Desexing Pets

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Dog Desexing

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Cat Desexing

What it Means to Desex Your Pet

Having your furry friends desexed offers many health benefits to them and peace of mind for you. Desexing involves the surgical removal of their reproductive organs, preventing any unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. For female patients, desexing or spaying is achieved by removing the uterus and ovaries. The procedure for male patients, known as neutering or castration, involves the removal of both testicles. These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. In most cases, your pet will be able to go home on the day of surgery to recover with you and their family around them.

Desex pet

What Means to Desex Your Pet

Desex pet

Having your furry friends desexed offers many health benefits to them and peace of mind for you. Desexing involves the surgical removal of their reproductive organs, preventing any unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. For female patients, desexing or spaying is achieved by removing the uterus and ovaries. The procedure for male patients, known as neutering or castration, involves the removal of both testicles. These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. In most cases, your pet will be able to go home on the day of surgery to recover with you and their family around them.

The Health Benefits of Desexing Your Pets

Desexing your furry friend will provide many benefits for them and for you. There is much more to be gained from desexing pets than preventing unwanted pregnancies. There are a number of behavioural and health benefits for both male and female animals.

01

Castration of male dogs prevents testicular issues and substantially reduces the incidence of prostate problems, as well as perianal gland tumours and perineal hernias. It will also reduce aggressive behaviour in most dogs.

02

Spaying reduces the risk of mammary (breast cancer) and uterine infections in female dogs. It also reduces the wandering behaviour that is normal for females when they are in heat, and looking for a mate.

03

Neutering your male cat will prevent testicular and prostate problems. It will also reduce the risk of injury from aggressive behaviour when roaming.

04

Desexing benefits female cats by preventing mammary and uterine cancers, uterine infections and life threatening pyometra. It also eliminates wandering in search of a mate.

05

Your furry family member will enjoy better overall health, and you will have a more well behaved pet.

As a pet owner, you want to have a fun, loving relationship with your furry companion. Having them desexed removes their instinct to wander in search of a mate. Less roaming means a greatly reduced risk of painful injuries from the aggressive behaviour of themselves or other neighbourhood pets. This reduces the risk of infections and also traumatic injuries such as fight wounds or injuries from motor vehicles. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing that your pet is spending their time safely at home with you. Additionally, you won’t have the worry of having to find homes for a litter of puppies or kittens.

When You Should De-Sex Your Pet

The timing for de-sexing can vary depending on a number of factors including their breed, size and heat cycle (for females).

It is generally recommended that puppies be de-sexed at five to six months old, as this is when they reach sexual maturity, and are able to reproduce. Female dogs should not be spayed while they are in heat, due to an increased risk of bleeding during this time. We recommend waiting for six to twelve weeks after their heat cycle to book them in for de-sexing. For larger and giant breed dogs, it is recommended to wait until they are twelve to eighteen months of age before having them de-sexed.

About The Procedure

Pre-Op

Desexing is normally a day procedure, allowing your pet to go home with you on the day of surgery, to recover. They will need to fast from 10pm on the night prior to surgery (no food but water is ok until the morning). We will ask you to drop your furry companion off at our hospital early in the morning to be admitted and have their pre-anaesthetic examination. If any blood tests are required, they will be done at this time. If the vet finds everything normal in the physical examination (and blood tests, if elected), your pet will receive a pre-med.

Procedure

The pre-med consists of a medication to calm your pet and relieve anxiety and another one for pain. After receiving their pre-med, most animals rest calmly and snooze until the time of their surgery. When your furry friend is ready for surgery anaesthesia will be induced with an intravenous medication, a tube will be placed into the trachea allowing control of the airways, and anaesthesia will be maintained by gas until the procedure has been completed. Throughout the procedure, their anaesthesia will be closely monitored by one of our highly qualified and experienced vet nurses. After surgery, your pet will be given additional medication for pain and while recovering, a vet nurse will monitor and care for them.

Recovery

You will be able to pick up your furry friend mid to late afternoon. At the time of pick up, we will provide you with additional pain medication and instructions for its use. Your pet will have a small wound from their procedure which will be protected from excessive licking with an Elizabethan collar. Our friendly staff will advise you on all aspects of after surgery care so that your precious pet can have a speedy and successful recovery.

Veterinary Services

General Care

Dental Care

Desexing Pets

Pet Vaccinations

Blood Analysis

General Surgery

Medical Imaging

Non-Medical Services

Pet Grooming

Doggy Day Care

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Puppy School

Some common reasons pets might visit us for an emergency

If you’re unsure

If you’re unsure whether your pet needs immediate attention, don’t hesitate to call us on 02 9140 0177

Vomiting and Diarrhoea

Nothing prompts a quick visit to the veterinary hospital like seeing your pet suffering from extended vomiting and diarrhoea. This distressing situation can arise from various causes, including dietary indiscretion, consumption of fatty or inappropriate foods, and infections.

Toxin Ingestions

Pets are naturally curious and sometimes get into harmful substances. Common toxins include grapes, chocolate, xylitol (Chewing Gum), certain plants (like lilies for Cats), human medications, rodenticides, foreign body and even an overdose of their own medication. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic or foreign, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Lacerations and Bite Wounds

Playful activities can sometimes lead to injuries. This is especially true in settings like dog parks or when multiple cats interact. Our veterinarians frequently address wounds and abscesses, providing necessary treatment to ensure your pet heals properly.

Motor Vehicle injury

Road accidents involving pets are sadly all too common. While some pets may only suffer minor injuries, others may face severe trauma. To prevent such accidents, always keep dogs on a lead or within a fenced area, ensure older or less agile dogs are safe, and keep cats indoors.

Urinary Tract Obstructions

Male cats are particularly susceptible to urinary tract obstructions due to the narrowness of their urinary passage. Conditions like urinary crystals or bladder stones can exacerbate the problem. If your cat shows signs of straining to urinate, frequent urination, vocalising, or excessive grooming, seek immediate veterinary care.

Difficulty Breathing

Respiratory distress in pets can be alarming and is a common reason for emergency visits. Difficulty breathing can signal serious conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, feline asthma, or anatomical issues. Our team can provide oxygen support and appropriate treatment for these conditions.

Gastrointestinal Foreign Material

Pets can consume foreign objects that can become lodged in their digestive tract, causing vomiting and lethargy and requiring surgical removal. Commonly ingested items include toys, clothing, and bones in dogs, and strings or hair ties in cats. If your pet has ingested something they shouldn't have, consult us for guidance.

Worsening of Underlying Illness

Pets with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer may experience acute worsening of their health, necessitating emergency treatment or critical care.

Painful, Red Eye

Eye issues in pets can range from injuries and infections to more serious conditions like glaucoma. A red and painful eye requires prompt veterinary evaluation to prevent rapid deterioration and ensure appropriate treatment.

Lameness and Difficulty Walking

Lameness in pets can stem from various issues, including muscle sprains, ligament tears, fractures, or even cancer. Our emergency veterinarians can assess your pet's condition, provide pain relief, and recommend diagnostic tests like radiographs to determine the cause.

At Rosebery Veterinary Hospital, we hope your pet never faces such emergencies. However, if they do - we are open 7 days a week and ready to provide the care your pet needs. 

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