Desexing at Pittwater Animal Hospital
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we take great pride in performing desexing procedures to the highest standard. Every step of the process is designed to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Our surgical protocols are regularly reviewed to ensure we use the most up-to-date techniques and equipment.
When Should Pets Be Desexed?
-
Dogs – Most are desexed between 6 and 9 months of age, though the ideal timing can vary depending on breed.
-
Cats – Usually desexed at 16 weeks, in line with their final kitten vaccination and in accordance with council regulations.
-
Rabbits – Recommended after 5–6 months of age.
Note:
-
Desexing dogs over 9 months may attract a higher surgery fee due to increased surgical complexity and recovery time.
-
If your dog is due for their annual SR12 heartworm prevention injection or Quantum Flea and Tick injection, we can often combine these with their desexing appointment for convenience.
📞 Call us on 9913 7979 to book your pet’s desexing or
Message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
The Desexing Procedure at PAH
Day of Surgery (weekdays only):
-
Admission: Pets arrive at 7:45 am. They’ll have a pre-surgery health check before receiving a sedative and pain relief to help them feel relaxed.
- Pre-Anaesthetic Instructions: Specific instructions for dogs, cats and rabbits will be provided before surgery.
-
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing (dogs & cats): Optional but recommended to screen for issues such as anaemia, kidney or liver disease, or diabetes. Results are reviewed by the vet before surgery and kept for future reference.
-
IV catheter & anaesthetic: All dogs and cats have an intravenous catheter placed for safe medication and fluid delivery. We use modern, human-grade anaesthetics and intubation for oxygen and gas delivery.
-
Monitoring: A vet and nurse closely track anaesthetic depth, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, ECG, and body temperature. IV fluids are included at no extra cost.
-
Surgery: Performed by an experienced veterinarian. Extra pain relief is provided after surgery and to take home.
-
Recovery: Pets are monitored by a nurse until fully awake, with a message sent to you once the procedure is complete.
Going Home & Aftercare
-
Most pets are ready to go home between 12 pm and 5 pm.
-
An Elizabethan collar is available if needed, though most pets don’t require one thanks to gentle handling and effective pain control.
-
We’ll call or message you a few days later to check on recovery.
-
A wound check or suture removal is booked for 7–10 days post-surgery.
-
If you have any concerns—such as swelling, licking, or changes in behaviour—please bring your pet in for a free post-op check.
For detailed aftercare instructions, see our [After Care page].
Why Desex?
-
Prevents unwanted litters
-
Reduces the risk of certain cancers and infections
-
Can help prevent behavioural problems such as roaming or aggression
Case Studies
-
Pudding the male dog: A real-life example of a smooth desexing and recovery at PAH.
-
When female dogs aren’t desexed: The health risks, including pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection) and increased cancer risk.
📞 Book now: 9913 7979 Message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
