“Once we bring pets into our homes, we take on responsibility for their well-being and their impact on the wider community.”
Mon / Fri 7:30 am - 7 pm | Sat 9 am - 4 pm
Next to dentals and annual health checks, the most common procedure vets perform is desexing, i.e., spaying or castrating our dogs, cats, rabbits, and even rats and other little critters sometimes.
As a mobile vet, I am commonly asked to perform desexing at home, but it must be done in a hospital setting under anaesthesia and strict sterile conditions, which I do at my base hospital. Desexing is a very controversial topic among some circles, and many people are against it and find it invasive and unnecessary. I generally discuss desexing during the initial puppy or kitten health check and vaccination appointments, and I am often asked whether it is necessary.
I have had this conversation several times during my various vet home visits, so I thought I would put my thoughts down on “paper” as a reference for any interested pet owners. Probably the most common statement I hear is that the procedure is “unnatural” and why alter their physical appearance. It seems that our pets’ gonads are considered integral to their being, and they will not be the same pet if the gonads are removed.
There is some merit to this argument, but my most common response to this specific question is how “natural” it is that we have dogs and cats in our homes in the first place? When we domesticate an animal ie. take them into our homes and lives, I believe we have a very strong social responsibility and need to act accordingly. We are accountable to our family, our neighbours, the community and to the animal welfare of the individual animal and the larger community of animals and pets. I have listed below what I believe are the pros and cons of desexing.
Pros:
1. Social responsibility to ensure that aggression and territorial behaviour are minimised in parks and public areas around other dogs and people/children.
2. Easier management at home due to less territorial and testosterone-driven behaviour.
3. Remove significant behaviour changes during breeding season – males can become inconsolable if intact females are nearby and often escape to find the female. Wandering tom cats can be a serious menace to the environment, mating with any female they encounter. There are too many stray cats around breeding prolifically, wreaking havoc on our environment and other animals. Females also exhibit behaviour changes that can be challenging to manage
4. Prevents accidental and unwanted pregnancy. The stray population and number of unwanted pets are large and growing, and too many animals are euthanised daily because they cannot be homed. It is a large burden on our community and the dedicated people trying to manage the situation.
5. Removes the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia in males – growth of the prostate under testosterone influence (very common in middle-aged and older men!), which can lead to life-threatening infections of the prostate, and gut problems such as constipation and straining.
6. Reduces the risk of some tumours around the bum.
7. Removes the risk of life-threatening uterine infections in females. Females that aren’t mated when in season are at risk of developing very serious infections in their uterus, becoming more likely as they get older. This is a real and not uncommon occurrence. In the non-domesticated “natural” situation, in-season females typically mate and follow through a normal pregnancy, so this risk is minimal.
Cons
1. Will not “fill out” like an intact male, so won’t bulk up around the shoulders and chest, but will still have a beautiful build regardless.
2. Potential for weight gain as metabolism slows, but this is only a problem of diet management and the owners. It isn’t going to happen automatically.
3. Some females develop urinary incontinence, typically when they are older, but some as young as younger dogs. This is a similar process to menopause in women, where the lack of oestrogen causes a weakening of the urethra that holds urine in. This can certainly be a difficult problem to manage, which is possibly the main counterargument I consider valid.
4. Some people consider the procedure “against nature,” as I have already discussed above. Our pets do not have an emotional attachment to their testes (contrary to what many males may believe), will not have any idea what has happened, and it will not change their personality.
5. Risk of anaesthesia and surgery – the risks are very low; while anaesthetic deaths are possible, it is rare in healthy young patients. The main complication with the surgery would be bleeding, which again is rarely a problem, and infection, also uncommon with this procedure. Occasionally, we see swelling or wound breakdown following surgery, which generally resolves with appropriate management.
6. Minor stress associated with hospitalisation.
There may be more arguments you can add to the above list, so don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss, or post on this blog or, better yet, on my Facebook page, so everyone can tune in. If any of you have pets that aren’t desexed and you wish to organise it, please give me a call to book in, but remember, even though I am a mobile vet doing house calls for your pets, desexing is a surgical procedure, and I can only perform it at my base hospital.
Of course, don’t hesitate to peruse my website; there is a lot of interesting information and cute pics, too. I hope this blog has stimulated some thought, especially as for many controversial topics, there is no “right” answer.
Key Takeaways
- Desexing is a common surgical procedure performed under controlled hospital conditions
It requires anaesthesia and sterile technique to ensure safety. - There are both benefits and risks to consider
Behavioural, health and population control factors all play a role. - Desexing can reduce certain health and behavioural issues
This includes unwanted breeding, roaming and some medical conditions. - The decision should be based on individual circumstances
Each pet and household situation is different and should be assessed accordingly.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does desexing need to be done in a hospital and not at home?
Desexing is a surgical procedure that requires anaesthesia and a sterile environment. This helps keep the risk of infection and complications low. While consultations can take place at home, the procedure itself must be performed in a properly equipped hospital setting.
What are the main benefits of desexing a dog or cat?
Desexing can reduce territorial behaviour, roaming and mating-related behaviours. It also helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number of stray animals. In some cases, it can lower the risk of certain health conditions.
Can desexing change my pet’s behaviour or personality?
Desexing may reduce behaviours linked to hormones, such as roaming or territorial marking. However, it does not fundamentally change your pet’s personality. Your pet will remain the same in temperament and character.
Are there any risks associated with desexing surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks related to anaesthesia, bleeding and infection, although these are uncommon in healthy animals. Some pets may experience post-operative swelling or wound issues, which usually resolve with appropriate care. In female pets, urinary incontinence can occur later in life.
Will my pet gain weight after being desexed?
Desexing can slow metabolism, which may contribute to weight gain if diet and exercise are not adjusted. Weight changes are generally manageable with proper feeding and activity levels. It is not an automatic outcome of the procedure.
Is desexing necessary for all pets?
Desexing is not a one-size-fits-all decision and depends on factors such as lifestyle, behaviour and owner circumstances. It is often recommended for population control and health reasons. A discussion during a health check can help determine what is appropriate for your pet.