Booking your dog or cat in for desexing can feel like a big step. Is my pet old enough? What age do they need to be? Is the anaesthetic safe? How long before they are back to normal?

If you are a pet owner in the Inner West, rest assured, you are in safe and experienced hands with the team at Balmain Veterinary Hospital.

Here is a clear, honest walk through the whole process, from the right time to book, to what happens on the day, to caring for your pet while they heal at home. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect.

What desexing means for your pet

Desexing is a common surgery that removes the reproductive capacity of an animal. In females it is called speying, and in males it is called castration. Both are carried out under general anaesthetic, and they are among the most common surgical procedures that Vet’s perform.

Beyond preventing unwanted litters, desexing brings real health and behavioural benefits. It lowers the risk of certain cancers and infections, and it often settles problematic behaviours like roaming, aggression and marking. A safe, well-managed desexing procedure is one of the best investments you will make in your pet’s longer term health and well-being.

The right age to desex your dog or cat

Timing is the question owners worry about most. Traditionally, pets were desexed at around six months of age. These days the ideal timing depends on your pet’s species, breed and size, so it is worth a discussion with your Veterinarian before you make this decision.

Cats are often desexed from around four to six months. Some councils in the Inner West require cats to be desexed at four months of age. For dogs, smaller breeds are usually able to be desexed at six months of age, whilst larger breeds of dog are recommended to have their procedure between 12-15 months of age, once they have completed their growth. There is increasing evidence coming out that suggests that delayed desexing in larger breed dogs has a number of health benefits and reduces the risk of certain medical conditions later in life. In most cases, desexing happens once your pet’s puppy or kitten vaccinations are complete, so their body is protected and ready.

What happens on the day of surgery

The day itself is usually far smoother than owners fear. You will be asked to withhold food from the night before, as an empty stomach is safer under anaesthetic. We don’t recommend the removal of water. Your pet is able to have access to water overnight and very first thing in the morning.

When you arrive, our vets will give your pet a pre-anaesthetic health check to make sure they are fit for surgery. IF satisfied your pet is healthy and ready for surgery, your pet will be admitted to the hospital for the day. One of the first things that we will do when your pet arrives into the hospital is give them an injection of medications that relax your pet to ensure their nerves are calmed. Once your pet is settled the nursing team will prepare them for surgery by placing intravenous cannulas, taking blood and preparing the theatre for their procedure. Your pet will then receive an injection through their cannula (they won’t feel this part at all!) and we will then place a tube down their airway. Once your pet is anaesthetised, we can then perform their procedure. Most desexing procedures are over fairly quickly.

Your pet will then be nursed carefully during their recovery all the way to the point that they are ready to go home later that evening!

Recovery and aftercare at home

Recovery is the part you control, and a little care goes a long way. Most pets bounce back within a couple of days, but they need help to rest properly in that time. The essentials are simple.

•      Keep it calm. No running, jumping or rough play for around ten to fourteen days, even when your pet seems full of energy.

•      Protect the wound. Stop your pet licking the incision, usually with a soft cone or a recovery suit. Licking is the most common cause of problems in the post-operative period.

•      Check the site daily. A little redness is normal, but ring your vet if you see swelling, discharge, or the wound starting to open.

•      Keep them dry. No baths or swimming until the vet gives the all-clear.

•      Give any medication as directed. Pain relief keeps your pet comfortable and helps them settle.

If anything worries you during recovery, a quick phone call to your clinic is always recommended. Vets would much rather answer a small question than miss an early problem.

What affects the cost of desexing

Cost is a common question and it varies from pet to pet. Rather than a single flat fee, the price reflects what your individual animal actually needs.

Cost is dependent on the following factors at our hospital

• Age
• Size of pet
• If they are in heat at time of desexing
• Species
• Sex

Booking your pet’s desexing

For over 50 years, Balmain Veterinary Hospital in Rozelle has cared for pets across the Inner West, and desexing is one of the everyday procedures the team handles with expertise, care and compassion. We are an independently owned clinic, so you tend to see the same familiar faces at each visit.

When you feel ready, you can book a time that suits you, or call the clinic on (02) 9810 7544 to talk through any questions first. Taking that step early means your pet gets the health and behaviour benefits of desexing sooner, and you get the peace of mind that comes with it.

FAQ

Q1. What age should I desex my dog or cat?

Desexing is traditionally done at around six months of age, though the ideal time now depends on your pet’s species, breed and size. Cats are often desexed from four to six months. Small dogs are often still desexed at six months of age. Larger breed dogs are now often desexed between 12-15 months of age.

Your vet can recommend the right timing for your pet.

Q2. How long does it take a pet to recover from desexing?

Most pets recover within about ten to fourteen days. During that time, they need rest, no running or jumping, a clean and dry incision, and protection from licking, usually with a cone or recovery suit.

Q3. Is desexing safe for my pet?

Desexing is one of the most common and routine surgeries a Vet performs. Whilst it is false to say that there is no risk when we perform a general anaesthetic and surgical procedure on an animal, thankfully the risk of an adverse event is very low with today’s medications, anaesthetic protocols and monitoring equipment that are routinely used.

Q4. How much does desexing cost in the Inner West?

The cost depends on your pet’s species, size, sex and age, plus any extras performed at the time of the surgery. Speying a female is usually more expensive than castrating a male because it is a more involved procedure requiring more time and expertise. The most accurate way to get a figure is to call us in advance and we can give you a better idea od the cost.

Q5. What is Balmain Veterinary Hospital’s opening hours?

Balmain Veterinary Hospital is open 7:30am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. You can call (02) 9810 7544 to book or ask a question.