Our Services
Sterilization
Deciding whether to sterilize your pet is an important decision in their life. Our team of highly trained veterinarians have considerable experience in performing this surgery, and can guide you through the process so that both you and your pet feel at ease.
Frequently asked questions
Sterilization, often also referred to as neutering for females and spaying for males, is a common surgical procedure that prevents pets from being able to reproduce.
For males, sterilization involves a routine surgical procedure in which a dog’s or cat’s testicles are removed, thus making the animal sterile. For females, sterilization is a more complex surgical procedure in which the vet will make a small incision in the abdomen and then remove the ovaries and uterus are removed, all under anaesthesia.
We always recommend you consult with your veterinarian about the most suitable time for you to sterilise your pet, which will be dependent on his/her age, breed and physical condition. However, it is generally recommended that dog spays and neuters are performed between the age of 6 and 9 months. For large breed dogs, it is often worth waiting a little longer, to give them more time to grow and for their bones to mature. In terms of cats, we generally suggest that spays and neuters should be carried out around the age of 6 months. It is important to note though that affective sterilization procedures can be completed at any stage of an animal’s life. Please speak to one of our veterinarian team who will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Unless you actively want your pet to have a litter, then the only responsible option is to arrange for them to be sterilised by a vet. This applies to both female and male animals. Alongside removing the risk of unwanted pregnancy, sterilization also has a number of health and behavioural benefits for your pet:
These advantages include:
Eliminating heat cycles (menstruation) in female cats and dogs, thereby lowering their stress levels.
Reducing the occurrence of mammary (breast) cancer and pyometra (infection of the uterus) in female animals.
Preventing both testicular cancer and prostate disease such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) in male pets.
Decreasing aggression towards other animals and humans.
Being less prone to ‘roam’ (where pets wander off in search of a mating partner), and urine marking, especially in male pets.
Your vet will give you detailed instructions before your pet’s procedure, but here are some things to expect before your cat or dog’s spaying appointment.
Your pet will need to fast before their procedure.
No food should be given to your cat or dog after 10pm on the night prior to surgery.
On the day of the surgery, no water should be given after 8am. Please ensure that everyone in your house is aware of this.
Before the procedure, the vet will conduct a comprehensive medication examination on your pet to ensure they are in good health.
This will generally include a blood test, to make vital organs are functioning properly and that your pet is fit enough to carry out surgery.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and some cats and dogs might require intravenous fluid support during their surgery.
Generally speaking, most pets recover fairly quickly from the anaesthesia, although some post-anaesthesia fussiness and sleepiness are completely normal. This usually wears off within 48 hours. Following the surgery, you will be instructed to keep your pet calm and reduce their activity to allow the incision to heal. Give your pet water and food in moderation. Check the incision at least twice daily for any signs of infection or disturbance, such as bleeding, swelling, redness, or discharge, and make sure your pet takes any post-surgical medications prescribed by the vet. Try to avoid letting your pet lick or chew on the stitches, and at the required time, please return to the clinic to have the pet’s stitches removed and for a post-surgery check-up.
Unless you actively want your pet to have a litter, then the only responsible option is to arrange for them to be sterilised by a vet. Alongside removing the risk of unwanted pregnancy, sterilization also has a number of major health and behavioural benefits for your pet. If you’re considering having your pet sterilized, please book a consultation with one of our vets today.
“Cats will amusingly tolerate humans only until someone comes up with a tin opener that can be operated with a paw.”
– Terry Pratchett
