Neutering
If you would like your pet to be neutered please call our reception team and they will give you all the information you require and will book an appointment for you.
Male Dogs
We do not have a blanket recommendation for neutering male dogs and prefer to take an individual approach to each dog as there are advantages and disadvantages to castration.
It is also possible to chemically castrate dogs by placing a hormonal implant under the skin (this it temporary lasting approximately 6 months).
Advantages
- Prevents breeding
- Prevents testicular cancer
Disadvantages
- Some prostate diseases are more common in castrated male dogs
- May increase risk of joint disease in later life
Can modify hormone related behaviours such as mounting, marking or roaming BUT some behaviours like aggression can get worse after castration – often chemical castration is the best initially option when castration is being used to modify behaviour.
The ideal age of neutering is a debated topic and we advise on an individual basis. Typically waiting until at least 18 months of age for large breed dogs while smaller breeds may be neutered earlier.
Female Dogs
Advantages
- Prevents breeding and unwanted puppies
- Reduces unwelcome attention from male dogs
- Prevents false pregnancies
- If spaying is carried out before or after the first season the risk of mammary cancer in later life is much reduced
- Prevents pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection) in later life
- Prevents cancer of the uterus and ovaries
Disadvantages
- Slight increase increased risk of urinary Incontinance in later life (which can be managed with medication)
We generally advise neutering three months after the first season, following a full health check and discussion with a vet.
Male Cats
- Prevents breeding
- Prevents unwanted breeding-related behaviours such as straying, fighting and urine spraying
- Fewer fights reduces the risk of contracting infectious diseases, wounds and “cat bite abscesses”
- Prevents testicular cancer
Female Cats
- Prevents breeding and unwanted kittens
- Prevents behaviour changes associated with seasons
- Reduces the risk of mammary cancer
- Prevents pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection) in later life
- Prevents the risk of cancer of the uterus and ovaries
We advise neutering female cats from around 5 to 6 months of age, following a full health check.
Male Rabbits
- Prevents breeding
- Reduces unwanted behaviours such as urine spraying and aggression
- Prevents testicular cancer
Female Rabbits
- Prevents breeding and unwanted litters
- Prevents false pregnancies
- Reduces unwanted behaviours such as urine spraying and aggression
- Prevents pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection)
- Prevents cancer of the uterus and ovaries (around 80% of female rabbits over 6 years old will develop uterine cancer if not neutered)