

Pre-Surgery and Post Surgery Care.

Before surgery:

  • Call and set an appointment for your animal’s surgery. If your pet is a dog, bathe them at least 1 day before surgery and they will not be able to be bathed until after the stitches are removed.

  • Do not feed the animal after 10pm the night before the operation, and no water after 8am on the day of.

  • A blood test is sometime performed pre surgery to check the function of vital organs.

  • The vet does do an in-depth physical exam before administration of an anaesthetic.

  • Some pets do need intravenous fluid during surgery; however, this will be discussed before the procedure.

Post-Surgery:

  • Keep your animal calm and unstressed as the effects of the anaesthetic do take a while to wear off.

  • Water and food should still be limited on the 1st night after surgery. The vet may prescribe a specific diet that should be adhered to.

  • Make sure that if medications are prescribed are given as instructed.

  • The area where your pet rests should be as clean as possible.

  • It’s recommended that you check the incision for signs of disruption or infection. This can be swelling, bleeding, discharge or an increased redness. The vet must be contacted straight away if any symptoms do appear.

  • It’s recommended that you check the incision for signs of disruption or infection. This can be swelling, bleeding, discharge or an increased redness. The vet must be contacted straight away if any symptoms do appear.

  • When it is time to remove the stitches, please make an appointment for a check-up and stitch removal. At any stage if you are worried about your pet’s wellbeing, please call our offices.