Neutering Advice

Question 1

neutering dogs?

Answer 1

spays often after 1st season
- less chance of incontinence
castrates 1 year - 18 months
- when fully mature

Question 2

neutering cats?

Answer 2

must be 2kg

often at around 6 months old

Question 3

neutering horses?

stallions

Answer 3

normally standing procedure for those under 4
done under GA when:
- over 4 years - testicles are larger so bigger procedure
- if immunocompromised - need sterile conditions
- difficult temperament
- abnormal testicles

Question 4

horse spay?

Answer 4

mares aren’t routinely neutered
- because high-risk surgery
but ovariectomy can be performed if aggressive
- normally standing laparoscopic surgery
or unilateral ovariectomy if cysts
- removal of one damaged ovary
- also laparoscopic

Question 5

Advantages of dog spay?

Answer 5

reduced risk of mammotomy tumours 
prevention of pyometra
behaviour 
prevention of unwanted litters 
population control

Question 6

Disadvantages of dog spay?

Answer 6

incontinence in old age 
- if early neutering
weight gain 
coat changes 
behaviour 
development reduced 
- if early neutering
delayed growth plate closure 
- if early neutering
- long limbs prone to fractures

Question 7

dog castrate advantages?

Answer 7

prevention of testicular tumours
reduced risk of prostate benign masses
behaviour
scent marking
population control

Question 8

dog castrate disadvantages?

Answer 8

increased risk of protrate malignant tumours
behaviour 
- increased fear aggression - less testosterone 
reduced development
- if early neutering
weight gain 
delayed growth plate closure 
- if early neutering
- long limbs prone to fractures

Question 9

cat neutering advantages?

Answer 9

population control
less roaming to mate
- fewer injuries (eg RTA)

Question 10

disadvantages of neutering?

Answer 10

male cats more likely to suffer with a blocked bladder
- urethral obstruction
weight gain
increased risk of growth plate fractures
- if early neutering

Question 11

how are neuturin and weight gain linked?

Answer 11

30% less metabolic rate after procedure
decreased level of oestrogen (males and females)
so eat more - no ‘full’ signal
likely to exercise less

Question 12

guidance for owners to reduce weight gain after procedure?

Answer 12

frequent monitoring/measuring 
specific commercial diets 
- less calorie dense - so same volume 
- less fat content 
give activity feeders
hide dry food around home 
stop with treats/additional adlib food