Spaying & Neutering
At Olive Tree Veterinary Surgery we advocate neutering of pets for their overall health and welfare.
Females are 'spayed', which involves removing either both the womb and then ovaries (ovariohysterectomy) or just the ovaries (ovariectomy).
Males are 'castrated' which means the testicles are removed.
Benefits of neutering include:
- Stopping seasons in females, attracting unwanted male attention leading to pregnancy or false pregnancies.
- Reducing the occurrence of testicular cancer in males and uterine infections and cancers in females.
- Reducing urine marking and roaming in male animals.
- Reducing mess - unspayed female animals can be messy when they come into season, as they can bleed for up to three weeks.
- Stopping inappropriate breeding and potential birth defects - animals don't respect family relationships and siblings will mate. This increases the risk of offspring with birth defects and deformities.
- Reducing the risk of theft - neutering animals can reduce the risk of them being stolen for breeding.
- Reducing the risk of unnecessary vet bills - vet fees for problems during or after pregnancy and birth can be expensive.
- Don't forget, that pregnant and nursing animals need even more care, and their offspring will be equally as demanding.
Neutering is not just for cats and dogs….
- Rabbits benefit from neutering for all the above reasons as well as bonding between pairs often more successful between neutered pairs due to the reduction in hormonal territorial behaviours.
- Neutering ferrets can reduce aggressive behaviour in mature male ferrets, as well as the smell often associated with them!
- Other species of small animals can also be neutered as both a preventative and a health or welfare measure.
Talk to your vet
If you want to get your pet neutered, the best thing to do is to contact the Olive Tree team – there are certain guidelines for certain species, breeds and ages and these can be discussed with you in full. We would also be able to advise you on the cost and post-operative considerations specifically for your pet.
We look forward to hearing from you.