Even though this procedure is a common procedure for vets, not all vets are good at it, so do your homework on the vet! Cats and dogs are common patients, but please use an exotic-qualified vet for other animals!
Since the massive overpopulation crisis includes more than just cats and dogs, in general, we advise that all animals be spayed/neutered, but there might be exceptions due to safety or medical reasons. Spaying or neutering a bird and certain reptiles is not routine surgery and can be riskier. There are other ways to prevent litters, which should be done under the guidance of experts with highly responsible pet parents.
WHAT AGE SHOULD I SPAY/NEUTER MY PET?
This is a controversial topic, and you need to do your homework for your individual pet and their breed, but an experienced vet can spay and neuter at an age as young as 6-8 weeks old. The risks involved with anesthesia may be slightly greater at this age. Older females that are not spayed are at risk, too. There is generally no other age limit for the procedure as long as your pet is healthy and the vet’s skills play a role. My dogs were neutered around 6 months of age, and personally, I won’t do it earlier than that.
IF MY PET JUST GAVE BIRTH, HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO SPAY?
Please prevent this, but if it did happen, the suggested time for animals that have recently given birth is about 2 weeks after the young have been weaned and the mother’s milk has dried up. Pups and kittens should stay with their mom for 12 weeks as they learn valuable behaviour from their mom.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Even though spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are some of the most common procedures done by vets. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia and potential surgical complications. The overall occurrence of these risks is very rare.
During a spay or neuter surgery, the animal is fully anesthetized, so they feel no pain. Afterward, some animals seem to experience some discomfort temporarily, but with pain medication, discomfort may not be experienced at all.
Although possible, most vets will probably advise against spaying a female in heat due to more swelling and a higher risk of bleeding. This surgery may take longer and be more expensive.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Apart from the usual veterinary advice like keeping your pet still and keeping the wound clean, you also need to phone your vet the moment you think something is not right, and keep the freshly-neutered males away from non-spayed females for some time. According to vetcare.com, most spay and neuter skin incisions are fully healed within about 10–14 days, which coincides with the time that stitches or staples, if any, will need to be removed.
When it comes to male neuters for various species, after the testicles are removed, it takes time for all of the residual sperm to clear out of the pipes. Ask your vet how long, but some sources suggest days to weeks. During this time, a freshly neutered male can possibly still impregnate females.
IS THE PROCEDURE EXPENSIVE?
It probably depends on what you spend money on and whether your pet’s health is a priority to you. The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian’s fees, and a few other factors. Remember that spaying or neutering surgery is a one-time cost, and the cost far outweighs the cost of health-related issues due to not spaying and neutering, or raising litters. There are many opportunities to do this at more affordable rates, and adoption fees include it!
In general, spaying tends to be more expensive than neutering. Spaying involves opening your dog or cat’s stomach to access the animal’s reproductive organs, whereas neutering is less complex.
The cost may vary from town to town, but according to Pawpawpets.com, the average cost of a spay in South Africa is around R1350 for a female cat and around R1800 to a crazy R4000 for a female dog. Neuters can cost around R750-R1000 for a male cat and around R1200–R2500 for a male dog.
Talk to your trusted vet if you have any concerns!
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