Neutering

If you have a pet that you don't intend to breed, it is generally worth considering neutering.

In males it will prevent testicular tumours, reduce prostate disease, help with aggression issues and stop him having amorous relationships with your leg or the sofa cushions! It also makes him less likely to run off after the nearest female in heat at every opportunity. With tom cats, neutering usually prevents territorial urine spraying around the house and yard.

With female cats, spaying prevents the regular 'calling' that comes when an intact female comes into heat. It also prevents litters of unwanted kittens, which can be difficult to find homes for.

With female dogs, as well as preventing heats and unwanted pups, neutering reduces the risk of mammary cancer in later life and completely prevents potentially fatal womb infections too. 

Firstly your animal will be checked for heart disease or other health issues. If these checks are clear, the animal will be placed under general anaesthetic and operated on.

In males, the testicles are removed. Male dogs have stitches and male cats do not.

In females, the ovaries and uterus are removed. Female cats and dogs will have stitches on their belly. These are usually removed after 10 days.

When the animal has come round from anaesthetic and we are happy they are well enough to go, they are allowed home for some TLC.

Unfortunately, all anaesthetics involve a certain amount of risk. This is unavoidable, although we take every precaution. We have modern anaesthetic equipment and your animal is constantly monitored while under anaesthetic.

The risk is higher in old or overweight animals and also in animals with other health issues (eg. heart disease). Your animal will be thoroughly checked before surgery and if we are concerned about anything we will let you know before we start.

After surgery, animals can sometimes bite at their stitches causing infection and wound breakdown. While we give pain relief and antibiotics to help with this, it is important that you keep an eye on your pet until the stitches are removed, 10days after surgery.

In some cases, animals can put on weight after surgery. This is because the mtabolism sometimes slows. If you see your pet gaining a few pounds, you can help by increasing exercise or by feeding a low fat food, which can be obtained from us. In fact, we have special foods for neutered animals that hopefully should prevent this.

Dogs and cats can be neutered from 6 months of age. If your bitch has been in heat, you must wit for 2 months before having her spayed. This is to allow the uterus to return to normal before the operation.

Yes, if you are on certain means tested benefits, you may be eligible for financial assistance when booking in your pet for neutering.

For dogs, the Dogs' Trust provide subsidized neutering and for cats, the Cats Protection League have a similar service available.

Please contact us for details and to see if you are eligible for assistance.