Desexing our pets is a major step in their healthcare journey – it can make registration more affordable, it can reduce the chance of reproductive or hormone-related complications later in life, and of course, it means no surprise puppies or kittens!
Below we will go through some frequently asked questions and need-to-knows for desexing your pet. Give the friendly team a call at 02 9416 1300 if you have any questions at all, or would like to enquire about booking the procedure for your furry friend.
What is the difference between Spey and Neuter?
Spey is the term for desexing a female pet; neutering (also called castrating) is the procedure for males. The overarching term “desexing” applies to the surgical sterilisation of a pet. This is performed by a registered veterinarian and is permanent – it cannot be reversed.
When should my pet be desexed?
According to NSW Government requirements, dogs are required to be desexed by the age of six months, and cats by age of four months. There are exemptions to this rule that will vary between individuals. Such exemptions include registered breeding animals and those who have been recommended to wait by their vet.
This may be because of their size or other known health conditions. Your vet can explain these to you if your pet falls into one of these categories, and provide an exemption letter that you can pass on to your local council to avoid higher registration fees.
When should I not desex my pet?
If your pet is otherwise fit and well, there may be some circumstances where we delay such a procedure. You should mention if there are any signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing or lethargy before your pet is admitted.
If your female dog has gone into heat, it is ideal to wait two to three months after their cycle before speying. This is because of the heightened blood supply to the reproductive system, which creates an unnecessary added risk during surgery. It can still be done of their cycle was more recent, but should be delayed if possible.
What is involved in the procedure?
Desexing is a day procedure, meaning you should be able to pick up your pet the same afternoon as their surgery. At the Ark, you start by having a 10-15 minute admission appointment with one of our knowledgeable nurses. They will take you through a consent form and discuss pre-anaesthetic blood tests, optional extras (like trimming nails or checking ears) and the surgery itself.
Part of your admit appointment will involve checking for deciduous (baby) teeth, umbilical hernias and the presence of both testicles for the boys. These may require repair during surgery.
The nursing team will take a small blood sample to be analysed prior to their general anaesthetic. This gives the veterinarian as much information as possible about your pet’s overall health prior to their surgery and can inform decisions made about drugs used and post-operative care.
The procedure is performed by one of our experienced, qualified veterinarians with a nurse monitoring the anaesthesia throughout. This means your pet has the undivided attention of at least two people to keep them safe and sound throughout their surgery and recovery.
Your pet will be kept on intravenous fluid therapy to support organ function and given pain relief during and after their operation. Once they are up and about, you can expect a call to update you and arrange a time to pick them up. When you come by, a nurse will take you through how the day went, home care and medications.
Lastly, we would like to see your pet for some post-operative checks to ensure they are healing on track and don’t need any more pain relief. There is no additional charge for this – it’s all wrapped up with their surgery.
What should I expect after the operation?
Recovery varies depending on the species and sex. Neutering a male is less invasive than speying a female, and the operation for cats is less complex than for dogs. Males will need at least one week to allow their surgical site to heal, and allow two weeks for females.
During this time, it is important to avoid running, jumping and stretching their tummy as much as possible. This will allow their body to heal and avoid stitches pulling. Dogs should be on a lead when going out to the toilet and walks kept short and on a flat surface. Cats should also be confined to keep them quiet and kept indoors until given the all-clear by your vet team.
Give your pet their pain medication over the coming days per the vet’s instructions (this will be written clearly on the packet). They might be quieter than normal the first night at home as their sedation wears off. Offer them about half of their normal dinner to avoid gorging. After a good night’s sleep in their own bed, most pets will be feeling much more like themselves.
Surgical sterilisation can lead to weight gain due to changes in the animal’s metabolism and hormones. Ensuring they are on a consistent diet with ample exercise will reduce their risk of severe weight fluctuations. Speak with your vet or a member of the nursing team if you have concerns about your pet’s weight following desexing.
What happens if I don’t desex my pet?
The most obvious consequence of not getting your pet desexed is an unexpected pregnancy. Cats can reach sexual maturity as young as five months of age and have up to three litters in a year. With an average of two to five kittens per litter, one queen could have up to 200,000 descendants in five years!
Even if you have a male pet, it is your responsibility to make sure they are not able to roam and sire an unexpected litter.
Desexing will affect your pet’s behaviour as hormones related to reproduction are quelled. When your cat or dog is in heat, they are going to be flirty, cuddly and vocal to draw the attention of any nearby males. In turn, males can be equally vocal, marking their territory and even getting into fights to defend said territory – and any females he has his eye on.
Speying can reduce the risk of developing mammary tumours and infection of the uterus, known as pyometra. Pyometra is a life-threatening condition and requires surgery to rectify. Likewise, neutering can decrease aggression, marking, wandering and fighting. This will, in turn, mean they are less likely to be out on the road or get into fights with other animals (especially cats).
Council registration fees for entire (not desexed) animals are also much dearer. Instead of a one-off payment, you will be in for a yearly fee unless given an exemption by your veterinarian.
If you want to know more about desexing your pet, call our friendly team at 02 9416 1300 or book an appointment online.