DeseXing
At Hallam Park Animal Hospital, we strongly advocate for the benefits of desexing your dog or cat. Not only does it help prevent unwanted litters, but it also contributes to your pet’s overall health and well-being. Desexing reduces the risk of certain cancers, prevents behavioral issues such as spraying and roaming, and can even lead to a longer, healthier life.
Desexing, also known as spaying (for females) or neutering, is a surgical procedure involving the removal of an animal’s reproductive organs. For female dogs and cats this typically involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus (spaying or ovariohysterectomy), while in males, it involves the removal of both testes (castration).
Our vets use techniques to ensure that the procedure is safe, quick, and as comfortable as possible for your furry companion. We understand that every pet is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach when evaluating whether desexing is the right choice for your dog or cat. Our team conducts a thorough assessment of your pet’s age, breed, health status, and lifestyle to ensure that the procedure aligns with their individual needs. We’ll discuss any potential health considerations and address your concerns, ensuring you feel confident in making the best decision for your pet. Our goal is to provide tailored care that supports your pet’s long-term health and happiness. Whether desexing is recommended immediately or at a later stage in life, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re a new pet owner or a seasoned one, desexing is an important step in responsible pet care. Desexing your pet is not only a way to prevent reproduction but also significantly reduces their risk of common diseases.
The table below shows all the diseases where the risks are either eliminated or significantly reduced with desexing:
What To Expect!
The desexing procedure itself only requires your pet to be hospitalised for the day. The night before you must fast your pet and remove all food from around 10pm. You can leave water accessible until the morning of the procedure. It’s really important that your pet doesn’t eat any food the morning of their surgery, as it can increase their risk of vomiting under anaesthetic which can lead to complications.
On the morning of the procedure you would drop your pet off at 8.40am where they will be admitted by one of our amazing nurses. They will discuss the procedure with you, collect a history and conduct a physical examination on your pet. You may also ask any questions about the procedure or raise any concerns you might have. We usually start surgeries at around 11am but this can vary depending on the daily schedule. To keep your pet as safe as possible, we have dedicated anaesthetic nurses which monitor your pet throughout the surgery. Our vets select their anaesthetic medications based on the individual pets needs, factoring in age, physical examination and any pre-existing health conditions.
After your pet is done with their surgery, you will receive a call letting you know that they are recovering safely and when they’ll be ready to collect. We believe that pain relief during and after surgeries is essential and all our surgical patients receive intra and post op pain relief. Our vets use buried absorbable sutures, as these don’t require removal and are less likely to be interfered with by the pet. Even so, it’s vital your pet doesn’t lick their wound as this can lead to post-op infections. An Elizabeth collar can be used to keep the wound clean and dry and you can purchase one of these from us ready for collection with your pet.
At discharge you’ll discuss further post-op aftercare including any rest your pet will need. You can also view our post-operative aftercare sheets for more information! (link to post op aftercare sheet page)
FAQ: Can I desex my female dog if she’s in season/heat?
While desexing dogs in season is possible, it is not recommended due to increased blood supply and uterine size, making the procedure more challenging and risky. We recommend waiting 3 months after the bleeding period to book in for desexing. During this time, the reproductive system returns to its normal state, reducing the risks associated with increased blood supply to the uterus and ovaries during heat. Performing surgery too soon after a season can increase the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding. At Hallam Park Animal Hospital, we provide expert advice and care for desexing female dogs, including guidance on the best time to perform the procedure after your dog has been in season, contact us today to discuss the best timing for your pet’s desexing procedure.
NB: Watch Out for Pyometras!
If you are waiting for your dog’s reproductive system to settle post-season, before desexing, it’s critical to monitor her closely for signs of pyometra (uterus infection).
A pyometra is a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus. It occurs when bacteria enter the uterus, causing it to fill with pus. This condition is most common in unspayed female dogs and typically develops 4-8 weeks after a heat cycle. Key things to watch for include:
Changes in appetite or behaviour (e.g., lethargy).
Unusual vaginal discharge (pus-like or bloody)
Increased thirst or urination.
Swollen or painful abdomen.
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Fever
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Pyometra is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. When pyometra occurs, immediate surgical intervention (an emergency spay) is required to remove the infected uterus. This surgery is a lot more complex and risky than routine desexing, often requiring intensive post-operative care, antibiotics, and hospitalisation. Early diagnosis greatly improves survival rates.
The most effective way to prevent pyometra is by desexing your dog before her first or second heat cycle. Early desexing eliminates the hormonal fluctuations that contribute to this condition and removes the uterus entirely, preventing future infections.
Desexing is not just about preventing pregnancies—it’s a vital step in protecting your dog from serious health risks like pyometra. Contact us today to discuss the best timing for your pet’s desexing procedure or if you have concerns about her health following a season.