Pet desexing is an important topic that revolves around love and health. As pet owners, we often overlook one of the most basic aspects of pet care - getting our pets desexed. With the progress of society, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the significance of desexing and the positive impact on pets.
Basic Concepts of Cat and Dog Desexing
Cat and dog desexing involves the surgical removal of part or all of the reproductive organs. It is a routine procedure usually performed under general anesthesia, and pets typically recover quickly after surgery.
- Female Desexing: It involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries. For female dogs and cats, veterinarians need to make a larger incision in their abdomen during the procedure.
- Male Desexing: In the surgery, the testicles are removed. The desexing incision for male dogs and cats is usually small and located at the base of the scrotum.
Benefits of Cat and Dog Desexing
- Prevention of diseases and improvement of pet lifespan: Desexing has significant benefits for pets. This procedure can reduce the risks of prostate, testicular, uterine, mammary gland diseases, and cancer in cats and dogs. It is a preventive measure that enables pets to live longer and healthier lives.
- Behavioral improvement and reduction of aggression: Desexing cats and dogs can effectively reduce the behavior of urine spraying for territorial marking. This behavior not only troubles owners but can also lead to family discord. Neutered pets are usually more docile and less prone to conflict with other animals, further reducing aggression.
Unneutered male dogs that are kept indoors for a long time may redirect their energy onto furniture or even humans, which can negatively impact the relationship between the family and the pet. Desexing cats and dogs can effectively reduce such undesirable behaviors, making the family more harmonious.
- Control of breeding: Unspayed female dogs go into heat approximately twice a year, during which time they may attract unwanted attention if they go outside. This not only troubles pet owners but can also result in accidental pregnancies.
Unspayed female cats, on the other hand, go into heat about four times a year and can give birth to 3 to 6 kittens each time. If these kittens continue to reproduce, the numbers will increase rapidly.
Desexing female cats and dogs can prevent such situations from occurring and also help prevent physical and behavioral abnormalities caused by false pregnancies. It also avoids unnecessary breeding and reduces the chances of pets being abandoned or given up for adoption due to difficulties in care.
Preparations Before and After Cat and Dog Desexing
- Pre-surgery examination: Pet desexing surgery, like any surgery, carries some risks. To better assess the overall health of the pet and ensure the safety of the surgery, a blood test before anesthesia is an important step. This test mainly evaluates the major organ functions of the pet, such as the metabolic capacity of the liver and kidneys, as well as the normalcy of blood cells, including infection resistance and clotting ability.
If the blood test results show that the pet is in good health, you can proceed with the desexing surgery with confidence. However, if potential health issues are indicated, it may be necessary to adjust the anesthesia procedure or further evaluate the pet's condition.
- Pre-surgery fasting: All desexing surgeries need to be performed on an empty stomach. Therefore, pet owners should stop feeding their pets the night before the surgery and ensure that the pet has not eaten.
- Post-surgery care: After bringing the pet back home on the surgery day, it is recommended to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the pet from licking the incision. Observations should be made for swelling or discharge from the wound, and it should be kept dry and clean. The pet's activity should be restricted, especially for active pets, and they should be allowed to rest in a crate.
Will Pet Desex Lead to Weight Issues?
Some people are concerned that desexing may increase the risk of obesity in pets. However, if pets receive a balanced diet and regular exercise, desex itself does not increase the risk of obesity. On the contrary, desex can reduce the risk of certain gender-related diseases, allowing pets to enjoy a healthier life.
How Much Does Pet Desexing Cost?
The cost of pet desexing surgery varies depending on the type, size, and gender of the animal. However, compared to the care of related medical expenses, the cost of desexing is reasonable and cost-effective.
When is the Right Time to Get Cats and Dogs Desexed?
Both cats and dogs can be desexed at around five to six months of age since they can start reproducing at this age. Early desex not only helps to control the pet population but also reduces the discomfort experienced by pets during their on heat cycles.
If you have any questions about pet desexing surgery, feel free to contact us for more detailed information and to schedule an appointment. Pet desexing is not only an expression of love for your furry companions but also a contribution to society and your family. Let us work together to promote the health of our pets.
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre.
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620
