Female Dogs (Spay)

Routine

When a bitch is spayed an operation is carried out to remove the ovaries via an incision in the tummy under a general anaesthetic. We are also able to offer laparoscopic bitch spaying, where the ovaries are removed via keyhole surgery - further information on laparoscopic spaying is below.

Depending on your pets breed we may suggest spaying before the first season or we may advise spaying 2-3 months after the first season.

Laparoscopic

We are now able to offer clients with dogs over 10kg the option of having their bitch neutered laparoscopically (We hope to be able to offer this to all breeds and sizes in the future). In this procedure the ovaries are removed using a laparoscope inserted through small incisions in the wall of the abdomen. This ‘keyhole’ procedure is well established but not widely available in general practices.

The advantages include:

• A significant reduction in post-operative discomfort compared to the conventional technique due to the smaller incisions and reduction in abdominal retraction/manipulation required.
• The bitch’s activity restriction is less critical during the post-surgical period (although restriction to lead exercise is recommended for 10 days).
• In breeds at risk of bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus, gastric torsion, twisting of the stomach) a prophylactic gastropexy can be carried out at the same time. These breeds are typically deep-chested i.e. Great Danes, Pointers, and Irish Setters etc.
• The procedure is minimally invasive with only 2 small skin incisions.

Male Dogs (Castrate)

The castration operation involves removing both testes under a general anaesthetic via a small incision in front of the scrotum.

We generally advise dog castration from 6 months of age. For large breed we may advise castration at a later date due to development.

Female Cats (Spay)

The spay operation for cats involves the removal of the ovaries and sometimes the uterus via an incision on the flank or tummy under general anaesthesia. We advise that cats can be spayed from 5 months of age or once 2kg.

Male Cats (Castrate)

The castration is carried out under general anaesthesia and the testes are removed via small incisions in the scrotum. These incisions are so small that sutures are not required. Cats can be castrated from 4/5 months of age.

Male Rabbits (Castrate)

The castration is carried out under general anaesthesia and the testes are removed via small incisions in the scrotum. We advise that rabbits can be castrated from 5 months (over 1/1.2kg).