Neutering
Priory Veterinary Group offer both traditional and keyhole neutering, performed with maximal care, attention & aftercare.
The Pros and Cons of Neutering Explained
Generally, we advocate neutering for its health benefits. However, we believe that each pet should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Below, are some of the pros/cons, along with detailed information regarding the different procedures we offer:
Pros
- Elimination of risk of unwanted pregnancy
- Elimination of risk of pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection)
- Reduced risk of mammary cancer in females
- Reduced risk of prostatic disease in males (dog)
- Elimination of testicular cancer in males
- Can help with behavioural issues e.g. aggression/ roaming/ spraying etc
Cons
- Can reduce metabolic rate, making it easier for pet to gain weight
- Cannot breed from pet
- No guarantee to help behavioural issues especially if done after it becomes a “learnt behaviour”
- Some reports of coat changes in some individual cases
Neuterings are generally day procedures. On the morning of the day in question, you will have an admit appointment, where we will examine your pet, answer any queries you may have, and run through a consent form with you to check you are happy with all aspects of the day. We send a questionnaire with more information prior to the appointment, which also asks for details regarding any of your pet’s specific dietary requirements/ behavioural quirks etc., so that we can make the day as comfortable and stress-free for them as possible.
A dedicated ward nurse will give you updates on your pet’s progress throughout the day, and arrange a discharge appointment when they are ready to go home, at a convenient time for you.
Patients are discharged with all the pain relief they will need, written discharge instructions giving details on home care in the post-op period, and a buster collar as standard – although pet shirts are available on request.
Dogs/Bitches – Neutering
From Castration to Spaying, you can rest assured that your pet’s health and wellbeing are always of the utmost importance, when neutering here at Priory Veterinary Group.
Castration
Age: From 6 months, ideally once skeletally mature. If in doubt, please consult us before booking in, as timing will be determined by breed, size, behavioural concerns and temperament.
Recovery: pain-relief usually 4-5 days, and lead walks for 10-14 days. Dissolvable sutures are used to reduce post-op complications. A post-op check, 2 days after the procedure is included free of charge.
Cost: From £198 (dependent on size).
*Please note: Surgery to remove retained testicles will be charged accordingly.
Spaying
Age: The evidence for whether to spay before the first season (~6-7 months old) or post-first season, has long been debated, with no clear conclusion on either side. Owners with large-breed bitches e.g. Golden Retrievers, Sighthounds, Dobermans, Old English Sheepdogs may wish to let them have their first season, as there is some evidence that these dogs may be more prone to urinary incontinence, if spayed too early. For those wishing to wait until after a season, we would recommend booking the procedure for 3-4 months after the end of the season. We like to assess each case on an individual basis and advise based on what is best for your pet. We offer pre-spay appointments to run through all the pros and cons so you can feel more confident when making your decision.
We are able to offer 2 methods of spaying. Both are perfectly acceptable procedures, but each may be more, or less suitable for individual patients. If you would like to discuss which is best for your pet, please get in touch:
Traditional Spay
Procedure: We perform a midline incision to remove the ovaries and uterus.
Recovery: Pain relief for 4-5 days and lead walks for 10-14 days. A post-op check is included free of charge.
Cost: From £275 (dependent on size)
Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Spay
Procedure: 2 small incisions to remove the ovaries using state-of-the-art laparoscopic equipment. Patients must be >8kg.
Recovery: Pain relief for 4-5 days and lead walks needed for only 4 days. A post-op check is included free of charge.
The less invasive nature of this procedure, and faster recovery time, makes it perfect for bouncy, medium – large breed dogs or working and competition dogs e.g. agility.
Cost: From £621.50 (dependent on size)
It’s not ‘just’ a Bitch Spay…… It’s a Priory Bitch Spay!!!!
All veterinary practices perform bitch spays regularly, but not all will perform them with the same care and attention as Priory. Bitch spays are major abdominal surgeries, and therefore all our patients coming in for a bitch spay will benefit from:
- a pre-spay appointment, 1-2 days before the procedure, with one of our experienced nurses – who will perform a full clinical exam to ensure the health of your pet, and ensure she is showing no signs of season. They will also discuss the procedure with you, along with any concerns you may have.
- full clinical assessment on the day, by a vet, and a tailored anaesthetic plan based on the individual patient’s needs.
- full anaesthestic monitoring by a dedicated nurse throughout the procedure, using state-of-the-art equipment, including capnography, pulse oximetry and oscillometric blood pressure monitoring.
- intravenous fluids to support the cardiovascular system, as standard.
- a dedicated ward nurse on recovery, who will also perform a pain score assessment before arranging discharge. This nurse will update you on your pet’s progress whilst in the hospital, and arrange a convenient discharge appointment.
- a discharge appointment with a nurse to run through the procedure, and medication to go home with.
- a post-op appointment, 2-3 days later, to make sure your pet is recovering as she should.
Cats/Queens – Neutering
From Castration to Spaying, you can rest assured that your pet’s health and wellbeing are always of the utmost importance, when neutering here at Priory Veterinary Group.
Males
Age: from 4 months old and/or when they reach >2kg.
Castration for cats is a short neutering procedure, and all required pain relief is given on the day. We advise you to keep them in for up to 48 hours post-op.
Cost: from £77
Females
Age: from 5-6 months and >2kg body weight.
We perform a flank spay, which involves a clipped area and small incision over the left flank, although midline spays may be recommended for some individuals in specific circumstances. Patients receive pain relief for 3-4 days, and are advised to be kept in for 10-14 days post-procedure. A post-op check is included free of charge.
Cost: from £120
Rabbits – Neutering
We recommend that both does and bucks are neutered at 4-6 months. Rabbit spays are weight dependent and start from £159.50. Rabbit castrations start from £126.50. All prices include the general anaesthetic, pain relief and necessary medications for gut motility, dedicated ward nurse monitoring during their recovery (including syringe feeding to get them back on their feet) and a post-operative check.
If you have any queries regarding neutering your rabbit, or require further clarification regarding dog or cat neutering, please do not hesitate to contact us at Priory Veterinary Group.