Neutering your pet

Neutering is where vets surgically prevent pets from reproducing. For males, the operation is called castration and for females it is called spaying. 

When castrating males, both testicles are removed which takes away the main source of testosterone. 

When spaying females, both ovaries and the uterus are removed. This means the female is unable to get pregnant or have a season and males are unable to reproduce. You do not need to let an animal have one litter first. 

All neutering procedures are carried out under general anesthetic and will involve your pet staying at the practice for the day. Neutering provides a wide range of benefits for your pet and yourself and keeps your pet healthy. If you wish to get your pet neutered, speak to your vet for the best advice on when to neuter. 

Benefits of neutering: 

• Neutering prevents females coming into season, preventing unwanted male attention and preventing pregnancies or false pregnancies. 

• Neutering prevents the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterus infections and cancers in females.

• In males, neutering can reduce urine marking and roaming, although marking can be a behavioural problem, so neutering may not solve the issue. 

• Neutering can reduce aggressive behaviour in mature male ferrets, as well as their 'odour'. It can also prevent severe health problems in female ferrets, such as anaemia and alopecia.

• Neutering can deter theives from stealing your pet for breeding purposes.

• Animals can and do mate with their family members which can lead to offspring being born with birth defects and deformities. Neutering willl prevent this from happening. 

• Vet fees for problems during or after pregnancy and birth can be expensive. Offspring may need veterinary treatment too. You will also need to take into consideration that offspring will need regular parasite prevetion, (flea, tick and worms) also need vaccinating and microchipping, which too can be expensive.