Desexing
Desexing, also known as neutering, is a surgical procedure that prevents your pet from reproducing. In male pets, this is commonly called castration, and in females, spaying. At Broadford Vet Clinic, desexing is one of the most frequently performed surgeries, and most pets are able to go home the same evening.
Our vets will discuss with you the optimal timing for desexing during your consultation.
Benefits of Desexing
Desexing your pet before 6 months offers many health and behavioural benefits, including:
- Preventing unwanted litters and helping reduce stray animal numbers
- Reducing the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease in males
- Reducing the risk of pyometra (uterine infection) and mammary tumours in females
- Preventing the “heat” cycle in female pets
- Decreasing aggression toward humans and other animals, especially in males
- Reducing wandering behaviour in males
- Lowering council registration fees
Common Questions About Desexing
Will desexing make my pet gain weight?
Some pets may experience a slight drop in metabolism after desexing due to hormonal changes. However, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise will keep your dog or cat at a healthy weight. Desexing alone does not cause obesity.
Is desexing painful for my pet?
Desexing is a routine surgical procedure performed under full anaesthetic. Your pet may feel mild tenderness afterwards, but we provide pain relief before, during, and after surgery. Most pets recover quickly and comfortably with a few days of rest at home.
Will my dog lose its guarding or protective instinct after desexing?
No. Desexing does not affect your dog’s protective nature. Your dog will remain just as loyal and alert to their territory and family as before surgery.
What to do before & after surgery
Book your pet’s operation in advance. A pre-surgical consultation will be arranged to ensure your pet is happy to spend the day in hospital with us. We will also prescribe anti-anxiety medications if necessary.
Dogs should be bathed a couple of days before surgery, as they cannot be washed post-surgery until stitches are removed.
Feed your pet as normal the evening before surgery, but remove food overnight. Water is freely available until 8am on surgery day.
A pre-surgical blood test may be performed to check vital organ function.
The veterinarian will conduct a full physical exam before administering anaesthesia.
Intravenous fluids are used throughout the procedure
All pets receive pain relief before, during and after the procedure.
- Your pet may be a little drowsy the evening after the procedure.
- Restrict exercise and don’t allow your pet to engage in vigorous activity (running, jumping) or getting wet for the next 10-14 days. Also maintain a clean resting area.
- Your vet may prescribe medications to help keep them calm during recovery if needed.
- Recovery suits or Elizabethan collars (cones) may be required to stop your pet from licking at the surgery site. You will need to monitor them closely, and check the site twice daily for signs of infection (excessive swelling and bruising, bleeding, discharge)
