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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
Neutering and Spaying Your Dog: Why They Matter and When the Time Is Right
Neutering and spaying are two of the most common procedures requested by owners of four-legged friends, and the two are often confused. What does neutering a male dog involve, and what does spaying a bitch involve? How should you care for your pet before and after surgery? Let’s take a closer look. Ready for some practical tips? Let’s begin!
What exactly does neutering a dog involve?
Neutering a male dog is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia. During the operation the testicles and epididymides are removed. The result is permanent infertility. Once the testicles and epididymides are gone, the dog can no longer produce sperm.
What does spaying a dog involve?
Spaying a bitch is a procedure that primarily involves removing the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. Sterilisation is also defined as tying or cutting the fallopian tubes or the vas deferens. The whole procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia, of which there are several types. The most common are:
The operation itself takes around 40 minutes. However, preparing the patient, recovery from anaesthesia and the spay itself add up to around 2 hours in total. After the procedure the vet may decide that the animal should stay in for observation. Spaying lowers the risk of mammary tumours and pyometra, and it also puts an end to seasons and unwanted pregnancies.
Are neutering and spaying safe procedures?
Both neutering and spaying are entirely safe procedures for animals, provided a few conditions are met. Above all, they must be carried out by a qualified, experienced surgeon. It also matters that the clinic is properly equipped with specialist equipment and a sterile operating theatre.
Last but by no means least is the proper preparation of patients for surgery – above all, a full set of the necessary tests to confirm that the animal is fit for the procedure and to rule out any contraindications.
What’s more, after a spay or neuter two post-operative check-ups are recommended, so the vet can assess how the wound is healing, how the animal is feeling, and its overall condition and health. There is no need to put off spaying a bitch until she has had a litter. From a medical point of view, pregnancy does nothing for a bitch’s wellbeing, so the idea that she only “matures” after giving birth is simply untrue.
When is the best time?
In some breeds, a large bitch weighing around 30 kg should be spayed after her first season. This may be the optimal moment in her life for such a procedure. For small and medium-sized bitches, in most cases the operation can be carried out before the first season. Most often this is between 6 and 12 months of age. There is, however, no upper age limit for spaying. Veterinary medicine knows of completely successful operations even in 14-year-old patients.
Before a male dog can be neutered, he needs to have reached sexual maturity. While in bitches this is easy to establish from the first season, in males it comes down to an estimate based on factors such as breed and age.
How to prepare your dog for surgery
Both neutering a male and spaying a bitch require proper preparation of your four-legged friend before the procedure.
Spaying should be preceded by blood tests, which show whether the organs responsible for metabolising anaesthetic drugs are working properly and can cope with the load. For bitches of breeds in which heart defects are frequently diagnosed, a cardiac examination including an echocardiogram is recommended. Just like spaying, neutering also calls for proper diagnostics.
Furthermore, for both spaying and neutering the animal must arrive with an empty stomach. That is why such procedures are very often scheduled for the morning.
What tests should be done before neutering a dog?
Neutering requires blood tests beforehand. In young dogs they are recommended; in older dogs they are essential. A complete blood count and blood biochemistry must be done no more than 2 days before the operation. The veterinarian also listens to the heart and lungs. A basic palpation of the dog’s internal organs is recommended too.
How to care for your dog after spaying or neutering
In the first hours after spaying, a bitch is usually lethargic and very drowsy. She may show no interest in moving about or any physical activity. So the first thing to do is give her a quiet, comfortable place to rest. To stop her chewing at the wound, she should also wear a protective collar or a special post-operative recovery suit. These are provided by the veterinary clinic.
To relieve pain and ease the after-effects of surgery, she should take painkillers regularly for five days, as prescribed by the surgeon and in the doses they specify. Importantly, for 10 days after spaying her physical activity should be limited: shorter walks and gentler play at home. This protects the stitches and the fresh, still-healing wound. Full recovery after spaying takes around 10 days.
Straight after the operation, while still at the veterinary clinic, the animal is given its first meal. Once home, it can return to its normal diet. After surgery the owner should not wash or touch the wound or stitches. If in any doubt or concerned, always contact a veterinarian.
How much does it cost to neuter a dog?
The price of neutering depends on the animal’s weight. The weight bands most commonly used are:
Naturally, the lighter the dog, the lower the price.
Neutering and spaying prevent unwanted breeding. What’s more, these procedures extend our pets’ lives and reduce the risk of cancer, looking after the health and happiness of our four-legged friends.