Desexing

Desexing is a procedure that is performed regularly. The purpose of this surgery is to prevent reproduction and to protect your pet from specific health issues that could potentially occur in the future. The risk level is quite low, and usually it is a simple process with minimal effect on your pets, allowing them to come back home that same day. You can have your pet desexed at any age, however the recommended age is between 4 and 6 months of age.

Desexing can have a few benefits, aside from unwanted litters. Below are a few reasons why considering desexing your pet is so important:

• Female pets do not go into a heat cycle.
• Male pets are less likely to get prostate disease and testicular cancer.
• As mentioned before, no unwanted litters.
• Health and life span will be impacted positively.
• Male pets are less likely to wander and show aggression.
• Illnesses such as breast cancer and uterine infections are less likely for females.

Your pet’s behaviour is unlikely to change after desexing. You may find that they are slightly less aggressive, other than that their personality should not differ. There are some hormonal changes caused by desexing, however you do not need to be concerned about this affecting your pet’s health and behaviour, regarded their lifestyle is health. This means you need to make sure your pet receives adequate exercise and is eating healthy. Obesity will only occur if you do not allow your pet to have a healthy lifestyle. All personality traits should remain, including their instinct to protect. And for dogs, if you are concerned that your dog will no longer be a good guard dog after surgery, you should not be.

Directly after surgery and possibly a few days after, your dog or cat may experience tenderness and pain from surgery. This is normal and your vet can prescribe some pain medication to help them if this is an issue. The recovery process will not take very long for most pets. Create a stress free and comfortable environment to allow your pet to relax and recover fast.

You should make sure your pet is washed and cleaned before surgery. You will be unable to bath them again until you have their stitches removed. Your vet will inform you about the restrictions when you make the booking. This is usually that your pet should not eat after 10pm the night before surgery and no water after 8am on the surgery day. Your pet will be taken in for surgery during that day and you will be contacted when they are ready to go home. It is normal for their energy levels to be low after surgery, they should be allowed to relax. Sometimes they may not have a big appetite, do not be concerned if they do not eat a full meal. Keep a clean environment for recovery and make sure the wound does not get infected.

If you have a dog or cat you would like to book in please give us a call on (02) 9630 5520 and we will let you know available bookings and can answer any other questions you may have.