Cat & Dog Sterilisations

Sterilisation either means spaying for female cats and dogs or neutering male cats and dogs. Spaying, also referred to as ovariohysterectomy (OHE), is the complete removal of the female reproductive tract whereas neutering, also referred to as castration or an orchidectomy, is the removal of the testicles.

We at Vet Hospital Port Shepstone recommend early sterilisations. In dogs and cats this makes them less inclined to roam and prevents them from having unwanted offspring. This then reduces the chances of being hit by a motor vehicle or get involved in fights with other animals.

In dogs early sterilisation also prevents the transmission of sexual transmitted diseases (such as TVTs) and in cats it prevent bite related conditions such as Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), Feline AIDS and abscesses.

In male dogs neutering often stop territorial marking and significantly reduces the incidence of prostate problems. In tomcats it prevents spraying and bullying of other cats.

Early spayed female dogs can't develop uterine and ovarian tumours, life threatening uterine infections (pyometras) and chances to develop mammary cancers are significantly reduced.

The best age to sterilise your dog or cat is between five and six months of age. This allows them to be strong enough to cope with anaesthesia, but they haven’t had their first heat cycle or reached puberty yet.

Because we do dozens of these operations bookings at at our hospital at least one day in advance are essential. We prefer to do sterilisations on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please withhold breakfast the morning of the procedure. Your dog or cat should be admitted to hospital between 08:00 and 10:00 and if all goes well, he / she will be discharged between 16:00 and 18:00 on the same day. A staff member will inform you of the progress after the operation. Also refer to the Vet Hospital Port Shepstone Standard Operating Procedures for additional information.

Male and female sterilisations are done under general anaesthesia. The spay operation entails the surgical removal of the ovaries, oviducts, uterine horns and uterine body. Neutering entails the surgical removal of the testicles from the scrotal sac. Before the operation each animal undergoes a pre-anaesthetic examination to eliminate obvious underlying interfering diseases. At Vet Hospital Port Shepstone all animals are given perioperative analgesia and all dogs are discharged with painkillers to give at home (included in the total cost).

Spayed dogs and cats and neutered dogs will have stitches to be removed two weeks from the operation. If you feel confident, you can do it yourself, otherwise feel free to bring him back for a free stitch removal. Neutered will have no stitches after the operation.

Please make sure your dog or cat is treated for fleas at least two days before the operation, otherwise, if necessary he/she will be treated on the owner’s cost before the operation.

All spay and neuter prices are subsidised for the welfare of the animal population in general.

For more information or prices please feel free to consult the attending veterinarian, or speak to our reception staff.

Also see:

Address 7 Reynolds Street, Port Shepstone, KZN, South Africa - Contact (039) 682 2433 - Consulting Hours Mondays to Fridays 08:30 to 11:00 & 16:00 - 17:30, Saturdays 08:30 - 11:00, Saturday afternoons, Sundays & Public Holidays emergencies only - Please phone for an appointment - Doggie Bag Vet Shop Hours Mondays to Fridays 08:00 - 18:00, Saturdays 08:30 - 11:00, Sundays & Public Holidays none
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