Surgical desexing is the only effective permanent method for preventing unwanted pregnancy in animals and can provide some important health benefits as well.
Desexing surgery involves the removal of the testicles of males, known as castration or 'neutering', or the ovaries and uterus of females, known as ovariohysterectomy or 'speying'.
Your pet will be desexed under general anaesthesia in what is typically a low risk procedure. In addition, the anaesthetic will be closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure the safety of your pet. Post surgery our nursing team will monitor and care for your pet until he or she is ready to go home.
In addition to surgical desexing, we now also have chemical options for desexing which involves an annual implant.
Some of the benefits of desexing include:
- Reduced risk of certain cancers, including those affecting the reproductive organs or those caused as a result of testosterone or eostrogen
- Prevention of pyometra- a critically life-threatening infection of the uterus that affects up to 25% of undesexed female dogs
- Reduction in associated prostatic diseases
- Financial benefits, including discounted council pet registration fees, avoidance of costs associated with unwanted litters, and avoidance of the above potential diseases
- Potential to help with some unwanted behaviours, in particular howling and wandering or escaping behaviours
There are many factors involved in deciding if desexing, whether chemical or surgical, is right for you and your pet. In particular, your pets breed, gender and personal circumstances will heavily influence this. We strongly encourage you to discuss this with your veterinary team.