Neutering
Castration & Spaying of dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets
Dogs
There are many reasons for neutering:
In bitches it prevents unwanted puppies and the inconvenience of coping with a bitch in heat.
It avoids reproductive problems and uterus infections, and if neutering is done when the bitch is young, it greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumours
In male dogs it can help with some behavioural problems.
Please contact us to discuss the possible benefits of neutering and the optimum timing for the surgery
Cats
There are many reasons for neutering:
In queens (females) it prevents unwanted kittens, avoids reproductive problems and uterus infections, and reduces the risk of mammary tumours
In toms (males) it reduces the urge to wander , so they are less likely to have traffic accidents or get into fights, it also reduces the tendency to spray urine, and prevents the distinctive "Tom Cat" smell
We can spay female cats from 5 months old - we advise spaying before 6 months old to avoid unwanted pregnancies
Male cats can be castrated from 6 months old.
Rabbits
Neutering rabbits obviously prevents unwanted pregnancies, it also can reduce aggression and dominant behaviour. Does (female rabbits) are very susceptible to uterine tumours
Ferrets
The Jill or female ferret is an "induced ovulator", once she has come into oestrus it will persist until she is mated. Prolonged oestrus means a prolonged exposure to oestrogen, which eventually causes bone marrow suppression, anaemia, and sometimes death.
A hormone injection (Delvosterone) can be used to suppress the oestrus, but is not a permanent solution. We prefer to spay female ferrets when they are not in heat, and can use Delvosterone to interrupt the cycle. It is also possible to use a vasectomised male to bring a jill out of season - please contact us to discuss vasectomising ferrets