Safe Pet Desexing and Surgery Appointments in Sydney
Asquith Veterinary Hospital has been caring for the pets in our community since 1976. Our dedicated team offers safe, professional and high-quality surgical and desexing procedures at our purpose-built, modern facility. Book your pet’s appointment today.
What is Pet Desexing?
Pet desexing (commonly known as spaying or neutering pets) is a surgical procedure where a pet’s reproductive organs are removed. Desexing not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also provides a variety of health and behavioural benefits.
What are the Benefits of Pet Desexing?
Desexing eliminates/reduces the risk of reproductive cancers and serious, life-threatening infections. Desexed pets tend to be more docile and less inclined to roam, minimising urine marking in male pets and loud, incessant vocalisation in female pets. Desexing pets helps reduce the number of homeless and unwanted pets.
Is Pet Desexing Safe?
Desexing is one of the most common surgical procedures veterinarians perform. We will perform a thorough pre-operative assessment and may recommend pre-anaesthetic blood tests. There is a small risk of adverse reaction to anaesthetics or of infection; however, the sterile surgical facilities and post-operative monitoring provided help minimise these risks.
What Is the Ideal Age to Have Your Pet Desexed?
Most veterinarians recommend that puppies be desexed between six months and twelve months of age; however, kittens can often be safely desexed from as early as four to six months. Breed, health and size all need to be considered when making an individual decision. Large breed dogs may benefit from desexing as 18 months to minimise the risk of orthopedic injuries later in their life.
Preparing Your Pet For Surgery
On the day of your pet’s desexing, withhold food from the evening before, after dinner; however, small amounts of water should be accessible right up until the time of surgery, and provide your pet’s vaccination certificate to the practice.
Looking After Your Pet After Surgery
Your pet may feel tired and a little sore for the first few day’s post-surgery. You will need to keep your pet calm, limit activity for the first seven to ten days, keep the site clean and dry, and observe daily for any redness, swelling, or discharge. We encourage you to schedule a follow-up appointment for suture removal (if required) and a post-operative check-up.
FAQ
Does my pet need to have a litter before desexing?
Current scientific research does not support this idea, and the best advice we can give is that early pet desexing should be performed when a litter is not planned.
How much does desexing cost?
Ask our team about the cost of pet desexing in your area – our friendly reception team can give you an estimate.
Are there any permits required for breeding?
Responsible breeding entails considering genetic health risks and local regulations regarding dog breeding and cat breeding licenses, if applicable.
What is the best age to desex my dog or cat?
For cats, desexing is generally recommended from 4 to 6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity. For dogs, the timing can vary depending on breed and size. Smaller breeds are typically desexed from 6 months, while larger breeds may benefit from waiting until 12 to 18 months.
What are the health benefits of desexing my pet?
Desexing offers significant health benefits for both dogs and cats. In females it eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) and cancer while significantly reducing the risk of mammary tumours, if done early enough. In males it removes the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the likelihood of prostate disease. Desexing also reduces unwanted behaviours such as roaming, aggression and marking.
How long does desexing surgery take and what is the recovery time?
Desexing surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and most pets are ready to go home the same day. Recovery usually takes 10 to 14 days, during which time your pet should be kept calm, avoid licking the wound and be restricted from jumping or running. A post-operative check at 10 to 14 days is recommended to ensure the wound is healing well and to remove sutures.
Does Asquith Veterinary Hospital have dedicated surgery facilities?
Yes. Asquith Veterinary Hospital has two designated sterile surgery theatres within our purpose-built hospital, with separate AC systems and strict aseptic techniques and protocol to reduce infection rates, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and safety for all surgical procedures.
How do I prepare my pet for surgery?
For dogs and cats, your pet will need to be fasted from food from midnight the night before surgery, although water can usually be left available. You must avoid feeding your pet on the morning of the procedure. Discuss with our veterinary team about what to do with any medications your pet may be on.
Why Choose Us For Pet Desexing?
Asquith Veterinary Hospital is equipped to care for a wide range of surgical cases, and our skilled veterinarians and nurses are experts in dog desexing and cat desexing procedures.
Contact the Asquith Veterinary Hospital team today to make an appointment.