One of the most important health decisions you will have to make for your new family member is to desex them. The team at Gisborne Veterinary Clinic highly recommends desexing (castration or speying). The procedures for both male and female animals is completed under general anaesthetic by our highly skilled team members of the nursing and veterinarian crew and it involves the removal of part of a pet’s reproductive system. Desexing of females (also known as speying) involves removing the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy). Desexing of males (also known as castration or neutering) involves the removal of both testicles.

The age at which your pet should be desexed can vary between breeds. As a guideline, cats and smaller breeds of dogs are more frequently desexed at around six months of age whilst the larger dog breeds are desexed when they attain their full bone growth. Desexing your pet can be discussed with your veterinarian at any time, or even at your booster vaccinations which are completed prior to 6 months of age.
If you have adopted an older pet that is still entire (not desexed), a full health check-up should be completed prior to any surgical procedures.

What are the benefits of desexing?

The main health concerns that can occur with females are uterine infections and mammary tumours.
These potential Infections in the uterus are called pyometra. Performing an ovariohysterectomy will remove the uterus and then the development of pyometra will no longer be able to happen.

Mammary tumours can still occur in any animal but entire females are at a much higher risk of development. Desexing your pet will decrease the risk of mammary tumours significantly.
Speying your dog or cat will also help prevent unwanted litters.

Desexing your male pet will help alleviate the occurrence of testicular and prostate growths and cancers. It will also lower the chances that he will go out wandering looking for a mate. Some dogs have been known to break down fences to get to a female on heat!

Some people will ask if it is beneficial for their female cat or dog to have a litter prior to being desexed- It is no benefit for the pet to have a litter before being desexed. If you are considering breeding, schedule an appointment with our vets to discuss what is involved with pregnancy in animals and what signs to look out for if your pet is having trouble giving birth

If you would like any more information regarding desexing of your pet, please contact us at the clinic on (03) 54282805.

Admission

If your pet is booked in for surgery please follow these guidelines:

• Please schedule your pet’s arrival with our receptionists, between 8am and 9am
• Dogs and Cats cannot have food after 7:00 pm the night before. Water should be provided unless directed by your treating veterinarian.
• Rabbits and Guinea Pigs are to be feed as normal.

Transporting pets

• Cats should be carried in a cat box for safety; a pillowcase is also a suitable option.
• Dogs should be on a lead and under control.

Should you require assistance with your pet, please notify our staff upon making your appointment and we will have someone assist you at your arrival.

Discharge

We will be in contact with you after your pet has had their procedure completed and arrange a discharge time at your convenience. Most day surgeries will be ready for discharge and go home after 3.00 pm.