At West Edinburgh Vets we suggest neutering for dogs, cats, and rabbits that are not intended for breeding, however we will of course always consult with you to make sure it is the best decision for your pet.
Neutering offers numerous health benefits including prevention of uterine infections and cancers, as well as lowering the risk of mammary cancer in female pets. In male pets, neutering can address certain behavioural issues, eliminates testicular cancer, and reduces a majority of prostate related disease.
Neutering is particularly important if you and your pet live in higher density areas, to reduce aggressive and sexually driven behaviour, as well as potentially embarrassing situations on walks!
Neutering is carried out on an outpatient basis, meaning your pet will be back home with you the same day, and recovery is usually quick, with full healing expected in two weeks or less. Post-operation appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress. All neutering is carried out under general anaesthesia.
We also perform spays via keyhole surgery which can offer significant benefits, including reduced pain resulting in quicker recovery times for your pets. See keyhole spays for more information.
Please contact us for more information, pricing, and pre-operative advice.
We recommend the following ages for neutering in dogs:
- Bitches can be spayed from 6 months old, prior to their first season, or 3 months post season (as this is the safest time to spay). For large breed dogs, we recommend carrying out the procedure after their first season for optimum health benefits
- We perform keyhole (laparoscopic) spays for bitches wherever as it significantly improves their post-operative comfort and reduces recovery time
- Male dogs can be castrated at any point after the age of 6 months. For maximum health benefits it is advised that they are neutered by 5 years old. For behavioural benefits, neutering earlier is often recommended
- For giant breeds of dogs, it is recommended that they are not neutered until 12-18 months old, which allows time for their bones and joints to fully mature, as this takes longer in very large breeds
- Queens (female cats) are spayed from 6 months old. We also offer keyhole spaying in cats.
- Toms (male cats) are castrated from 6 months old
- It is possible to carry out these procedures in cats earlier than this in exceptional circumstances, that can be discussed further with a vet if required