Desexing

A follow-up visit may be recommended to check the incision site, assess recovery, and remove sutures if they are not absorbable. Your vet will tell you if this is needed.

Alternatives may include medical management for preventing reproduction or behaviours associated with the breeding instinct, but these are not typically recommended due to the higher ongoing management requirements and fewer health benefits compared to surgical desexing.

For answers tailored to your pet’s specific situation, or for more detailed information, it’s best to contact Hope Island Vet Surgery directly.

Most veterinarians recommend desexing dogs and cats between 4 to 6 months of age. However, it can be safely done for kittens and puppies as young as 8 weeks (about 2 months) under certain conditions. The timing can vary based on breed, size, and health considerations.

For males (neutering), the procedure involves removing the testicles through a small incision near the scrotum. For females (spaying), it’s more complex, involving the removal of the ovaries and usually the uterus through an incision in the abdominal wall. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

Benefits include a reduced risk of certain cancers, elimination of pregnancy risks, and potentially longer life expectancy. Risks are low but include standard surgical risks like anesthesia reaction or infection.

Availability can vary, so it’s best to contact the clinic directly for scheduling. Some procedures may require a brief stay at the clinic for monitoring, but most pets can go home the same day.

Recovery time can vary but pets start to return to normal within 24-48 hours (about 2 days) after surgery, with complete recovery taking about 10-14 days (about 2 weeks). Monitoring for signs of infection or unusual behavior is important during this period.

Instructions typically include fasting your pet for 8-12 hours before surgery to prevent anesthesia-related complications. Follow any specific guidance from our vets regarding medication or care.

The cost for desexing varies based on the pet’s size, age, and any additional medical needs. Please give us a call and we can walk you through how our pricing works.

Desexing can reduce aggressive and marking behaviours in males and eliminate heat cycles in females. It doesn’t significantly change a pet’s personality or energy levels.

Postoperative care includes keeping your pet calm and restricted from vigorous activities, monitoring the incision site for signs of infection, and managing pain with prescribed medications. Ensure your pet does not lick or chew at the sutures.

Should you have any postoperative concerns please call us immediately. We also work closely with Animal Emergency Service Carrara who will be here for you and your pet in after-hours situations.