Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital Ltd
Independent, locally owned and operated veterinary care for the North Shore and Central Auckland.
Also known as neutering, desexing is a common surgical procedure performed daily by veterinarians to remove an animal's reproductive organs or ability. Often referred to as a neuter or spay, in males the typical procedure is called castration, and in females, it is spaying.
Neutered dogs and cats will not go on heat, have periods or the desire to mate, nor become pregnant.
Castrating males involves the removal of the testicles, whilst spaying females involves the removal of the ovaries or ovaries and uterus.
Surgery for females is more complex so it requires a longer anesthetic and longer surgery time. For this reason, recovery from surgery is generally slower for females than for males. Once at home, you will need to look out for signs of infection after neutering and for the first night keep them quiet and prevent them from playing, climbing stairs, and running. Most are back to normal within 24 hours of surgery.
It is likely female cats, female and male dogs will need to wear a cone after neutering to prevent them from pulling out their stitches. How long they should wear the cone for will depend on their temperament, but usually at least a week. Stitches are then removed 10-14 days after surgery.
Desexing before puberty is usually recommended for both cats and dogs. It is ideal to have females spayed before her first heat cycle, at 5 to 6 months of age. For males, it can be done as soon as the testicles descend into the scrotum, usually 4 to 6 months of age.
Many kittens and puppies from rescue shelters are neutered at an earlier age, prior to being adopted.
For some dogs, the best age for neutering may depend on other factors such as breed, genetic predisposition, or body size. Some breeds like Labradors, Golden Retreivers, Rottweilers, desexing after puberty (first heat) may have some benefits. Please discuss with us what is right for your dog.
An unwanted pregnancy and resulting kittens and puppies to care for, and find homes for, are obvious signs. Also, overly aggressive dogs or wandering cats can be calmed down and benefit from desexing.
What are the behavioural benefits of spaying a cat? How does neutering affect a male dog? There are many health and welfare benefits of desexing cats and dogs including:
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Whilst low, these may include anaesthetic complications, infection, or bleeding. Other cons against desexing include:
The pros and cons of desexing cats and dogs can be debated, but the overwhelming pros of birth control and behaviour improvements outweigh any potential cons.
Please contact us to discuss desexing your pet to understand the cost, benefits, and risks.
The above information is provided as an educational guide only and is not a substitute for advice from your pet’s healthcare professionals. If your pet’s symptoms continue, you are concerned about them, or want further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
RENAL IS SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED TO SUPPORT RENAL FUNCTION IN CASES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
RENAL SELECT IS SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED TO SUPPORT RENAL FUNCTION IN CASES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
ROYAL CANIN RENAL IS SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED TO SUPPORT RENAL FUNCTION IN CASES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE.
ROYAL CANIN RENAL IS SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED TO SUPPORT RENAL FUNCTION IN CASES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE.
ROYAL CANIN® Satiety Weight Management Feline is precisely formulated for safe and effective weight loss and successful long term weight management in cats.
Royal Canin Veterinary Satiety Weight Management Feline is precisely formulated for safe and effective weight loss and successful long term weight management in cats.
ROYAL CANIN® SENSITIVITY CONTROL IS A SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED DIET WITH SELECTED PROTEINS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FOOD INTOLERANCE, FOOD ALLERGY AND GASTROINTESTINAL SENSITIVITY IN CATS AND DOGS.
ROYAL CANIN® SENSITIVITY CONTROL IS A SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED DIET WITH SELECTED PROTEINS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FOOD INTOLERANCE, FOOD ALLERGY AND GASTROINTESTINAL SENSITIVITY IN CATS AND DOGS.
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ROYAL CANIN® SKIN & COAT IS SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED TO SUPPORT THE SKIN’S NATURAL STRENGTH AND HELP REDUCE THE SIGNS OF SKIN DISEASE IN CATS.
Urinary S/O is formulated for the nutritional management of cats with lower urinary tract disease. Its urine acidifying properties and its low level of magnesium make it suitable for dissolving struvite stones and reducing their recurrence.
Urinary S/O is formulated for the nutritional management of cats with lower urinary tract disease. Its urine acidifying properties and its low RSS make it suitable for dissolving struvite uroliths. Also help maintain ideal weight.
Royal Canin Feline Urinary S/O Moderate Calorie Wet is formulated for the nutritional management of cats with lower urinary tract disease and to help maintain ideal weight.
Urinary S/O is formulated for the nutritional management of cats with lower urinary tract disease.
Royal Canin Mature Consult Feline is recommended for mature cats over 7 years old without obvious ageing signs, ideally after a senior health check.
MOBILITY C2P+ is a scientifically formulated diet, clinically proven to help support canine joint health
Royal Canin Adult Medium Dog is recommended for adult medium breed dogs (11 to 25kg) or with a tendancy to gain weight - over 12 months old
Renal is scientifically formulated to support renal function in cases of chronic kidney disease
Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier complete feed for dogs - Specially adult and mature West Highland White Terriers - Over 10 months old.
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult complete feed for adults dogs (over 10 months) - supports coat health, satisfies fussy appetites and has an exclusive kibble.
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult for adult and mature breed dogs over 10 months old.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your pet's individual needs.