Understanding Desexing and Its Benefits for Your Pet

Desexing, also referred to as spaying for females or neutering for males, is a standard surgical procedure that helps prevent unwanted litters and offers several health benefits for your pet. 

While it’s a common surgery, it’s essential to know the best timing and possible effects on your pet’s health. In this article, we’ll discuss the most suitable times for desexing, what to expect during the process, and why a personalised approach is crucial for each pet.

Desexing provides many advantages that contribute to your pet's overall well-being. For female pets, spaying prevents the risk of uterine infections (known as pyometra) and significantly lowers the risk of developing mammary (breast) cancer. Neutering male pets helps prevent testicular cancer and can reduce behaviours like aggression and marking territory.

The best time to desex your pet depends on several factors, including their breed, age, and general health.

• For Dogs: We generally suggest desexing dogs between 4 to 6 months of age. However, for large and giant breeds, such as Great Danes, it is often recommended to wait until they are older. These breeds take longer to mature, sometimes up to two years, and delaying desexing may support better growth and bone development. Your vet can provide advice tailored to your dog's specific circumstances to determine the optimal timing.
• For Cats: Desexing is usually recommended for cats between 4 to 6 months of age. Cats can become sexually mature as early as five months, so early desexing can help prevent unwanted behaviours and health issues. Beyond six months, cats are likely to exhibit sexual behaviours that can complicate their management in the home.

Each pet has unique needs, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to desexing. The decision to desex your pet should be based on their specific health, breed, size, and other considerations. Our team at North Road Veterinary Centre will assess your pet’s individual situation and provide guidance to ensure the best possible outcome for their health and well-being.

After surgery, you may notice that your pet has been shaved in certain areas. This includes the incision site and possibly a small patch on the front legs, where an intravenous line may have been inserted, or on the neck if blood samples were taken.

The incision will be closed with either dissolvable stitches or external sutures, depending on what is most appropriate for your pet. At North Road Veterinary Centre, we will inform you about the type of sutures used and whether they will need to be removed during a follow-up appointment, usually 10 to 14 days after surgery.

To help your pet recover comfortably, it’s vital to prevent them from licking or biting at the stitches, as this can lead to complications such as infections. If your pet does start to lick or chew the surgery site, an Elizabethan collar (cone) may be necessary to keep them from causing further damage.

Post-surgery, your pet may seem drowsy or disoriented for the first 12 to 24 hours. It is essential to keep them calm and quiet during this recovery period to prevent any complications, such as reopening the wound or pulling out the stitches.

After desexing, if you notice any concerning symptoms like excessive swelling, redness, discharge from the incision, prolonged vomiting, lethargy, or signs of significant discomfort, please contact us immediately. These could be signs of post-surgical complications that need prompt attention. Early action can prevent more serious problems and help ensure your pet recovers smoothly. At North Road Veterinary Centre, your pet's health and comfort are our top priorities, so do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns.

If you would like more details or wish to book a desexing appointment for your pet, call us on (03) 9596 4804.