THINGS WE DO
PET DESEXING
At Evervet, we understand that your pets are cherished members of your family. That's why we approach every desexing procedure with the utmost care, empathy, and expertise. Our goal is to ensure the health and well-being of your pet while providing you with peace of mind throughout the entire process.
Understanding the Desexing Procedure for Pets
Pet desexing, also known as spaying or neutering, involves the surgical removal of reproductive organs in both male and female pets. This procedure is safe and effective, and it offers numerous benefits for your pet's health and behaviour.
Dog Desexing
Desexing in dogs, whether male or female, is a common procedure that can have a positive impact on their overall health and behaviour. For male dogs, the testicles are removed (castration), while for female dogs, the ovaries and often the uterus are removed (spaying).
Cat Desexing
Similar to dogs, desexing in cats helps prevent unwanted litters and offers health benefits. For male cats, the testicles are removed, and for female cats, the ovaries and usually the uterus are removed.
Why Is Pet Desexing Done?
Cat desexing and dog desexing are performed for a variety of reasons:
Population Control: Prevents unwanted litters, reducing the strain on animal shelters and preventing euthanasia of homeless animals.
Health Benefits: Reduces the risk of certain reproductive-related diseases, such as uterine infections and certain cancers.
Behavioural Improvement: Can reduce aggressive behaviour, roaming tendencies, and certain mating-related behaviours.
When Should Desexing Be Done?
Understand the recommended timing for pet desexing:
Dogs: Puppy desexing is typically recommended at around 6 months of age. This timing allows your pet to reach sexual maturity while minimising the risk of certain health and behavioural issues. However, in large breeds, we might suggest waiting until they are around 12 months old to allow proper growth.
Cats: Kitten desexing can take place as early as 8 to 12 weeks of age before they reach sexual maturity. Early desexing is safe and has positive health and behavioural outcomes.
Traditional Pet Desexing Procedure vs. Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Desexing
When it comes to desexing procedures, both traditional and laparoscopic (Keyhole) methods aim to achieve the same goal of preventing reproduction and offering health benefits. However, they differ in their surgical approach, incision size, and recovery process.
We offer both traditional laparotomy and laparoscopic desexing procedures. Laparotomy (traditional) involves a small incision in the abdomen, while Laparoscopic (Keyhole) desexing is a minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions.
At Evervet, we offer both traditional and laparoscopic desexing options, and our experienced veterinarians will recommend the most suitable option based on your pet's individual needs.
What is Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Desexing?
This is an operation performed to "neuter" or desex the animal by surgically removing the ovaries for females or the retained testical via “keyhole” surgery. Laparoscopic desexing causes less surgical stress and up to 65% less post-operative pain than a traditional open abdominal surgical procedure. This means less pain and a faster recovery for your pet.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures are performed through two or three abdominal incisions that are 5-10mm in size. Enhanced visualisation of the organs due to the high-definition magnified views allows greater surgical precision. For instance, the ligament is cauterised and cut, rather than torn. This minimises bleeding and pain. A 2-day period of post-operative lead rest is advised. There are over 50% fewer post-operative complications compared with other surgical techniques.
Further information is available here Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery
Female Desexing - Spey
Traditional Procedure
Approach: A small incision is made in the abdomen to access and remove the ovaries and often the uterus.
Incision: Larger incision compared to the laparoscopic (keyhole) approach.
Benefits: Prevents the female animal from coming into season (on heat), consequently preventing her from having a litter.
Recovery: Generally requires a slightly longer recovery period.
Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Desexing Procedure
Keyhole Desexing Approach: Small incisions (keyholes) are made to insert a camera and surgical instruments, allowing for precise removal of the ovaries and uterus.
Incision: Smaller incisions result in less tissue trauma and reduced scarring.
Benefits: Minimally invasive, less postoperative pain, faster recovery.
Recovery: Generally quicker recovery with less discomfort.
Further information is available here: Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery
Male Desexing - Castration
Traditional Procedure
Approach: A small incision is made in the scrotum to remove both testicles.
Incision: Small incision, but still larger compared to the laparoscopic approach.
Benefits: The surgery is performed to eliminate sexual activities and render the dog sterile. Castration usually reduces the tendency to roam and fight, and it can reduce the general level of aggressive behaviour.
Recovery: Usually requires a moderate recovery period.
Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Desexing Procedure for Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles)
Keyhole Desexing Approach: Small incisions are made to access and remove the testicles using laparoscopic instruments.
Incision: Tiny keyhole incisions, minimising tissue trauma and scarring.
Benefits: Minimally invasive, reduced pain and swelling, quicker return to normal activities.
Recovery: Faster recovery, less discomfort.
Further information is available here: Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery
Desexing Recovery
Your pet's comfort and recovery are of the utmost importance to us. After the procedure, we'll provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. This may include pain management, wound care, and monitoring for any unusual behaviour.
At Evervet, we treat your pets as if they were our own, and our team is dedicated to making the desexing process as stress-free as possible for both you and your furry friends.
For more information, visit our Surgery and Aftercare page. You can also visit our Post Operative Complications page for further information.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how desexing can positively impact your pet's life.
Health considerations
Disease Prevention
Many health issues can be avoided with desexing. Pyometra, unwanted pregnancy, testicular cancers, prostate disease and unwanted behaviour prevention can be influenced by desexing pets early.
Unplanned Pregnancies
Desexing eliminates the risk of unplanned pregnancies, helping to prevent overpopulation and reducing the number of homeless animals.
Kittens
Kittens can be desexed from 3 months of age safely. They can start to show signs of hormonal activity from 5 months of age and can fall pregnant early.
Puppies
Individual desexing ages vary between breeds of dogs and the size of your puppy. Please speak to your veterinarian about recommendations for the age of desexing.
Rabbit & Ferrets
Desexing of female ferrets in particular is mandatory if they are not to be bred due to life-threatening bone marrow suppression. Female rabbits have a high incidence of uterine cancer as they age.
Community Health
Desexing pets helps reduce the stray population, which can be a significant concern for both public health and natural ecosystems.
MORE OF
WHAT WE DO
Be forever
