Neutering your Pet | Westway Veterinary Group

Dog Neutering Advice

We recommend:

All dogs are neutered, unless intended for breeding.
Monitoring weight and food intake is important post operatively.

What is neutering?

In the male, this is called castration, and simply involves removing both testicles. In the female, the operation is commonly called spaying, and both ovaries and the womb are removed.

Why is it good to neuter your male pet?

In older dogs, testicular tumours, anal tumours and diseased of the prostate gland are common. Castration is a valuable preventative measure in these cases and may reduce problematic behaviour traits such as aggression, hyper-sexual and territorial behaviour.

Why is it good to spay your female pet?

Apart from the obvious advantage of preventing unwanted litters, spaying provides some definite practical and health benefits. Your pet will no longer have seasons (with all the associated management difficulties), future life-threatening diseases of the womb (pyometra and cancer) will be prevented, and risk of breast cancer will be very much reduced.

When should the operation be performed?

As soon as possible after 5 months of age. For females, this is before their first season, which virtually eliminates the risk of mammary tumours in later life.

Are there any disadvantages of neutering?

Neutering is a surgical procedure and involves an anaesthetic, hence there are small risks. However, in a young healthy animal, these risks are minimal, compared to the risk of problems if unneutered. Neutered animals have a reduced metabolic rate, and so there may be a tendency to put on weight if the same quantity of food is given. However, a slight reduction of food intake should prevent this. One of our healthcare nursing team would be happy to discuss any queries with you.

Cats Neutering Advice

We recommend:

All pet cats are neutered, unless intended for breeding.

What is neutering?

Neutering is the surgical removal of the sex organs. In the male, this is called castration, and simply involves removing both testicles. In the female, the operation is commonly called spaying, and both ovaries and the womb are removed.

Why is it good to neuter your male cat?

Some problematic behaviour traits may, in part, be linked to male hormones. These include aggressive, hyper-sexual and territorial behaviour, all of which may be unacceptable in a home environment. Castration of cats has been shown to reduce the tendency of them to exhibit such traits. Uncastrated male cats to to spray urine indoors and are also more likely to fight with other cats. Serious wounds may be inflicted, or life threatening diseases (e.g. Feline Leukaemia, Feline Aids) transmitted.

Why is it good to neuter your female cat?

Apart from the obvious advantage of preventing unwanted litters cats will stay in season for most of the year, starting with her showing a behaviour known as “calling.” This can be distressing to owners as it sounds as though she is in pain. She will become desperate to get out of the house to find a mate, increasing the risk of road traffic accidents and unwanted pregnancies.

When should the operation be performed?

Neutering cats of both sexes is usually performed after 4 months of age after pre-neuter check with vet.

Are there any disadvantages of neutering?

Neutering is a surgical procedure and involves an anaesthetic. In a young, healthy animal, this risk associated with this anaesthetic is minimal.

Neutered animals have a reduced metabolic rate, and so there may be a tendency to put on weight if the same quantity of food is given. However, a slight reduction of food intake should prevent this. One of our healthcare nursing team would be happy to discuss any queries with you.