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Neutering

An essential part of responsible pet ownership

Neutering your pet, not only prevents unwelcome pregnancies, but also in helping prevent illnesses and diseases related to the genital tract. Click on the links below for further information on neutering dogs, cats and rabbits. We also neuter other species - for further information please contact your local surgery. Check out the prices, and remember that Pet Health Club members get 20% off all operations.

About The Operation

Female Dogs (Spay)
When a bitch is spayed an operation is carried out to remove the ovaries and uterus via an incision in the belly under a general anaesthetic. We are also able to offer laparoscopic bitch spaying, where only the ovaries are removed via keyhole surgery - further information on laparoscopic spaying is below.

In many breeds/sizes of dog, we suggest spaying before the first season. For others, we may advise spaying 2-3 months after the first season.

Male Dogs (Castrate)
The castration operation involves removing both testes under a general anaesthetic via a small incision infront of the scrotum.

We advise dog castration from 6 months of age.

Female Cats (Spay)
The spay operation for cats involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus via an incision on the flank or belly under general anaesthesia. We advise that cats can be spayed from 4/5 months of age.

Male Cats (Castrate)
The castration is carried out under general anaesthesia and the testes are removed via small incisions in the scrotum. These incisions are often so small that sutures are not required. Cats can be castrated from 4/5 months of age.

Female Rabbits (Spay)
The spay operation for rabbits is carried out under general anaesthesia and involves the removal of the ovaries and utuerus via an incision in the belly. We advise that rabbits can be spayed from 5 months (over 1/ 1.2 kg in weight).

Male Rabbits (Castrate)
The castration is carried out under general anaesthesia and the testes are removed via small incisions in the scrotum. We advise that rabbits can be castrated from 5 months (over 1/1.2kg).

Preparing For The Operation

Prior to the operation it is necessary for the dog or cat to be checked by the vet to ensure that it is fit and well and, in the case of bitches, check that they are not in season.

Night Before
As operations are performed under general anaesthesia it is vital that your cat/dog does not eat anything after 8:00pm. Water should be left down overnight so that your pet does not become dehydrated but this should be removed first thing in the morning. Rabbits and some other species should not be starved - please enquire.

On the day
Your pet will be admitted by a nurse or vet who will go through a consent form with you, checking whether your pet is ready for the operation and collecting relevant contact details for the day. They will then admit your pet to the cattery or dog ward, where they will spend the day.

Your pet will stay with us for the day whilst they have their operation and recover from the anaesthetic. Once we are satisfied that they have recovered enough, they will be discharged into your care with all the information you require.

If we feel that your pet needs to be monitored by our staff overnight, they will be kept in the hospital under 24-hour care (pets that have been operated on at any of the branch surgeries will be transported there via ambulance).

Post-Operative Instructions
For all pets it is vital that they are not allowed to disturb the wound either by licking, biting or scratching. To help prevent this, they may need to wear a ‘buster collar’ which prevents them reaching the sutures. Dogs will need to be lead-exercised only for 10 days after surgery to prevent them pulling the stitches or damaging the wound. Female cats will need to be kept inside for the first 10 days (or until their sutures are removed). Male cats can go outside after 24 hours, once the anaesthetic has fully worn off.

Some animals will need to attend post-op checks 2-3 days and 10 days after surgery to check the wound site and ensure they are healing correctly. If sutures have been placed, these will be taken out at the 2nd check-up if they are ready to be removed (if not it may be necessary to come in again). Male cats may not need to be seen but will depend on the instructions given at discharge. Post-operative checks are free of charge.

Laparoscopic Spay

We are now able to offer all clients the option of having their bitch neutered laparoscopically. In this procedure only the ovaries, not the uterus (womb), are removed using a laparoscope inserted through small incisions in the wall of the abdomen. This ‘keyhole’ procedure is well established but not widely available in general practices.  

The advantages include:

  • A significant reduction in post-operative discomfort compared to the conventional technique due to the smaller incisions and reduction in abdominal retraction/manipulation required.
  • The bitch’s activity restriction is less critical during the post-surgical period (although restriction to lead exercise is recommended for 10 days).
  • In breeds at risk of bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus, gastric torsion, twisting of the stomach) a prophylactic gastropexy can be carried out at the same time. These breeds are typically deep-chested i.e. Great Danes, Pointers, Irish Setters etc.
  • The procedure is minimally invasive with only 3 small skin incisions.

This type of bitch spay is not available at the branch surgeries but clients who wish have their bitch spayed in this way can contact Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital to arrange for the operation to take place there.