Pet neutering

What does a spay involve? 

Spaying is the surgical removal of your dog’s ovaries and uterus through a small midline abdominal incision.  

Why should I spay my dog? 

• Spaying reduces the chance of your dog developing mammary cancer.  The maximum protective effect of spaying is achieved if your dog is spayed before their first season.  This protective effect is reduced after the first season and each consecutive season.  We do however recommend that large breed dogs are only spayed once fully grown. 
• Spaying eliminates the chance of your pet developing ovarian cancer. 
• Unspayed dogs can develop an infection of the wound known as pyometra, a life-threatening condition that often requires emergency surgery. 
• Neutering reduces the risk of accidental pregnancy and its associated health risks and costs.  

What does castration involve? 

• This procedure involves removing your dog’s testicles under general anaesthesia. Castration involves your dog staying with us for the day. 
• Chemical castration is also available. This is done by placing a chemical implant under the skin. It lasts for 6 months.  

 Why should I castrate my dog? 

• Castration eliminates the risk of your dog developing testicular cancer.  
• It reduces the risk of prostatic diseases commonly seen in un-neutered dogs including benign prostatic hyperplasia.  
• Un-neutered dogs can be prone to developing perineal hernias, a painful condition that can make it difficult to pass stools.  

• Cats can start breeding from 4 months of age. 
• Cats come into season very regularly, often every 1 to 2 weeks for a 2-week period during the summer months.  
• Cats become pregnant very easily and can be impregnated by siblings. 
• There are vast numbers of unwanted cats and kittens in the UK as cats can have multiple litters a year and come into season again six weeks after giving birth. 

What does it involve and what are the benefits?

• Spaying is the surgical process of removing the ovaries and the uterus through a small incision in the cat’s abdomen, this is normally done through their left flank. 
• Cats can typically go home the same day.
• Spaying reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies. 
• It reduces the risk of mammary cancer by up to 90% and completely removes the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.  

What does this procedure involves?

• This is the surgical removal of both testes via a small incision in the scrotum. 
• Cats can typically go home the same day.