Shires Veterinary Practice advises that all non breeding animals are neutered
Cats: Cats are routinely neutered from 5 months of age.
Male cats are castrated (both testicles are removed) which reduces the chances of them wandering, fighting and spraying urine.
Female cats are spayed (ovariohysterectomy—the womb and ovaries are removed) which eliminates the chance of pregnancy.
Dogs: Bitches are routinely spayed (ovariohysterectomy—the womb and ovaries are removed) 8-12 weeks after their first (or any subsequent) heat period. We are able to offer pre-season spaying, but would encourage you to discuss this with your Veterinary Surgeon first. Spaying your bitch reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer and eliminates the risk of a pyometra (a potentially life threatening womb infection)
Dogs are castrated (both testicles are removed) from 6-12 months of age onwards. Usually we recommend they are castrated once they are cocking their leg to urinate. Castrating your dog eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, reduces wandering and reduces the risk of prostate problems.
Rabbits: Female rabbits (Does) are spayed (ovariohysterectomy—the womb and ovaries are removed) from 4 months of age. Over 80% of unsprayed does develop cancer of the womb by the age of 5 and spaying eliminates this risk, it also reduces nesting behaviour.
Male rabbits are castrated (both testicles are removed) once both testicles are fully descended (usually around 5 months of age). This eliminates the chances of testicular cancer, prevents them breeding and reduces aggression.
Ferrets: Female ferrets (Jill's) are spayed (ovariohysterectomy—the womb and ovaries are removed) from 5 months of age. Unspayed and unmated Jill's can develop a fatal anaemia unless treated promptly.
Male ferrets (Hobs) are either castrated (both testicles are removed) or vasectomised (the spermatic ducts are tied) as soon as both testicles are fully descended (around 4-5 months of age). It is important that you are clear which procedure you want performing and we would advise you to discuss this with your veterinary surgeon.
Guinea Pigs, Rats etc: These can all be castrated (both testicles removed) and may require spaying in certain circumstances.
