Bitch Spay
(female canine neutering)
This, on the whole is an
excellent idea as it prevents seasons, false pregnancies and avoidable womb
problems later in life. Womb problems can be life threatening and if spaying
is done early enough, may prevent mammary tumours. It has the drawback of
being associated with urinary incontinence in a minority of cases, although
this can almost invariably be controlled if it does occur. We advocate
operating 12 weeks after the START of a season i.e. when spotting is first
noted (see FAQ).
Spaying
can be done at 5½ - 6 months of age which is prior to the first season. It
has been our experience that spaying early in life is NOT associated with
any increase in the incidence of ill effects later in life. Unneutered
female dogs (bitches) come into season up to twice a year.
Reasons for:
-
The bitch will no longer
come into season (no mess or inconvenience).
-
She will be unable to get
pregnant - so there will be no unwanted puppies.
-
The risk of her getting a
potentially life-threatening uterine infection (pyometra) is removed.
This is common in middle aged entire bitches.
-
The chances of her suffering
from hormone induced mammary (breast) cancer can be reduced.
-
A bitch in heat usually
attracts scores of visiting dogs to her owner's front door. She will
also be quite anxious to escape and, as a result, may be difficult to
control.
-
Unneutered bitches can also
go through phantom pregnancies which can lead to all sorts of odd
behaviour and may even require veterinary attention to sort it out.
Reasons against:
-
Weight gain is always a
worry as this in itself can cause problems. You can monitor your dog's
weight either by observing or by having her weighed whilst she is in the
surgery.
All general anaesthetics involve
some risks. The risk is smaller in young, fit animals than in older dogs
(e.g. those that are ill with a pyometra).
Dog
Castration (male canine neutering)
This is a good idea because it
prevents testicular cancer later on in life and prostate problems which are
quite common in older dogs. It also reduces the tendency to wandering, urine
marking and also stops indiscriminate breeding. When operated on early
enough (6-12 months old) aggressive behaviour may be avoided although this
can become learned behaviour very quickly if not addressed. It may stop him
having amorous relationships with your leg, cuddly toy or the sofa cushions!
It
can be performed anytime from 5/6 months of age.
Reasons for:
-
All male dogs have natural
urges. Castration removes these and also the resulting tendency to roam
and other undesirable behaviour.
-
Some potentially
life-threatening medical problems are more likely to occur in entire
males e.g. hernias, prostate trouble, testicular tumours. Castration
reduces or removes the danger.
-
Unneutered male dogs tend to
be more aggressive than their neutered counterparts - they get into
fights with other dogs; they often escape from their owners in an
attempt to find a bitch in season and are sometimes injured or cause
traffic accidents as a result.
-
Male dogs, which are kept
indoors, may turn their amorous attentions to pieces of furniture or
even people. Barking and ill temper are other symptoms of frustration.
Reasons against:
-
''Their temperament changes
for the worse'' - This is not true. There is no change in the dogs'
temperament, if anything they become more loving.
-
Weight gain is always a worry as this is in itself
can cause problems. You can monitor your dog's weight either by
observation or by regular visits to the surgery to use our electronic
scales.
All general anaesthetics involve
some risks. The risk is smaller in young, fit animals than in older dogs
(e.g. those that are ill with testicular tumours).
Queen
Spaying (female cat neutering)
With female cats, spaying
prevents the regular 'calling' that comes when an intact female comes into
heat. It also prevents litters of unwanted kittens, which can be difficult
to find homes for. This can be done from 6 months of age and we would urge
all cat owners to be responsible and have their cats neutered if they are
not to be used for breeding.
Tom
Castration (male cat neutering)
Tom cat castration is neutering
which usually prevents territorial urine spraying around the house and may
help prevent unwanted wandering. They are less likely to have traffic
accidents or get into fights and prevents the distinctive "Tom Cat" smell
that is not so welcome!
Rabbit
Neutering
Neutering the female (Doe) is
considered a good idea to prevent cancer of the womb later in life. It will
also prevent phantom pregnancies, fur pulling for nesting and as a result
reduce gastric fur balls and aggression towards humans and other rabbits.
Neuter around 5/6 months of age.
Castration of males allows
keeping in groups without explosive rises in population. It helps to prevent
aggression and urine spraying.
Ferrets
Neutering male ferrets can
reduce aggression (and smell). The Jill or female ferret is an "induced
ovulator". Once she has come into oestrus it will persist until she is
mated. Prolonged oestrus means a prolonged exposure to oestrogen, which
eventually causes bone marrow suppression, anaemia, and sometimes death.
A hormone injection (Delvosterone) can be used to
suppress the oestrus, but is not a permanent solution. We prefer to spay
female ferrets when they are not in heat, and can use Delvosterone to
interrupt the cycle. It is also possible to use a vasectomised male to bring
a Jill out of season - please contact us to discuss vasectomising male
ferrets.