Desexing

Desexing

NEUTER SURGERY

The routine spaying or neutering (de-sexing) of your pet cat/dog/rabbit is advocated in all situations where planned breeding is not an option. It helps prevent unwanted pets, can simplify
pet ownership and reduces the instance of behaviour problems, aggression, some cancers/medical problems and wandering/stray animals.

It is routine surgery for our vets but a once-in-a-lifetime event for your pet. We want to make it as easy for them and you as possible. We suggest that cats and rabbits are best neutered when
about 5-6 months of age and dogs typically between 6-9 months of age*. The surgery is easier, therefore the anaesthetic and surgery time is less and the recovery time for them is faster. All pets
receive a pre-anaesthetic blood test as well as pre and post-operative pain relief.

*Breed size plays a role as larger breeds may benefit from waiting until they reach skeletal
maturity to minimize potential growth-related issues. Please contact the clinic to discuss
what age would best suit your large breed dog if you are unsure.

Click here to download the pre-surgery instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Exactly what is removed during a spay or neuter surgery?
A. Speying is an ovario-hysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and the womb) and neutering is the removal of the testicles. This is major surgery and is not to be confused with “tying the fallopian tubes” or male “vasectomy”.

Q. How long is my pet in the clinic for?
A. The operation is a routine surgery requiring only a day visit to the clinic.

Q. What advantages are there?
A. The result is a more manageable pet with fewer health problems in the long term including:

  • Eliminating unwanted pregnancy
  • No need to isolate your bitch from other dogs every 6 months
  • Reduces roaming in male cats and dogs that in turn reduces the chance of them being injured or even killed in road accidents.
  • Eliminates the possibility of uterine cancer and reduces the incidence of mammary tumours in females and eliminates the chance of testicular cancer plus reduces the incidence of prostatic disease in male pets.
  • Reduces unpleasant urine spraying(marking) behaviour
  • Generally results in more trainable and obedient pets.

Q. Will my pet get fat afterwards?
A. Pets are usually desexed at their adolescent age before they have reached full adult size, but weight gain over and above this normal maturation should not occur as a result of the surgery if feeding and exercise are balanced.

Q. Will my dog become a wimp?
A. Your pet’s personality and territorial drive will not be changed by desexing as these are not controlled by the sex hormones.

 

COMMON ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

Retained Testicles

In some males, the testicles fail to descend from their starting position inside the abdomen to their final position in the scrotum. These animals must be neutered as the retained testicle(s) have a much higher risk of cancer and the condition is hereditary so they should not be bred from. Neutering in this situation becomes essentially an exploratory surgery.

Umbilical Hernias

These are detectable as a swelling over the ‘belly button’ area, resulting from a defect or hole remaining in the abdominal wall. These should be repaired as they can enlarge and allow the intestines to pass through and become trapped, but they can be left until the time of desexing.

Retained temporary teeth

Any baby teeth unshed after 6 months of age should be extracted, as they will start to decay, and will interfere with the permanent tooth’s position. These usually involve the canine (fang) teeth. The number and difficulty of extractions plus drugs determine the cost.

 

Call for an appointment or to talk to one of our team on 09 5370111

0

If you need emergency treatment for your pet after hours please call the Manukau After Hours Veterinary Clinic on 09 277 8383. This clinic is located at 15 Jack Conway Ave and is staffed by Nurses and Veterinarians all night, weekends and public holidays.