Desexing Surgery for Cats and Dogs Brisbane

Dog and Cat Desexing

Desexing or neutering your pet is a surgical procedure that prevents them from being able to reproduce. In male pets, it is commonly referred to as “castration,” and in female pets, it is called “spaying”. This is one of the most frequent procedures performed by our vets at Kedron Veterinary Clinic, and your pet is usually able to go home the same day.

The Benefits of Pet Desexing

We recommend that your cat or dog is desexed between 6 and 8 months old, however they can be desexed at any age.

There are some benefits to desexing your pet before 6 months. These include:

  • Preventing unwanted litters, which can be very costly, and may add to the already overwhelming number of stray animals that are put down each year
  • Preventing testicular cancer and prostate disease in males, and helping to prevent pyometra (infection of the uterus) and mammary tumours (breast cancer) in females
  • Stopping the “heat” cycle in females
  • Decreasing aggression towards humans and other animals, especially in males
  • Being less prone to wander, especially in males
  • Living a longer and healthier life
  • Reduction of council registration fees

The Desexing Procedure

At Kedron Veterinary Clinic, our friendly vets will talk you through the whole process. We are on hand to answer any questions that you may have, but for now, here is some helpful information on what to do before and after surgery.

Before

  • Make a booking for your pet’s operation
  • If your pet is a dog, wash them the day before surgery as they are unable to be washed after until the stitches are removed
  • Do not give your pet food after 8 pm the night before the operation and do not give them any water after 6 am on the day of surgery
  • A blood test may be performed prior to surgery to check vital organ function
  • The vet will perform a thorough physical examination before administering an anaesthetic
  • Some pets will require intravenous fluid support during surgery. This will be discussed with you prior to the procedure
  • To ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible, all pets receive pain relief prior to desexing and to take home for a few days after the procedure

After

  • Keep your pet restrained and quiet as the effects of anaesthetic can take some time to wear off completely
  • Keeping them quiet is also essential to allow the wound to heal
  • Food and water should be limited to small portions only on the night after surgery
  • Follow any dietary instructions that the vet has provided
  • Ensure all post-surgical medications (if any) are administered as per the label instructions
  • Ensure your pet’s rest area is clean to avoid infection
  • Check the incision at least twice daily for any 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 will spontaneously resolve
  • Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the wound. Special cone-shaped collars assist with this problem. A single chew can remove the careful stitching with disastrous effects
  • Ensure you return to us on time for routine post-operative check-ups and removal of stitches (usually 3 and 10 days after surgery)

If you have any concerns before or after your pet has been desexed, please call us immediately for a discussion. Call us on 07 3857 1785.

Common Questions about Desexing

Will desexing affect my pet’s personality?

Your pet will retain their pre-operation personality, possibly with the added bonus of being calmer and less aggressive.

Should my female have one litter first?

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.

Will desexing cause my pet to become fat?

Your pet’s metabolism may be slowed due to hormonal changes after desexing, but this is easily managed through feeding adjustments and ensuring adequate exercise. There is no reason a desexed pet cannot maintain a normal weight.

Is desexing painful for my pet?

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!

Will my dog lose his/her “guard dog instinct”?

No, your dog will be just as protective of their territory as before the surgery.

For more information or to book your pet in for desexing, contact our friendly team today on 07 3857 1785.