Desexing, also known as spaying (female pets) and neutering or castrating (male pets) is a routine surgery that involves removing the reproductive organs of dogs and cats.

There are a number of health and behavioural benefits associated with the procedure, including, but not limited to:

• Reducing the risk of tumours and cancers, such as mammary, ovary, uterus, testicular and prostate cancers
• Reduces unwanted pregnancies
• Reduces the development of aggressive behaviours

Desexing is a routine procedure that is commonly performed by vets all over the world, including right here at Sugarland Animal Hospital in Bundaberg. You can discuss the procedure and have your questions answered by calling us on 07 4151 3550.

Desexing animals is a common surgical procedure that veterinarians perform on a regular basis. While we totally understand that you’re going to be concerned about your pet when they undergo surgery, but you’re in safe hands with a qualified and experienced vet!

The cost to desex your pet does vary based on the size, age, gender and breed of dog or cat that is undergoing the procedure.

Certain health conditions and factors may also impact the cost of the desexing procedure.

If you’re considering having your pet desexed, you can discuss your options and the potential cost of the surgery with us here at Sugarland Animal Hospital in Bundaberg.

While the procedure may vary from patient to patient, we suggest that you expect that your dog will be with us for the full day when they are being desexed.

The procedure involves a number of examinations and the use of a general anaesthetic, so we like to ensure that we take our time and are able to monitor your dog’s post-surgery recovery as closely as possible.

The age your pet should be desexed is somewhat dependent on their breed. Generally, smaller dog breeds and cats are usually desexed around 6 months of age, while larger dogs are usually desexed when they are a little older and they are closer to their full growth.

It’s important to speak to your vet about your individual pet and when they should be desexed as their may be additional factors that influence the timing.

It’s important to allow your pet to rest after a desexing procedure.

We suggest for the first 7-10 days after their surgery that their exercise is limited to short, on leash walks only. Around this time their sutures will likely be removed when they have a post-surgical check-up.

Your vet will be happy to provide you with recovery recommendations for your pet and individual circumstances.

It is a common misconception that your dog or cat’s personality will change significantly after the procedure. While on the day of the surgery and perhaps a day or two post the procedure, your pet might be more subdued than usual, their personality or characteristics are very unlikely to change.

Some behaviours will likely decrease after the procedure, including roaming in search of a mate, mounting, fighting, urine marking, and aggressive behaviours.

Male pets are bigger contributors to overpopulation among animals than females.

If you leave your male pets unneutered, they can impregnate dozens of other female animals and create more unwanted offspring. Desexing a male dog can help to settle them and avoid the behaviours that lead them to search for mates.

Desexing your male dog can also help to reduce the development of prostatic hyperplasia which can be a life-threatening condition if not managed correctly.

If you’re in the Bundaberg area of Queensland and have a pet that needs to be desexed, you can book that in by calling us on 07 4151 3550 or book online.

We recommend calling us to discuss your pet and their potential needs, that way we can provide you advice on what you need to do to prepare your pet for this service.

You may need to bring your pet in to be assessed prior to booking in their desexing procedure, however, we can advise you when we speak to you.