Desexing (also known as spaying for females and neutering for males) is one of the most important healthcare decisions you can make for your beloved dog or cat. This routine surgical procedure not only prevents unwanted litters but also provides significant health and behavioral benefits that can dramatically improve your pet's quality of life and longevity.

What is Desexing?

Desexing is a surgical procedure that removes your pet's reproductive organs to prevent breeding. For female pets, this involves removing the ovaries and often the uterus (called ovariohysterectomy or spaying). For male pets, the testicles are removed through a procedure called castration or neutering. At our veterinary practice, we're proud to offer both traditional and advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) desexing options to give you and your pet the best possible recovery care.

For Female Dogs and Cats

Cancer Prevention: Spaying dramatically reduces your pet's risk of developing serious cancers. When performed before the first heat cycle, spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer by up to 91% in cats and provides similar protection for dogs. It also completely eliminates the risk of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.

Prevents Life-Threatening Infections: Pyometra, a severe uterine infection that can be fatal, affects up to 24% of intact female dogs and cats. This emergency condition requires immediate surgery and can cost thousands of dollars to treat. Spaying completely prevents this dangerous condition.

Longer Lifespan: Studies consistently show that spayed female pets live significantly longer - cats live an average of 3-5 years longer, whilst dogs live 1-3 years longer than their intact counterparts.

For Male Dogs and Cats

Cancer Protection: Neutering completely eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and significantly reduces the risk of prostate disease and perianal tumors.

Reduced Health Risks: Neutered males have lower rates of prostate enlargement, hernias, and perianal adenomas as they age.

Disease Prevention: Intact male cats are at much higher risk of contracting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FELV) through fighting with other males.

Behavioral Benefits: A Calmer, Happier Pet

Reduced Aggression and Fighting: Neutered males are significantly less aggressive toward other males and are less likely to engage in territorial fights that can result in expensive veterinary bills and serious injuries.

Eliminates Marking and Spraying: Intact males frequently mark their territory with strong-smelling urine both inside and outside the home. Neutering reduces or eliminates this behavior in up to 90% of cases.

Prevents Roaming: The urge to wander in search of mates puts pets at serious risk of traffic accidents, injuries, and getting lost. Neutering reduces roaming behavior by up to 90%, keeping your pet safer at home.

Stops Heat Cycles: Female pets in heat can become vocal, restless, and may try to escape. They also attract male animals to your property. Spaying eliminates these disruptive heat cycles entirely.