Desexing is the generic term given to the common procedure of surgical sterilization oa pets. Female pets have their ovaries and uterus (womb) removed and males have their testicles removed.
The desexing procedure is a safe operation commonly performed in the hospital any time of age after 4 months old under full general anaesthetic.
To help you make a decision on your pet’s well being here are a few reasons to desex your pet.
Desexing early
No 1: Your pet will live longer!
Health Benefits
Desexing before pets come into season greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer in dogs and cats. Dogs desexed before they have a seaon have a 1 in 2000 chance of developing breast cancer. If a dog comes into season twice during its life then it has a 1 in 4 chance of having breast cancer. About 50% of breast cancers in dogs are malignant and unfortunately over 80% breast cancers in cats are aggressively malignant, often spreading before owners detect its presence.
Older female pets are at risk of developing a potentially life threatening uterine infection (pyometra). These animal often present in toxic shock necessitating emergency surgery to cure the disease.
Reduction in perineal hernias, disease of the prostate gland testes in male dogs and testes in male cats are greatly reduction
Social Reasons
Male cats are less likely to spray urine being desexed.
Entire male cats especially are less likely to roam being involved in road traffic accidents or getting into fights and risk contracting Feline AIDS virus.
Dogs tend to be more placid and less aggressive than their entire a counterparts. Again making them less likely to raom or be involved in fights.
The stray population
Unwanted puppies and kittens is a dire problem in Australia. Based on the RSPCA figures over 30% of dogs and 60% of cats were unable to be rehomed and had to be euthanased. Preventing unwanted pregnancies is important to stop the stray epidemic.
Financial Incentive
All councils offer significant discounts on registration of desexed pets.
It is wrong to think that animals need to have one litter to become good pets. Being a ‘good’ pet starts at home with the care and training your pet receives. Your animal may be calmer after the procedure but will still be the same lovable pet.