Why Neuter Your Pet?
Neutering provides a range of health and behavioural benefits, including:
Health Benefits: Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterine infection
(pyometra) in females. It can make other conditions (such as prostate problems and
mammary cancers) less likely.
Behavioural Benefits: Can help to reduce roaming, frustration or aggression, false
pregnancies and marking or spraying behaviours.
Population Control: Prevents accidental mating and therefore unwanted litters and
helps reduce the number of homeless pets.
When Should You Neuter Your Pet?
We typically recommend neutering between 6 to 18 months of age for dogs
(depending on size, breed and general health) and from 5 months old (or 2kg in
weight) for cats. Our vets will help you decide the best timing for your pet
Neutering – Male Dogs
Castration is a common surgical procedure that removes a male dog’s testicles, and
the testosterone produced by them. The operation is performed under general
anaesthetic by our experienced veterinary team safe, and is a routine day procedure.
For anxious dogs or for those where a general anaesthetic is not recommended, we
offer a chemical castration option. This is a small slow-release hormone implant,
similar to a microchip, which sits under the skin and causes temporary testosterone
suppression. This can give the same effect as castration, without being permanent or
involving an anaesthetic. The implant either lasts for 6 or 12 months and can be
administered conscious in most dogs.
Neutering – Female Dogs
Neutering female dogs (or ‘spaying’) is a surgical procedure where either the ovaries
and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or just the ovaries (ovariectomy) are removed, which
reduces oestrogen and progesterone and prevents pregnancy. Here at Southwater,
we offer both routine spaying, and the more specialised laparoscopy (keyhole) spay
procedure. The laparoscopic spay is less invasive, utilising a camera and instrument
ports to remove the ovaries, and therefore post-operative pain and recovery time are
much reduced.
Neutering – Male Cats
Castration is a common procedure performed in male cats which removes the
testicles through two scrotal incisions. It is a safe and routine procedure, and we
recommend all male cats are castrated prior to being let out. This prevents unwanted
litters and reduces the strain on cat rescues from overpopulation. It can also help to
reduce unwanted behaviours such as spraying and fighting with other cats.
Neutering – Female Cat
A cat spay is a routine surgical procedure where the ovaries and uterus are removed
(ovariohysterectomy) – this prevents pregnancy and certain health conditions, and we
recommend all female cats are neutered before being let out. The routine spay
procedure is most commonly performed for cats, but we do offer laparoscopic
ovariectomy as an alternative in some cases.
Neutering – Other Species
We offer neutering for rabbits, guineapigs and other small mammals here at
Southwater. This can help to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and other conditions
such as ovarian cysts and uterine cancers. These patients require intensive
monitoring during hospitalisation and anaesthesia, and we use detailed monitoring
devices to ensure the best chance of recovery in these patients. Our vets will be able
to discuss what the procedure entails more thoroughly at a pre-operative
appointment.
What to Expect on the day
We perform a preoperative clinical exam either prior to the day of surgery, or when
admitting your pet in the morning. We offer a pre-operative blood test for all animals
undergoing an anaesthetic, and this is generally recommended in animals over the age
of 8 years or with any underlying health conditions.
During their stay with us, dogs and cats are hospitalised in their own dedicated wards
featuring spacious, glass-fronted kennels and comfortable bedding. We also provide a
separate area for dogs who are reactive, to help minimise stress. During the recovery
period they are closely monitored by our nursing team, offered a meal, and given
plenty of cuddles!
At discharge, we provide detailed post-surgery instructions, including wound care,
rest, feeding, and when to return for a follow up check.
