OUR SERVICES
Desexing
What is desexing?
Desexing or neutering your pet is a surgical procedure that prevents them from being able to reproduce. In male pets, it is commonly referred to as “castration”, and in female pets as “spaying”. This is the most frequent surgery performed by our vets, and generally, your pet is home by the evening of surgery.
There are many benefits to desexing your pet, including:
- Preventing unwanted litters, which can be very costly, and may add to the already overwhelming number of stray animals that are put down each year
- Prevention of testicular cancer and prostate disease in males, and it can help prevent pyometra (infection of the uterus) and mammary tumours (breast cancer) in females
- Stopping the “heat” cycle in females
- Decreasing aggression towards humans and other animals, especially in males
- Being less prone to wander, especially in males
- Living a longer and healthier life
- Reduction of council registration fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Will desexing affect my pet’s personality?
Your pet will retain their pre-operation personality, possibly with the added bonus of being calmer and less aggressive.
Should my female have one litter first?
No – it is actually better for her not to have any litters before being spayed. Her risk of developing breast cancer increases if she is allowed to go through her first heat.
Will desexing cause my pet to become fat?
Your pet’s metabolism may be slowed due to hormonal changes after desexing, however, this is easily managed with adjusting feeding and ensuring adequate exercise. There is no reason a desexed pet cannot be maintained at a normal weight.
Is desexing painful?
As with all surgery, there is some tenderness immediately after the procedure, but most pets will recover very quickly. We administer pain relief prior to surgery and after surgery too. Your pet will be discharged with a short course of pain relief medication to take at home for the first few days after the surgery. In many cases, your pet will likely need some encouragement to take it easy!
Will my dog lose its “guard dog” instinct?
No, your dog will be just as protective of their territory as before the surgery.
Ready to book an appointment?
At Port Adelaide Veterinary Clinic, your pet’s health and well-being are our top priority.
Book your pet’s next appointment online or give our friendly team a call to find out how we can support their ongoing care.