Neutering
Neutering is routine surgical procedure conferring very definite
health and behavioural benefits. Female cats, dogs and rabbits
are spayed, a routine operation involving the surgical removal
of the ovaries, uterus (womb) and part of the cervix, technically
known as an ovariohysterectomy (or OHE). Castration for males
involves the surgical removal of both testicles. Advantages and
disadvantages of neutering are listed below (click on each to
read more/reduce).
Advantages of neutering:
Tom Cats
The prevention of unwanted kittens.
Neutering will also significantly
reduce the risk of your cat being exposed to FeLV and FIV.
(Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).
These contagious diseases are usually fatal to an affected
cat.
Neutering also helps prevent urine spraying.
Reduction of the
strong tom cat odour and less smelly urine.
Queens (Female Cats)
The prevention of unwanted kittens.
Neutering will also significantly
reduce the risk of your cat being exposed to FeLV and FIV.
(Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).
These contagious diseases are usually fatal to an affected
cat.
No risk of pyometra (womb infections) or problems giving
birth (often unattended).
Male Dogs
Prevention of testicular cancer
Reduced risk of prostatic disease
in later life
Unwanted puppies cannot be sired
Reduction in sexual behaviour
which can be inconvenient and embarrassing!
In general a reduced
tendency to roam
In general decreased aggression and increased
friendliness towards people and other dogs. This effect is variable
and behavioural counselling may also be needed especially in
older dogs with established behaviour patterns.
Bitches
Prevention of seasons. Unspayed bitches will come into
season for 3-4 weeks twice a year, with the first season usually
occurring between 6 and 12 months of age. During a season a bitch
is likely to roam, will drip blood and will attract male dogs
from far and wide.
No chance of unwanted puppies
Almost 30% of unspayed bitches
develop malignant mammary cancer in later life. Only 0.25% of
bitches spayed before their first season with develop malignant
mammary cancer. Bitches spayed between their first and second
season also benefit from a greatly reduced risk. After the second
season the main indication for spaying is to reduce the risk
of pyometra.
Pyometra is an infection of the uterus, a serious
illness which requires an emergency ovariohysterectomy.
Bucks (Male Rabbits)
No chance of unwanted litters
Reduced sexual behaviour
Reduced aggression towards other pets
and people
Does (Female Rabbits)
Prevention of uterine tumours. Over half
of unspayed rabbits will develop malignant uterine tumours by
the age of 5 years.
Reduced aggression towards other pets and
people
No chance of unwanted litters
Risks associated with neutering - All animals
All cat and dog
general anaesthetics carry a very small risk, in the order of
0.01% for young health animals - very much less than the likelihood
of serious preventable disease for entire animals in later life.
Rabbit anaesthesia is slightly more risky, but in most cases
the benefits still far outweigh the risks.
Some animals especially
bitches have a tendency to weight gain after neutering. Attention
to exercise and a good, sensible diet are important.
A small proportion
of spayed bitches may develop urinary incontinence in later life,
but then so do some unspayed bitches – this is not a serious
problem and can be easily rectified on a daily low dose of medication.
In
all species and sexes neutering is a simple, routine operation
that can be done on any weekday. All health and behavioural advantages
are greater when animals are neutered around 6 months of age.
There is no advantage in waiting for a season in the bitch or
allowing a cat to have a litter. Please ring the surgery for
advice on booking in your pet. Our pre-operative procedure will
be explained to you. A general health check will be performed
to ensure the animal is fit and well for surgery. |
