Desexing

Desexing or neutering your pet is a surgical procedure that prevents them from being able to reproduce. In male pets, it is commonly referred to as “castration”, and in female pets as “speying”. This is the most frequent surgery performed by our vets.

Surgical desexing involves removal of part of a pet’s reproductive system whilst under general anaesthetic. In females, desexing is an ovarian hysterectomy and involves removing the ovaries and uterus. In males, desexing  involves the removal of both testicles.

What to do before and after surgery

Before surgery:

• Make a booking for your pets operation.
• You can give your pet an evening meal as normal the day prior to surgery, but do not leave food out overnight.
  Water should be freely available to your pet until 8 am on the day of surgery.
• A blood test may be performed prior to surgery to check vital organ function.
• The vet will perform a thorough physical examination before administering an anaesthetic.
•  Intravenous fluid therapy is provided during the procedure to improve blood pressure.
• To ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible, all pets receive pain relief as part of the desexing procedure, and we may prescribe medication for you to administer at home for a few days after the procedure.

After Surgery:

• Keep your pet confined and quiet as the effects of anaesthetic can take some time to wear off completely.
• Food should be limited to a small portion on the night after surgery. Follow any dietary instructions that the vet has provided.
• Ensure all post-surgical medications (if any) are administered as per the label instructions.
• Ensure your pet’s rest area is clean to avoid infection.
• Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the wound.