Neutering

Castration in male, removal of the testicles (orchidectomy) is performed routinely in dogs, cats and rabbits. We also offer to castrate guinea pigs and ferrets.

It is recommended for a number of reasons:

suppress aggressive tendencies in males both towards humans and other animals
As population control to prevent mating and unwanted litters.
Reduce wandering tendencies especially male dogs
Prevent antisocial urinating – marking especially by tomcats in houses can be particularly unpleasant.
Prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostatic problems.

In all species it is performed under general anaesthetic and we would expect to send the animal home the same day.

Spaying in the female, removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) is performed routinely in dogs cats and rabbits. We also offer to spay guinea pigs and ferrets.

It is recommended for several reasons:

to prevent unwanted pregnancy
to prevent behavioural changes when in season that can range from mild quietening of the female to aggressive tendencies.
To remove the risk of ovarian and uterine disease, including pyometra and cancer. Note that in rabbits ovarian disease is extremely common. In guinea pigs an association between diabetes mellitus and entire females is recognised.
To remove the risk of pseudopregnancy.

This is a procedure performed under general anaesthetic and we would expect to send the animal home the same day.

There is the same risks with anaesthesia during the operation however because this is mostly an elective procedure the animals are fit and well. A full physical exam will be preformed before undertaking an anaesthetic and we will always offer pre operative blood sampling to all our patients.

There is always an increased risk with the more exotic species – rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets but every precaution is taken to minimise this risk.