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Neutering

More information regarding this popular procedure

Neutering

More information regarding this popular procedure

Dogs

We prefer to treat your dog as an individual and give advice about neutering to suit your dog's breed, temperament and lifestyle. We prefer to have a discussion before the operation is booked to ensure you are aware of all the issues involved to enable you to make an informed decision that is best for your dog.

Please contact reception to make an appointment with a vet or nurse to discuss neutering your dog. The pre-neutering consultation is free.

We would recommend spaying (ovariohysterectomy) between the first and second season, but we will carry out the procedure from 6 months of age if it is necessary for an individual to avoid a season altogether. We would normally examine your bitch before the operation to make sure there is no evidence of a false pregnancy, and to make sure that she is not in season.

Male dogs can also be castrated from 6 months of age. However, we are concerned that there are many unrealistic expectations about the effect of castration of dogs. Neutering is often recommended for behaviour problems and would be advisable if a dog is showing excessive male sexual behaviours. If you are considering having your dog neutered for behavioural reasons, we will advise you to speak with one of our vets before the procedure as it may not be the most appropriate course of action. It is important to diagnose the cause of the problem behaviour.

Further behaviour training in addition to neutering may be advisable. Some cases will require behaviour training before neutering.

We can now offer a hormone implant for male dogs which produces a 'chemical castration' for 6 or 12 months. This option can be discussed at your pre-neutering consultation.

Cats

We advise neutering of both male and female cats from 5 months of age. There are always too many kittens needing homes, as well as older cats available in rescue centres, so we feel it is socially responsible to have a pet cat neutered unless there is a strong reason for breeding. Entire cats have a tendency to wander, putting them at higher risk of being involved in accidents or fights. They are also at an increased risk of contracting diseases such as Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Rabbits

We would strongly recommend having your pet rabbit neutered. Un-neutered rabbits of both sexes are highly territorial and can be difficult to handle and bond with. Female rabbits are at a high risk of developing uterine and ovarian tumours, does can also get very aggressive at certain times of the year with the hormone changes associated with seasons and false pregnancies.

We can neuter rabbits from around 4 to 5 months old, depending on the individual rabbit's size and development. If your rabbit is under 5 months old and you wish to have him or her neutered for any reason, such as having a male/female pairing, we would ask you to make an appointment to get them checked over by a vet first.

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