Sterilisation is the most common surgery we do. It's also the one people put off longest — usually because of things they've heard rather than anything a vet has told them.
Why it's worth doing
| For females | For males |
|---|---|
| Sharply lower risk of mammary tumours if done early | Less roaming, fighting and marking |
| Removes the risk of pyometra (uterine infection) | No testicular tumours, fewer prostate problems |
| No unplanned litters | No unplanned litters |
Pyometra is worth naming on its own: it's a uterine infection we see in unspayed older bitches, and it turns into emergency surgery on an already-sick animal — harder, riskier and more expensive than the planned operation.
When to do it
Broadly, around six months for cats, and six to nine months for dogs, with larger breeds often better left a little later.
Age is a judgement, not a rule. Bring the animal in and we'll advise for your dog rather than for dogs in general. An animal in season should wait; a pregnant animal is a separate conversation.
The day itself
- Fast the animal from the night before — water is fine until morning.
- Admitted in the morning; we examine and weigh, and anaesthesia is calculated on that weight.
- Surgery in our own theatre, with an anaesthesia machine, oxygen and monitoring.
- Recovery in a kennel here, watched until fully awake.
- Home the same evening in almost all cases, with painkillers and a follow-up date.
The recovery, honestly
Most animals are subdued for a day and largely themselves by the third. The hard part isn't the pain — it's stopping them licking the wound.
Leave the cone on. Your animal will look miserable in it. A licked-open incision means a second anaesthetic and a much worse week. Keep them from jumping and running for 10–14 days; cats need to stay indoors for that period.
Things people believe that aren't true
Shouldn't she have one litter first?
No medical benefit. The mammary-tumour protection is greatest before the first season.
Won't he get fat and lazy?
Weight gain comes from feeding the same amount, not from the surgery. Neutered animals need slightly less food.
Will it change his personality?
Roaming and fighting reduce. Temperament doesn't change.
Rescues and street animals
We sterilise rescued and community animals. If you're feeding or fostering strays, talk to us rather than assuming the cost is out of reach.