Spaying and neutering

Spaying and neutering (or castrating) your pet helps prevent unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. It is a medical fact that neutering can also prolong the life of pets and may reduce the number of health problems later in life. Your pet's daily food requirements will be reduced but with proper dietary management and exercise there is no reason why your pet should become overweight.

Neutering of male animals involves surgical removal of the testicles and the scrotum. Spaying female dogs involves the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and womb.

 

SPECIAL OFFERS UNTIL END FEBRUARY 2012

Bitch Spays - NOW ONLY £120 (plus vat)

Cat Spays - NOW ONLY £65 (plus vat)

 

Dogs

The benefits of neutering a male dog

Prevents unwanted puppies.

Prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate problems and hormonally influenced hernias.

Aggressive behaviour is less likely - some entire males try to become leader of the pack (your family). They can become aggressive and difficult to discipline.

Halts unwanted behaviour associated with over-sexed dogs and the urge to roam.

When should I neuter my male dog?  At any age after 6 months, depending on the breed of the dog. If your dog starts to display any unwanted behaviour related to testosterone production such as aggression, or sexual behaviour, the sooner they are neutered the better.

 

The benefits of spaying a female dog

Prevents unwanted puppies.

Avoids problems associated with being in season every 6-8 months and the risk of 'false pregnancy' - where the body thinks it's pregnant which can cause medical issues and behavioural changes which can be stressful for bitches and owners.

Reduces risk of developing mammary (breast) cancer later in life. Spayed before her first season, a bitch has a 0.5% risk, between her first and second season she has an 8% risk, after her second season she has a 26% risk of developing mammary tumours later in life.

Prevents 'Pyometra' a potentially life threatening infection of the womb. Also ovarian and uterine cancer - although relatively uncommon, both are potentially fatal.

When do I spay my female dog?  Any time in life after 6 months of age. There are two different times you can spay your bitch when she is young.

Pre-season spay - we can advise you on the best time but it is generally between the ages of 6-9 months, depending on the breed of your dog. The uterus is very small and has less blood supply making it easier to remove. Your dog will never come into season. Spaying before the first season can increase the risk of a small vulva which in some cases becomes partially hidden behind a fold of skin where infection may develop. It is possible but not proven that spaying early may increase the risk of urinary incontinence later in life in certain breeds of dog, who can be prone to the problem anyway. We will discuss this with you if your female dog is one of those breeds.

Post-season spay - This is done about 2-3 months after the first season has finished. Waiting the extra time allows your bitch to fully mature and the chances of urinary incontinence may be reduced.

 

Cats

The benefits of neutering a male cat

Prevents unwanted kittens.

Less likely to roam searching for females and get into fights. They are especially at risk from road traffic accidents and becoming lost.

Less risk of contracting Feline Aids (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus - both incurable infectious diseases which are more common in the feral cat population and area passed on by fighting and close contact.

Avoids the distinctive 'tom cat' smell and reduces the risk of spraying of urine to mark territory.

When should I neuter my male cat?  We advise neutering your cat at 5 to 6 months of age. 

 

The benefits of spaying a female cat

Prevents unwanted kittens.

Reduced risk of developing mammary cancer later in life.

Prevents 'Pyometra' a potentially life threatening infection of the womb. Also ovarian and uterine cancer - although relatively uncommon, both are potentially fatal.

Reduces the risk of contracting Feline Aids (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia virus. Both infectious and incurable diseases. An entire female with attract the attention of entire males who are often feral/semi feral and more at risk of carrying these diseases.

She will wander less.

When should I spay my female cat?  We advise spaying your cat at  5 to 6 months of age.

 

Rabbits

The benefits of neutering a male rabbit

Avoids unwanted pregnancies (male rabbits can remain fertile for up to 6 weeks following castration, so should not be mixed with entire female rabbits until 6 weeks post castration).

Makes male rabbits easier to handle and less aggressive, making them better pets.

Avoids marking territory by spraying urine.

When should I neuter my male rabbit?  We advise castrating your rabbit at  5 to 6 months of age.

 

The benefits of spaying a female rabbit

Avoids unwanted pregnancies.

Reduces risk of aggressive territorial behaviour towards other rabbits and people which often develops at puberty.

Dramatically reduces the risk of cancer of the uterus, 80% of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine cancer after the age of 5.

Reduces the risk of mammary cancer.

Prevents 'Pyometra' - a life threatening infection of the uterus where the uterus fills with pus.

Avoids spraying behaviour - unspayed rabbits may spray urine as a marking behaviour.

When should I spay my female rabbit?  We advise spaying your rabbit at  5 to 6 months of age.

 

Spay and Neuter

Your pet will need to stay with us for a day so we can monitor their recovery. After they are allowed to go home care must be taken to prevent them from chewing or pulling out itchy stitches! We may advise a buster collar. These stitches dissolve/need to be removed after 10 days.

 

Spay and Neuter discounts

There are some organisations that give vouchers to low income owners for discounts on spays and neuters, including PDSA and Cat's Protection League. Forms associated with these discounts must be obtained through these organisations prior to the scheduled surgery date.