Pet Desexing

Desexing (also called neutering or speying) is one of the most important decisions you can make for your pet's long-term health. At Great Western Animal Hospital, we treat every desexing procedure with the same care and attention we would give any surgery, because for you and your pet, there is no such thing as "routine".

Your pet will spend the day with us and go home the same evening, closely monitored and well cared for the whole time.

The Benefits of Desexing

Desexing offers real, lasting benefits for most pets:

  • No unwanted pregnancies or litters to find homes for
  • No more messy heat cycles for female pets
  • Less roaming, which means less risk of your pet getting lost, hit by a car, or in a fight
  • Calmer behaviour at home, with less marking, mounting, and seasonal restlessness
  • Lower risk of serious health problems later in life, including uterine infections (pyometra), prostate disease, and certain cancers such as mammary tumors in females.

When Should I Desex or Neuter My Pet?

Timing depends on your pet's species, breed, and size. As a general guide:

  • Cats: around 6 months
  • Small breed dogs (under 10 kg): 6 to 12 months
  • Medium breed dogs (10 to 25 kg): 12 to 18 months
  • Large and giant breed dogs (25 kg+): 18 months or older
  • Rabbits: 4 to 6 months

If your pet is older than these windows, it is never too late! Many dogs are safely desexed at 2 years or older, and some benefit from waiting. Your vet will advise on the best timing for your individual pet.

For breed-specific advice, see our blog post on desexing guidelines, or ask your vet at your pet's Juvenile Health Check.

How We Keep Your Pet Safe

Every procedure at GWAH follows our full surgical care protocol:

  • Thorough clinical exam before any anaesthetic is given
  • Safest modern anaesthetics with oxygen support throughout
  • IV fluids administered to maintain blood pressure
  • A dedicated anaesthesia-trained nurse monitoring your pet at all times
  • Pain relief before, during, and after surgery
  • We also recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing ask us about this when you book

What the Surgery Involves

Female Dogs and Cats

The standard procedure removes both the uterus and ovaries, ending heat cycles and eliminating the risk of pyometra. We also offer an ovary-sparing spay (OSS), where the uterus is removed but the ovaries are retained. This can benefit larger breeds by maintaining hormone levels that support bone density and joint health. Ask your vet whether OSS is right for your dog.

All patients receive dissolvable sutures no return visit needed to remove stitches.

Male Dogs and Cats

Both testicles are removed while the scrotum remains intact. Male dogs receive dissolvable sutures; male cats require no sutures at all.

Rabbits

We recommend desexing does and bucks between 4 and 6 months. This prevents uterine cancer in females, reduces territorial behaviour in both sexes, and helps manage your rabbit population. Rabbits receive the same careful anaesthetic protocol as our dogs and cats, with sutures placed intradermally so they cannot be chewed out.

Large Breed Dogs: What to Know

For large and giant breeds, desexing too early may increase the risk of joint problems and certain cancers. Breeds to watch include German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Rottweilers. If you have a large breed dog, your vet will help you find the right timing and may discuss ovary-sparing options too.

Recovery After Desexing

Most pets bounce back quickly after desexing. Here is what to expect:

  • Rest: keep your pet quiet for the first 7 to 10 days. Short, gentle lead walks are fine for dogs, but no running, jumping, or rough play
  • The incision site: check it daily for swelling or redness. A small amount of bruising is normal. If anything looks unusual, give us a call
  • Cone or surgical suit: your pet will need to wear one to stop them licking or chewing the site. Most pets adjust within a day or two
  • Leaving them alone: try to supervise your pet as much as possible for the first few days. If you do need to leave them, make sure they are in a calm, confined space with their cone on
  • Behaviour changes: you may notice your pet is a little quieter for the first day or two, which is completely normal. Longer-term, some dogs become calmer and less reactive, but their personality stays the same

We schedule two follow-up nurse checks after every desexing surgery to make sure your pet is healing well.

Ready to book? Call us on 02 9631 9322 or book online. Not sure where to start? A consultation with one of our vets is the perfect first step.

Frequently Asked Questions about Desexing

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