Desexing, Geelong and the Bellarine

Desexing is a surgical procedure that prevents reproduction and offers a range of health and behavioural benefits, as well as supporting responsible pet ownership. It is also commonly referred to as “speying” in female animals and “castration” in male animals. Deciding when to desex your pet is an important decision and Bellarine Veterinary Practice provides professional, individualised advice to guide pet owners through the process.

Desexing has many health and behaviour benefits. It can reduce the risk of mammary, ovarian, uterine, testicular and prostatic cancers and minimise hormone-driven behaviours like roaming, marking and inter-dog aggression. In females, speying prevents pyometra which is a life-threatening uterine infection, and in males, castration lowers the chance of other prostatic diseases.

Several factors including breed, size, age and overall health will affect when desexing is recommended in dogs, with recent research and veterinary guidelines recommending a tailored approach to choosing the timing. Depending on the breed, early procedures may increase the risk of joint problems, incontinence and certain cancers. Lifestyle factors may affect the timing of desexing in cats, rabbits, ferrets and pocket pets and options should be discussed with your vet.

Consultation with your veterinarian is vital to determine the ideal desexing timing and procedure suitable for your pet and their specific circumstances. The knowledgeable and experienced team at Bellarine Veterinary Practice are here to assist you with your decision making, so contact us today or book online.