Neutering |
Spaying and castration are surgical procedures which, as well as preventing unwanted litters, can give long-term health benefits.
Un-neutered female dogs usually come into season twice a year during which time they produce a blood-stained discharge and are attractive to all the male dogs in the neighbourhood. They may subsequently develop a false pregnancy, serious illness due to uterine infection (pyometra) and potentially fatal mammary tumours. Spaying involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries, thus eliminating the possibility of a false pregnancy and greatly reducing the likelihood of mammary tumour development.
The RSPCA have an assisted neutering scheme for people on low income.
Male dogs often develop antisocial aggressive or sexual behaviour when they reach maturity. Un-neutered male dogs may develop testicular cancer and tumours of the prostate gland which are hormone-dependent. Castration involves surgical removal of both testicles thus reducing the likelihood of behavioural problems and eliminating the possibility of testicular and prostate cancer.
Unless being kept for breeding, we advise that kittens, rabbits and male dogs should be neutered at 5-6 months of age and bitches before or shortly after their first season.
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