Neutering of Dogs and Cats
Spay surgery
At Blairgowrie Vets we recommend that bitches and queens are spayed for health reasons as well as prevention of accidental pregnancy.
We suggest allowing bitches to mature to at least 12 months before being spayed, and sometimes older in large breeds. In queens we recommend that they are spayed from six months of age. The ideal time to spay most bitches is four months after the end of their season when their ovaries are not active, and in queens they can be spayed any time they are not in season.
Some advantages of spaying
Castration
Castration is performed from 1 year old in dogs (18 months for large and giant breeds) and 5-6 months in cats.
Some advantages of castration
Spay surgery
At Blairgowrie Vets we recommend that bitches and queens are spayed for health reasons as well as prevention of accidental pregnancy.
We suggest allowing bitches to mature to at least 12 months before being spayed, and sometimes older in large breeds. In queens we recommend that they are spayed from six months of age. The ideal time to spay most bitches is four months after the end of their season when their ovaries are not active, and in queens they can be spayed any time they are not in season.
Some advantages of spaying
- The reproductive tract is removed, eliminating the possibility of pyometra (infection of the uterus which can be very serious), ovarian and uterine tumours
- She will no longer experience oestrus (heat), which can cause females to escape in order to find a mate and can lead to pets getting lost or causing a road traffic accident.
- In queens oestrus is accompanied by excessive vocalisation
- Elimination of pregnancy, and also false pregnancy which can cause behaviour and health issues
- Obesity - neutered animals have reduced energy needs, therefore can gain weight unless care is taken with feeding and exercise
- Incontinence - in some bitches spaying can lead to urethral sphincter mechanism incontinence, but this can be treated with medication later in life
- Some breeds may experience coat changes.
Castration
Castration is performed from 1 year old in dogs (18 months for large and giant breeds) and 5-6 months in cats.
Some advantages of castration
- Entire males can roam to find females, leading to pets getting lost or hit by cars.
- Tom cats will often spray to mark their territory, urine spraying is a behavioural issue but in some cases will be eliminated by castration.
- A castrated dog or cat can't sire unwanted puppies or kittens
- No development of testicular tumours, and reduced chance of benign prostate enlargement and perineal hernias.
- Castration where there is a concern over behaviour should always be discussed with us before proceeding.
- Obesity - as for females, nutritional requirements are reduced and obesity is more common in neutered pets
- May increase the chance of some cancers, especially if done early.
- Some breeds may experience coat changes