Dogs
We recommend neutering dogs. Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies, so reduces the number of unwanted dogs in rescue centres. It reduces or prevents disease and cancer of the genital tract in older age in both sexes. Neutering can help with specific behavioural problems. However, it can make certain behavioural situations worse, so do always discuss any behavioural problems with your vet prior to deciding on neutering.
We advise neutering male dogs after 8 months of age. Female dogs we prefer to have had their first season prior to neutering. However, we do understand that all individual circumstances are different so please discuss any issues with us prior to arranging the date for your pet to be neutered.
When your dog comes in to be neutered we administer a general anaesthetic, males have the testicles surgically removed through 1 incision in front of the scrotum. Females have the ovaries and uterus removed from a wound on the tummy. Both males and females are usually fine to go home the same day and have stitches which will need removing after 10 days.
For more information, visit the Blue Cross website.
Cats
We recommend neutering all cats. Neutering cats will prevent accidental pregnancies, which will reduce the numbers of unwanted kittens. It also has health benefits and makes them better companions. By neutering male cats, it reduces their tendency to fight which reduces the risk of several viruses, including Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) both of which are fatal. Entire male cats roam long distances, are more aggressive to other males and scent mark their territory, often this includes the inside of your house, by spraying urine. Female cats are in season “calling” approximately every 3 weeks once they reach sexual maturity. This is a very noisy affair and can be difficult to live with. Neutering females also prevents the risk of cancer of the genital tract as they get older. Neutering both sexes prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
We can neuter kittens from five to six months of age. For male kittens, we administer a general anaesthetic and remove the testicles surgically through 2 small incisions in the scrotum. For female kittens, they also have a general anaesthetic and we surgically remove the uterus and ovaries from a wound in the flank. Usually both male and female kittens can go home the same day. The females will have stitches which will need removing after 10 days.
Formore information, visit the International Cat Care website.
Rabbits
We recommend that all rabbits are neutered; this improves their behaviour and allows house rabbits to be litter trained. Both male and female rabbits can become aggressive after reaching puberty. Neutering prevents health problems, female rabbits are at risk of developing cancer of the uterus (womb) and males risk testicular cancer. It also prevents accidental breeding.
Male rabbits can be neutered from three months of age and female rabbits from five months of age. Neutered males should not be placed with un-neutered females until four weeks post-surgery to ensure no accidental pregnancies.
To neuter either sex rabbit we administer a general anaesthetic, the males then have the testicles surgically removed through an incision just above the scrotum. The females have the ovaries and uterus removed through a wound on their tummies. Both will stay with us until they are eating and defecating normally, usually this takes 24 hours post-surgery.
For more information, visit the Blue Cross website.
We do not routinely neuter other species of animals, but we can do so if individual circumstances indicate that it is necessary.