Neutering is routine surgical procedure conferring very definite health and behavioural benefits. Female cats, dogs and rabbits are spayed, a routine operation involving the surgical removal of the ovaries, uterus (womb) and part of the cervix, technically known as an ovariohysterectomy (or OHE). Castration for males involves the surgical removal of both testicles. Advantages and disadvantages of neutering are listed below (click on each to read more/reduce).

Advantages of neutering:

Tom Cats
The prevention of unwanted kittens.

Neutering will also significantly reduce the risk of your cat being exposed to FeLV and FIV. (Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). These contagious diseases are usually fatal to an affected cat.

Neutering also helps prevent urine spraying.

Reduction of the strong tom cat odour and less smelly urine.

Queens (Female Cats)
The prevention of unwanted kittens.

Neutering will also significantly reduce the risk of your cat being exposed to FeLV and FIV. (Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). These contagious diseases are usually fatal to an affected cat.

No risk of pyometra (womb infections) or problems giving birth (often unattended).

Male Dogs
Prevention of testicular cancer

Reduced risk of prostatic disease in later life

Unwanted puppies cannot be sired

Reduction in sexual behaviour which can be inconvenient and embarrassing!

In general a reduced tendency to roam

In general decreased aggression and increased friendliness towards people and other dogs. This effect is variable and behavioural counselling may also be needed especially in older dogs with established behaviour patterns.

Bitches
Prevention of seasons. Unspayed bitches will come into season for 3-4 weeks twice a year, with the first season usually occurring between 6 and 12 months of age. During a season a bitch is likely to roam, will drip blood and will attract male dogs from far and wide.

No chance of unwanted puppies

Almost 30% of unspayed bitches develop malignant mammary cancer in later life. Only 0.25% of bitches spayed before their first season with develop malignant mammary cancer. Bitches spayed between their first and second season also benefit from a greatly reduced risk. After the second season the main indication for spaying is to reduce the risk of pyometra.

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus, a serious illness which requires an emergency ovariohysterectomy.

Bucks (Male Rabbits)
No chance of unwanted litters

Reduced sexual behaviour

Reduced aggression towards other pets and people

Does (Female Rabbits)
Prevention of uterine tumours. Over half of unspayed rabbits will develop malignant uterine tumours by the age of 5 years.

Reduced aggression towards other pets and people

No chance of unwanted litters

Risks associated with neutering – All animals
All cat and dog general anaesthetics carry a very small risk, in the order of 0.01% for young health animals – very much less than the likelihood of serious preventable disease for entire animals in later life. Rabbit anaesthesia is slightly more risky, but in most cases the benefits still far outweigh the risks.

Some animals especially bitches have a tendency to weight gain after neutering. Attention to exercise and a good, sensible diet are important.

A small proportion of spayed bitches may develop urinary incontinence in later life, but then so do some unspayed bitches – this is not a serious problem and can be easily rectified on a daily low dose of medication.

In all species and sexes neutering is a simple, routine operation that can be done on any weekday. All health and behavioural advantages are greater when animals are neutered around 6 months of age. There is no advantage in waiting for a season in the bitch or allowing a cat to have a litter. Please ring the surgery for advice on booking in your pet. Our pre-operative procedure will be explained to you. A general health check will be performed to ensure the animal is fit and well for surgery.