Mt Martha Vet ClinicNeutering Your Dog
At Mt Martha Vet Clinic, we understand how much your canine friend means to you. Neutering is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we are dedicated to ensuring your pet’s operation is performed safely and successfully.
What is Involved in Desexing?
On the morning of surgery, your pet is weighed and examined. Blood testing is performed if elected. A sedative injection is given, which relieves anxiety & provides pain relief. An intravenous (IV) catheter is placed, and general anaesthesia is induced by injection through this catheter and then maintained with a mixture of gas and oxygen via a tube placed in the throat. IV fluids are commenced. The surgical site is clipped and prepared with antiseptics. The anaesthetic is constantly monitored and recorded by a nurse. The vet performs the surgery in sterile conditions using human-grade suture materials. A tattoo is applied to the left ear so that your pet can be recognised as having been desexed, and further pain relief can be administered. Afterwards, your pet’s recovery is closely monitored, and additional pain relief is given again as required. The IV catheter and drip are removed once we are happy with your pet’s recovery, and they have been offered food and water.
In MALES, both testicles are removed (castration).
Post-Surgery Care
At discharge, we give you written instructions on postoperative care. We expect that at discharge, your pet will be walking and happy to see you, though quieter than usual. A small number of pets will need to wear a protective hood to stop them from chewing at their stitches. After desexing, exercise must be limited to leash walking only until stitches are removed. Our fees include a check-up at 2-4 days and stitch removal at 10-14 days after surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Desexing?
As well as controlling fertility and unwanted puppies, there are a number of health and behavioural benefits.
For MALES
- Decreased roaming behaviour greatly reduces the risk of straying and road accidents
- Aggressive and dominant behaviour towards humans and other dogs is much reduced
- Testicular cancer cannot occur
- Problems affecting the prostate gland are greatly reduced
- Certain cancers and hernias affecting the area around the anus are greatly reduced by castration
- The other main advantage of castration for dogs is that your pet is much more content, otherwise his natural urge to reproduce cannot be satisfied
At What Age Can My Dog Be Neutered Mt Martha Veterinary Clinic?
Generally, desexing is recommended from around 12 months of age, provided your pet is healthy and fully vaccinated; however, this can vary depending on breed. In some cases, desexing may be recommended earlier. Desexing is often performed at around 6 months of age for smaller breeds, although there are breed-specific exceptions, and we will discuss the most appropriate timing for your pet. If you are experiencing behavioural concerns (e.g. roaming or dominant behaviour), please contact the clinic to discuss your options.
When Can I Go Ahead?
A few days’ notice is all that is required – simply call us on 03 5974 1199, we will be happy to make the arrangement, and supply you with a pre-anesthetic information sheet that details what you will need to do on the morning of your pet’s surgery. For your convenience, we can admit your pet the evening before or accommodate them afterwards (an extra charge applies).
Any questions? Feel free to ask our helpful staff on 03 5974 1199.