Desexing is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on dogs and cats. Although it is a routine and safe procedure, it still may be daunting to put your furry family member through it.
Read our guide to find out more about desexing your pet, and why it’s beneficial for them.
What is a Desexing Procedure?
Desexing a dog or cat means it can no longer breed. This helps prevent pet overpopulation and also leads to positive changes in health and behaviour.What Does the Procedure Include?
The procedure is slightly different for male and female dogs and cats.Male Dogs
The desexing procedure for male dogs is relatively non-invasive and simple. While your dog is under anaesthetic, the veterinarian will make a small incision in your dog’s scrotum so they can remove the testes.Female Dogs
The procedure is a bit more invasive and complex for female dogs, as it essentially includes a hysterectomy, where the ovaries and uterus are removed.Male Cats
Similar to male dogs, the desexing procedure for male cats is minimally invasive and fairly straightforward. It involves the veterinarian making a small incision in the scrotum, tying the spermatic cords, and removing the testes.Female Cats
The process for desexing female cats is very similar to that of desexing female dogs, although it’s slightly less complex due to their smaller size.How to Prepare Your Pet for the Procedure
Here are some ways to prepare your pet for the desexing procedure:Ensure They Fast
Your pet should fast from around 9 or 10 pm the night before the procedure. Dinner should be their last meal of the day. Fasting prevents them from getting sick from the anaesthesia.Water
Let them have access to fresh water until the morning of their procedure.Walk
Take your dog for a walk before the procedure so they can relieve themselves.Bathe Them
You may want to bathe your dog before the procedure, as they won’t be able to have a bath for around two weeks If you regularly bathe your cat, you can bathe them too.Medication
If your pets take medication that can be given without food, you can continue to give it to them; just ensure you inform the vet before the procedure. Otherwise, you can give the medication to the vet to administer themselves before or after the surgery.Vet Care
You can rest easy knowing that your pet is in the best hands during and after the procedure. The vet will monitor your pet’s heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and carbon dioxide levels throughout the procedure and during recovery. A nurse or a dedicated anaesthesiologist will be present in case further pain relief or emergency medication is needed.What to Expect After the Procedure
Your dog or cat will have a shaved area around the surgery site and on their front leg or neck. They will also have stitches, except for male cats. These stitches should stay in for about 1-2 weeks. To stop your pet from removing the stitches or licking the wound, a dog cone (called a cone of shame or Elizabethan collar) will be given to you when your pet is discharged from the veterinary clinic. Your pet may dislike wearing the collar, but it is essential for their safety and recovery.Post-Procedure Care Tips
Anaesthesia
Your dog or cat’s anaesthesia will usually wear off a few hours after the procedure, but they may be groggy and out of it for the rest of the day. Let them rest, and if they’re still groggy 24 hours after the procedure, contact your veterinarian.Prepare a Quiet and Safe Place for Them
Your pet will need to rest for about two weeks to properly heal from the procedure. Create a quiet, calm space for them to rest, with easy access to their favourite bedding, toys, food and water bowl, and litter trays (for cats). Keeping them confined to a specific room (laundry or bathroom) or even a crate for the first few days reduces the risk of them injuring themselves or reopening the wound site.Diet
If your pet comes home on the same day of the procedure, limit their food and water intake for the remainder of the day. Only small portions of food should be given for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Your vet should give you proper instructions regarding feeding.Pain Relief Medication
Your pet should be sent home with pain-relief medication in the form of tablets, a topical cream or even a syrup. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when administering this medication.Exercise
Pets should be kept quiet and still for about 2 weeks to help them heal well. You can take your dogs for quick walks so they can go to the toilet, but limit their physical activity until they have healed. Cats should be kept indoors during the healing period. Prevent your pets from jumping onto couches and beds, or going up and down any stairs.Follow-Up Appointment
Your vet will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove your pet’s stitches and check their healing process. If you have any particular concerns, make sure you let your vet know.Warning Signs to Look Out For
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, call your vet immediately:- Swelling or bleeding around the wound site
- Your pet is not healing as well as they should be (still lethargic and in pain 2 weeks after the procedure)
- Your pet’s appetite hasn’t improved
- Constant licking and biting of the wound site
- Pus and discharge
What Are the Benefits of Desexing Your Pet?
The pros of desexing your dog or cat include:- Desexing helps prevent overpopulation of puppies and kittens and decreases the number of homeless animals.
- Any behavioural issues, such as aggression, hyperactivity, dominance, and destructive behaviour, are less likely to occur.
- For female dogs and cats, there is a lower risk of breast cancer or mammary tumours and their risk of ovarian cancer is eliminated.
- For male dogs and cats, their risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and their risk of any anal gland issues is reduced.
FAQs
Most pet insurance policies do not cover desexing, as it is classified as ‘preventative’ or ‘routine’ care rather than an unexpected emergency.
One option you have is to purchase an optional ‘routine care’ add-on.
Vets recommend that dogs be around 6 months old before being desexed. For larger-breed dogs, waiting until they’re 12 months old can help protect them against certain cancers.
Cats are usually desexed around 6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity.
The recovery process takes around 10-14 days in total. Most pets will remain groggy and quiet for the first 24 hours while the anaesthetic wears off.
It is recommended that your dog or cat be kept calm and as still as possible for those 10-14 days while they recover from the procedure and until their stitches are removed.
The total cost depends on your dog or cat’s breed, size and aftercare needs. Talk to your veterinarian to get a better idea of the cost.
Desexing can sometimes lead to a slower metabolism, increasing the risk of obesity in your pet.
There is also a slight risk with any surgical procedure, including desexing.
Your pet’s fundamental personality and characteristics will not change. However, any unwanted behaviours, such as aggression and roaming, will decrease.