We recommend that all pets are neutered if they are not intended for breeding for both practical and medical reasons.
Some definitions:
- Castration – the neutering of males by the surgical removal of both testicles.
- Spay – the neutering of females by the surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus.
Spaying female dogs
Female dogs can be spayed either before their first season at around 6 months of age, or 3-4 months after they finish a season.
It is advisable to spay your pet when she is young for the following reasons:
- Spaying young dogs significantly reduces their risk of developing mammary cancer.
Mammary cancer is very common in older bitches.
- Removes the risk of developing potentially life-threatening womb infections as the uterus is removed during the operation.
- Removes the inconvenience of seasons every 6 months.
- Removes the risk of unwanted pregnancies.
- Removes the risk of developing false pregnancies where bitches lactate even though they are not pregnant.
Castrating male dogs
Male dogs can be castrated for 5-6 months of age.
It is advisable to have your pet castrated when they are young for the following reasons:
- Castration removes the risk of developing testicular cancer by removing both testicles.
- Castration reduces the risk of prostatic disease when older. Prostatic disease and cancer is much more common in older, entire males.
- Reduces roaming and unwanted sexual behaviour.
- Castration can help to reduce aggression and dominance.
Spaying female cats
We advise female cats are spayed from 5-6 months for the following reasons:
- Stop unwanted pregnancies and therefore unwanted kittens
- Remove risk of diseases associated with uterus and ovaries.
Castrating male cats
We advise male cats are neutered from 5-6 months of age for the following reasons:
- Entire male cats are more likely to fight with their neighbours causing nasty wounds and abscesses.
- Cats which fight are more likely to contract diseases which can be spread from cat bites such as FIV (cat aids) or Feline Leukaemia.
- Neutering male cats can help reduce aggression.
- Neutering male cats should reduce roaming behaviour.
- A neutered male cat is also at less risk of developing certain diseases including prostatic disease/cancer, and anal and testicular tumours.
Castration and spaying are routine procedures that we perform daily in the surgery. We advise pre-operative checks with nurses prior to the procedure.
Please phone the practice for our competitive prices for these services. If you have a farm holding number or are currently on benefits you may be eligible for reduced cost neutering schemes. Please contact reception for further details.