Neutering

Neutering is the term used to describe an operation that prevents male and female animals from breeding. It involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries in female animals; and the testicles in male animals by a Veterinary Surgeon, under general anaesthetic. 

Dogs

Female dogs

Bitches are routinely spayed at 6 months old before or after their first season. We recommend speaking with either one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses or Vets to decide when is most appropriate for your bitch. 

Bitches usually come in to season every 6 months. We advise waiting for at least 3 months after a season before spaying as some risks are minimised. 

During a season it is important to keep female dogs on a lead and away from entire males. Our Registered Veterinary Nurses and Vets are happy to discuss any precautions with you. 

We offer FREE PRE-OP CHECKS with our Vets to ensure suitability for the surgery and to discuss any concerns. 

Male dogs

Male dogs are castrated under general anaesthetic from 6 months old. 

We recommend booking a
FREE PRE-OP CHECK before the surgery to discuss any concerns and ensure both testicles have descended.

Cats

Female cats

Female cats can be neutered from 4 months old. Until neutering it is vital to ensure female cats are kept in and away from any entire males.

Young female cats can get pregnant from a very young age, and by multiple males. 

We recommend booking in a
FREE PRE-OP CHECK before the surgery. Particularly if there is a chance the cat could be pregnant. 

Our Vets are happy to discuss any concerns with you at a Pre-op check. 
Male cats
Male cats can be neutered from 4 months old.

We recommend booking a
FREE PRE-OP CHECK before the surgery to discuss any concerns and ensure both testicles have descended.

Until neutering, male cats should be kept in to ensure they are big enough to cope with the challenges of life outside.

Rabbits

Female rabbits

It is advised to spay female rabbits from 6 months of age. 

Entire females can present with behavioural changes. Even keeping two entire females together, can result in fighting. 

Rabbits require different pre-operative and post-operative care. We advise booking in a FREE PRE-OP CHECK with one of our Vets, to discuss any concerns. 
 Male rabbits
Male rabbits can be neutered from 6 months of age. 

Entire males can not live bonded with other rabbits safely due to behavioural changes. 

Rabbits require different pre-operative and post-operative care. We advise booking in a FREE PRE-OP CHECK with one of our Vets, to discuss any concerns. 

Our Vets will need to check the testicles to ensure both have descended. 

Why Neuter?

Neutering can prevent many medical and behavioural issues. With anything related to behaviour, it is important to remember that neutering isn't always a quick fix. The behaviour itself can become learnt, even if it is driven by hormones. 


Neutering can prevent:


Pyometra in female pets. A potentially fatal condition, where the uterus fills with pus.


Mammary and Testicular tumours developing in later life.


Un-castrated males can develop prostate diseases.


False pregnancy 


Pets wandering or straying, Particularly entire male cats and dogs


Unwanted litters 


Urine spraying in tom cats


Booking your pet in for neutering

We advise booking in a pre-op check a few days before neutering. 


This allows us to explain the procedure and give your pet a health check. We want to make sure they are healthy enough to undergo an anaesthetic. 


We can also check female pets for any signs of season, false pregnancy or pregnancy.


 Male pets will have their testicles checked to see if they have descended. If one is retained, the surgery may be slightly more complicated. 


After the pre-op check we will be able to find an appropriate day for the surgery. 


Our operating days are Monday to Friday with admission between 8:30am and 9:15am 


Your pet will be required to spend the day with us. 

Pre-operative instructions

In order for us to ensure your pet is ready for surgery, there are several important instructions to follow. 

1. Ideally your pet should have been vaccinated in the last 12 months

2. Dogs must be brought in on a secure lead

3. Bring cats and small pets in a secure carrier, basket or box

4. Cats and dogs should be starved from 8pm the night before the surgery unless otherwise specified. 

5. Water should be available until you bring your pet to the practice



6. Rabbits and guinea pigs should be fed as normal; food must not be removed at any time.

7.Please make sure your pets coat is clean and dry prior to an operation. We advise bathing beforehand.

8.Please give your dogs the opportunity to pass urine and faeces the morning before the procedure. Cats should be kept indoors with a litter tray.

9.Please inform us of any medication that has been taken on the morning of surgery.

10. Advise us of any particular needs or requirements please let us know so we can accommodate them throughout their stay.
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