At Bruff Veterinary Centre, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your beloved pets, and one of the key services we offer is neutering. Neutering is a proactive and responsible step in ensuring the health and well-being of your small animals.
Why is neutering important?
Neutering, which includes spaying for females and castration for males, is a routine surgical procedure that removes the reproductive organs of your pet. While this sounds scary it is a routine elective procedure that has many benefits and we strongly recommended you consider, especially if breeding your pet is not on the cards. The primary reason for neutering is population control, but there are several other significant benefits to consider:
1. Prevention of unwanted pregnancies:
Neutering your small animals is an effective way to prevent unwanted litters. By eliminating the risk of unplanned pregnancies, you are helping to reduce the number of homeless animals in your community and alleviating the strain on animal shelters.
2.Health benefits for females:
Spaying female animals eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra), a serious condition which is common in middle aged dogs mainly that haven’t had a litter . It requires emergency surgery in a sick animal, which is obviously best avoided.
Spaying also greatly reduces the incidence of mammary tumours, particularly if done before the first heat cycle.
It eliminates the risk of cancer of the reproductive organs. Additionally, it eliminates the stress and potential complications associated with pregnancy and birth.
3. Health benefits for males:
Castrating male animals helps prevent testicular cancer and significantly reduces the risk of prostate problems.
It also minimises unwanted behaviours such as aggression, marking territory, and roaming in search of a mate, which can expose them to various dangers such as fights and road traffic accidents.
4. Behavioural improvements:
Neutering can lead to positive changes in your pet’s behaviour. The younger the animal the better; as the saying goes “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”! It can help reduce aggression, territorial marking, and roaming tendencies, making them more manageable and easier to train. Neutered animals are generally calmer and less prone to certain behavioural problems.
5. Longer lifespan:
Neutered animals tend to live longer, healthier lives. By eliminating or reducing the risk of certain reproductive-related diseases and behaviour related accidents, you are improving their overall well-being and increasing their life expectancy.
Our approach to neutering
At Bruff Veterinary Centre, we prioritise the safety, comfort, and well-being of your pets during the neutering process. Our team of skilled veterinarians has extensive experience in performing these surgeries, and we follow strict protocols to ensure the highest standard of care. Here’s what you can expect when you choose us for your pet’s neutering procedure:
1.Pre-operative assessment:
You will bring your animal fasting from the night before. Access to water is fine . Before the surgery, our veterinarians will conduct a thorough examination of your pet to assess their overall health and suitability for the procedure. We may advise running pre-operative bloods in some instances eg. An older patient , or if the history or clinical exam suggests there is a potential underlying issue that might affect the anaesthetic. We will discuss the surgery in detail, answer any questions you may have, and address any concerns.
2. Surgical expertise:
Our experienced vets and team are highly skilled at neutering animals. We employ stringent sterile protocols to minimise the risk of infection and complications. Though it is a procedure that is routinely performed, it is still a big operation, and we prioritise patient safety and comfort throughout.
3. Anaesthesia and monitoring:
Your pet’s comfort and safety are paramount to us. We use safe and effective anaesthesia tailored to your pet’s individual needs. Throughout the procedure, our dedicated veterinary team closely monitors vital signs, including heart/respiration rate, plane (depth) of anaesthesia , and oxygen levels, to ensure a smooth and uneventful surgery. We use both clinical expertise and monitoring equipment to minimise potential risks associated with a general anaesthetic.
4. Post-operative care:
After the surgery, we provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions to help your pet recover comfortably. We will address pain management, wound care, and any necessary follow-up appointments to monitor their progress. Some pets may need to wear an Elizabethan/buster collar to ensure optimal healing of the incision. Your pet should be kept warm that evening and offered food. It’s not abnormal for them to be still a bit groggy or have a reduced appetite that evening.
5. Compassionate support:
We understand that the decision to neuter your pet can be emotional and difficult. Our compassionate team is here to provide guidance, support, and reassurance every step of the way. We prioritise open communication and will address any questions or concerns you may have before or after the procedure.
Neutering your small animals is an important step in their preventative health care as it offers numerous health and behavioural benefits. At Bruff Veterinary Centre, we are committed to providing exceptional neutering services, ensuring the well-being and longevity of your beloved pets.
Contact us today at 0879984629 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our neutering services. We look forward to serving you and your furry companions at Bruff Veterinary Centre!
