Surgery
From standard desexing to orthopaedic, dental, and emergency surgery, we provide the information and expertise you need to make the best decision for your pet.
Our Surgical Services
Desexing
Dentistry & Teeth Cleaning
Lump & Tumour Removal
Soft Tissue Surgery
Opthalmic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Tumour & Cancer Surgery
Specialist Surgery Services
Penn Hip
Gastropexy Surgery
Desexing
Desexing or neutering your pet is a surgical procedure that prevents reproduction. In male pets, it’s commonly called ‘castration,’ and in female pets, it’s referred to as ‘spaying.’ This is the most common surgery performed by our vets, and typically, your pet will be home by the evening of the procedure.
Desexing
Learn more about the benefits of desexing your pet before they reach six months of age and caring for your pet pre and post surgery.
Prevents unwanted litters, which can be costly and contribute to the overwhelming number of stray animals euthanized each year.
Reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease in males, and helps prevent pyometra (infection of the uterus) and mammary tumours (breast cancer) in females.
Stops the “heat” cycle in females.
Decreases aggression toward humans and other animals, especially in males.
Makes pets less prone to wander, particularly males.
Helps pets live a longer and healthier life.
Reduces council registration fees.
Make a booking for your pet’s operation.
If your pet is a dog, wash them the day before surgery as they cannot be washed for 14 days after.
Do not give your pet food after 8pm the night before the operation. Water is fine to offer.
A blood test may be performed prior to surgery to check vital organ function.
The vet will perform a thorough physical examination before administering anaesthesia.
Some pets will require intravenous fluid support during surgery. This will be discussed with you prior to the procedure.
To ensure your pet’s comfort, all pets receive pain relief prior to desexing and take-home pain relief for a few days after the procedure.
Keep your pet restrained and quiet as the effects of anaesthesia can take some time to wear off completely.
Keeping them quiet is essential for allowing the wound to heal.
Limit food and water to small portions only on the night after surgery.
Follow any dietary instructions provided by the vet.
Administer all post-surgical medications (if any) as per the label instructions.
Ensure your pet’s rest area is clean to avoid infection.
Check the incision at least twice daily for signs of infection or disruption (e.g., bleeding, swelling, redness, or discharge). Contact the vet immediately if these symptoms appear. Do not wait to see if they resolve on their own.
Prevent your pet from excessively licking or chewing the wound. Use special cone-shaped collars if necessary to assist with this.
Common Desexing Questions
Your pet will retain their pre-operation personality, possibly with the added bonus of being calmer and less aggressive.
No – it is actually better for her not to have any litters before being spayed.Her risk of developing breast cancer increases if she is allowed to go through her first heat.
Your pet’s metabolism may be slowed due to hormonal changes after desexing,however this is easily managed with adjusting feeding and ensuring adequate exercise. There is no reason a desexed pet cannot be maintained at a normal weight.
As with all surgery, there is some tenderness immediately after the procedure, but most pets will recover very quickly. We administer pain relief prior to surgery and after surgery too. Your pet will be discharged with a short course of pain relief medication to take at home for the first few days after the surgery. In many cases, your pet will likely need some encouragement to take it easy!
No, your dog will be just as protective of their territory as before the surgery.
