Treatment Policies

Neutering policy

The practice strongly endorses the routine neutering of all animals.
Unless an owner is serious about breeding, we do not encourage having one litter prior to spaying.

Why do we neuter?

• To prevent unwanted litters
• To avoid nuisance from males, e.g. spraying, wandering, fighting
• To decrease health risks of pyometra, mammary tumour, ovarian cysts, uterine tumours, testicular tumours, prostate tumours or hyperplasia, hormonal/endocrine disorders
• To avoid behavioural problems.

The optimum time for spaying a cat is at 6 months old, if they are calling – leave it for a week or so. Rabbits are also spayed at 6 months onwards.

The optimum time for a bitch to be spayed is 3 months after her first season (or 3 months from the date of the previous season in an adult bitch). This allows the animal to mature, and to develop her hormones, and decreases the risk of incontinence, pseudo-pregnancy, mammary tumours, and hormonally related behavioural problems.
Please discuss with the vet any problems which may concern you.

If bitches have been mated they can be spayed 5-6weeks after a known mating, although the practice prefers to give a misalliance injection, and spay 3 months later.

Bitches can be spayed at 6 months old if specifically requested by the owner, and after discussion with a vet. Often there is a genuine reason for this, and we will always listen to our client’s request!

Males of any species can be castrated from 6 months of age, and we do recommend this also.

Back to Treatment Policies