Neutering: Everything You Need to Know
Neutering, or spaying and castrating, is a common surgical procedure that prevents pets from reproducing, offering numerous health and behavioural benefits. There’s a lot of information out there about neutering and you might read a lot of conflicting information about it.
The most important thing to remember is that at Paws in the City, we prioritise your pet's well-being throughout the entire process, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative care. At Paws in the City, we believe in providing you the gold standard of care for your pet at every stage of the neutering process. Our neutering package is designed to ensure both you and your pet have a smooth and stress-free experience.
What’s Included in Our Neutering Package:
a) Personalised pre-surgery instructions
b) Surgery performed by our skilled veterinarian team
c) Pain management during and after the surgery to minimise discomfort.
d) A detailed discharge letter with clear aftercare instructions and tips.
e) Collar specifically designed to prevent licking/chewing the incision
f) Recovery food to support your pet’s recovery and encourage healing.
g) Two free post-operative appointment to assess healing and address any concerns.
h) Our team is available to answer your questions during your pet’s recovery period.
Please see the below step-by-step journey of the process and if you’re not sure about the procedure, feel free to book an appointment with our vet to discuss any concerns that you have.
1. Pre-Operative Check
Before booking your pet's neutering surgery, a comprehensive pre-operative assessment ensures your pet is in optimal health for anaesthesia and the procedure. This evaluation includes a physical examination and we'll also review your pet's medical history and discuss any concerns you might have.
2. Pre-Surgery Instructions
To ensure your pet is well-prepared for their surgery, we will provide you with detailed pre-surgery instructions prior to the procedure. These instructions will include everything you need to know, including fasting guidelines, arrival times, and how to prepare your pet for the day.
3. The Surgery
When you admit your pet for the surgery on the day, our clinicians will go through the procedure with you in detail and it may also involve getting your consent for a blood tests to assess the health of your pet. Neutering is performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring your pet is completely asleep and pain-free. For female pets, the uterus and ovaries are removed through a small abdominal incision, preventing pregnancy. In male pets, the testicles are removed, leaving the scrotum intact.
4. Post-Operative Care
After surgery, proper care is crucial for a smooth recovery:
- Monitoring: We keep your pet in a quiet, comfortable space to rest.
- Feeding: Your pet is offered a small meal post-surgery.
- Incision Care: We check the incision site for redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Prevent Licking/Chewing: We provide a collar to prevent your pet from licking/chewing the incision.
We will also provide you with a detailed discharge letter. This letter serves as a handy guide, outlining essential post-operative care instructions, reminders, and tips to ensure your pet’s smooth recovery. Our team will also take the time to walk you through the key points and answer any immediate questions you may have before you leave with your pet.
5. Post-Operative Check
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess your pet's healing progress and address any concerns. It's essential to attend this check-up to ensure proper recovery.
Neutering Considerations
Before scheduling your pet's neutering:
- Health Assessment: Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and in good health.
- Age Factors: Discuss the optimal age for neutering with our veterinarians, as it can vary based on species, breed, and health status.
- Behavioural and Diet Changes: Be aware that neutering can influence certain behaviours, such as reducing aggression, marking in males and changes in dietary requirements.
- Post-Surgery Care: Plan to provide a calm environment and monitor your pet closely during the recovery period.
At Paws in the City, we're committed to providing exceptional care for your pet throughout the neutering process. Our experienced team is here to support you and ensure your pet's health and comfort every step of the way. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or contact us directly.