It can be a big decision when considering neutering your precious pet and sometimes it can be hard to know whether you’re making the right decision. There are both pros and cons when it comes to neutering, which should be weighed up before you make a final decision.
Here at Pawsome Vets, we know that you are trusting us with your babies. That’s why we’re here to help you make the best informed decision regarding neutering.
Let’s take a look into why it may be best to neuter both cats and dogs.
How are male cats neutered? (Cat Castration)
When we remove the testicles from a male cat, this is called a castration procedure. It is a short operation which usually lasts for 15 minutes or less. A blade is used to make an incision in the scrotum and then both testicles are removed, preventing the male cat from reproducing.
We would absolutely recommend castration in cats, mainly to control the stray cat population. By removing the testicles in cats, we can also avoid:
- Fighting between uncastrated males
- Unwanted scent marking or spraying behaviours
- Breeding with entire females
Male cats tend to recover very quickly from a castration procedure and are usually back to normal within a day or two.
How are female cats neutered? (Cat Spay)
When we neuter a female cat, this is known as spaying. There are two methods that can be carried out when spaying a cat, either an ovariohysterectomy or an ovariectomy. An ovariohysterectomy is where both the ovaries and the uterus are removed, whereas an ovariectomy is where just the ovaries are removed.
Usually, this is decided on a case by case basis by the vet, but if you have a preference, speak to one of our team beforehand.
A cat undergoing a spay procedure is placed under an anaesthetic and the procedure usually lasts around 45 minutes.
A spay is more invasive than a cat castration, as we have to enter the body cavity in order to find and remove the reproductive organs.
Neutering female cats is recommended to reduce the population of stray cats. By spaying a cat, we can also avoid:
- Vocal calling behaviours when in heat
- Unwanted litters
- Uterine infections
After a spay procedure, cats are left with a wound on the side of their body, or sometimes this can be on the midline of their abdomen.
They usually recover quickly from the procedure, being back to their usual selves after 10 days.
How old do cats need to be before neutering?
Usually, we are able to neuter cats from 4 months old and when they weigh over 2kg. If you’re unsure on your cat’s age, book an appointment with us today and we can take a look for you.
It’s also good for your cat to be checked over by one of our vets prior to neutering so that we can make sure they are fit and healthy to undergo an anaesthetic.
How are male dogs neutered? (Dog Castrate)
Male dogs are neutered similar to cats, but the procedure takes a little longer. Dog’s are placed under a general anaesthetic, where the scrotum is opened and the testicles removed. Stitches are often placed beneath the skin to close the wound. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes.
Neutering male dogs can take place from 6 months of age for smaller breeds, whereas larger breeds we usually wait until they are over 18 months old. This is so that they can fully grow and develop before we remove the testicles.
Remember that you do not need to neuter your dog as soon as they reach the required age. In some cases, it may be best to leave them entire (with testicles) to help them to mature and grow in character.
Neutering your dog can help to minimise:
- Testicular cancers
- Territorial behaviour
- Unwanted mating events
- Spraying or scent marking
Dogs usually recover well from their procedure and are back to normal within 10 days.
What is chemical castration?
You may have heard about a chemical castration for male dogs. This is where an implant is placed beneath the skin and a hormone is slowly released over the course of 6 or 12 months, reducing the testosterone that is produced by the male.
A chemical castration allows you as an owner to see how your dog may react once their testosterone has been removed.
This can be particularly useful in reactive dogs that can show signs of behavioural problems. In some instances, removing the testosterone completely through a surgical castration can make their behaviour worse.
With a chemical castration being a temporary measure, you are able to decide whether you would like to proceed with a permanent surgical castration once the implant wears off.
How are female dogs neutered? (Bitch Spay)
When we remove the ovaries from a bitch, this is known as a bitch spay. Similar to cats, either the ovaries and uterus are removed, or just the ovaries are removed. This depends on a case by case basis, but you can discuss this with one of our team in more detail.
We are able to remove the reproductive organs through the midline of their abdomen and sutures are placed beneath the skin to close the wound.
Bitches can recover quickly from the procedure, but remember this is invasive abdominal surgery, so they can feel a little delicate for a few days.
By spaying a bitch, we can avoid:
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Phantom pregnancy
- Uterine infections
- Bleeding during their season
On average, bitches are fully recovered after 10 days.
When can my bitch be spayed?
Bitches are able to be spayed 3 months after the end of their season or 4 months from the start of their season. This is so that there is a reduced risk associated with their procedure and that there are a low level of reproductive hormones within the body.
Smaller dog breeds can be spayed from 6 months, whereas larger breeds should be over 18 months to ensure that they are fully grown.
In some cases, a bitch can be spayed before they have had a season. Speak with one of our team for more information on a pre season spay procedure.
Are there any risks to neutering my pet?
As with any surgery, there can be risks associated with carrying out a neutering procedure. Our Pawsome team offers the highest level of care, with both the vets and the nursing team being highly trained to carry out these procedures.
However, on rare occasions, there can be complications which arise during or after the procedure. These can include:
- Post-operative infection
- A bleed within surgery
- Post-operative bleed
- Herniation of the wound
- Post-operative wound breakdown
- Haematoma
Every precaution is made to reduce these risks both during and after the surgery. If you would like to discuss risks in more detail, speak with one of our team who would be happy to talk you through the procedure.
Are there risks if I don’t neuter my cat or dog?
There can be risks associated with not neutering your pet, however, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to neutering your cat or dog. It all depends on the animal, age, breed and your aims as an owner. It is important to consider the risks for both neutering and not neutering your pet.
Some risks of not neutering your pet can include:
Pyometra: This is an invasive infection, where the uterus of the female cat or dog can fill with pus. More commonly seen in dogs, a pyometra can make an animal extremely poorly, and in severe cases it can be fatal.
There are treatment options available depending on the severity of the infection, but usually a spay procedure is curative. Pets that have been spayed are not able to suffer from a pyometra.
Retained testicle: In male cats and dogs, a testicle may not fully descend into the scrotum. A retained testicle can usually be found within the inguinal area (groin) or can be located in the abdomen if both testicles are not found within the scrotum.
If your pet has a retained testicle, it is important to get this removed. In some cases, the retained testicle can become cancerous.
The surgery involved can be more complicated than a general castration, so speak with one of our team if you think your pet may have a retained testicle.
Unwanted litters: By neutering your pets, we completely eradicate the chances of an unwanted pregnancy. No matter if you own a male or female cat or dog, neutering will help to reduce the amount of puppies and kittens that need homes. This is particularly important for the population of stray animals within the UK.
Final thoughts
Here are Pawsome Vets, we are committed to doing what is best for you and your pet. If you are unsure on whether to neuter your cat or dog, our vet and nursing team are more than happy to discuss the different options available to you.
Pop into the practice or give us a call on 01623 203529 and we can discuss in more detail.
