Desexing at Pittwater

At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on performing desexing procedures with the utmost care and to an exceptional standard. We regularly review our desexing protocols to ensure your pet’s surgery is as safe and gentle as possible.

When Should Pets Be Desexed?

• Dogs: Most are desexed between 6 and 9 months, though the recommended age may vary depending on the breed.
• Cats: Desexing is done at 16 weeks, aligned with their final kitten vaccination, in accordance with council regulations.
• Rabbits: Desexing is recommended after 5-6 months of age.

Please note:

• Surgery Fees: PAH charges a higher surgery fee for desexing dogs over 9 months of age due to the increased complexity of the surgery and the potential for a slower recovery time.

Additionally, dogs may be due for their booster SR12 heartworm prevention injection and Quantum Flea and Tick injection  around the same time as their desexing.

To make an appointment, phone 9913 7979.

The Desexing Procedure at PAH

• Pets are admitted to the hospital at 7:45 am on the day of surgery (weekdays only).
• Pre-Anaesthetic Instructions: Specific instructions for dogs, cats, and rabbits will be provided before surgery.
• Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Tests: These are offered for dogs and cats to screen for conditions such as anaemia, diabetes, kidney, and liver disease. Results are reviewed before anaesthesia and kept on record for future health assessments.

On the Day of Surgery

1. Admission: Upon arrival, your pet will undergo a physical examination and receive pre-anaesthetic medication, which includes a sedative and pain relief. This helps them feel calm and comfortable throughout their stay.
2. Anaesthetic Preparation: All dogs and cats have an intravenous catheter placed to ensure safe access for medications and fluids. They are then given a modern, safe intravenous anaesthetic and intubated to connect to a gaseous anaesthetic machine, similar to what is used in human hospitals.
3. Monitoring: A veterinarian and veterinary nurse will monitor your pet’s anaesthetic depth, oxygenation, heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, and body temperature. Intravenous fluids are administered at no extra charge during the procedure.
4. Surgery: An experienced veterinarian will perform the desexing surgery. Additional pain relief will be provided post-surgery and for home care, at no extra charge.
5. Post-Operative Care: After the surgery, your pet will be closely monitored by a qualified veterinary nurse during recovery. A message will be sent to you once the procedure is complete.

Discharge and Aftercare

• Most pets can go home between 12 pm and 5 pm the same day.
• An Elizabethan collar can be supplied if necessary, though most pets don’t require one due to the pain relief and gentle care provided, which minimizes the urge to lick their wounds.
• A follow-up call or message will be sent a few days after the procedure to check on your pet’s recovery. During the discharge process, we will schedule a wound check or suture removal appointment, typically for 7-10 days after surgery.
• If you have any concerns about your pet’s recovery within the week after surgery, we encourage you to bring them in for a check-up. While rare, some animals may experience irritation at the wound site or require additional pain relief or antibiotics.
• For detailed at-home care instructions after any procedure at PAH, please visit our After Care page.