What is desexing?
Desexing is a surgery that stops your pet from being able to have a litter. In female pets it's called a spey, and in male pets it's called a castration. You may also hear it called spaying and neutering.
Pet desexing is one of the most common procedures our vets perform. Your pet has a general anaesthetic, and most pets go home the same day.
Why desex your pet?
Desexing has health benefits that last your pet's whole life. It can:
- prevent pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus
- lower the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, testicular cancer and prostate problems
- reduce hormone-driven behaviours like roaming, urine marking and mounting
- prevent unplanned litters, and the pregnancy and birth complications that can come with them.
Choosing Lort Smith for your pet's desexing also supports our work as a not-for-profit, helping families who are doing it tough keep caring for their pets.
When to desex your puppy or kitten
We recommend desexing from around 20 weeks (5 months) of age, once your pet has finished their primary vaccinations.
The best age can vary from pet to pet:
- Dogs: timing can depend on breed and expected adult size. Our vets will talk you through what's right for your dog.
- Cats: early-age desexing is common and helps prevent unplanned litters, especially during kitten season.
Adult pets can be desexed too. Our vets will check your pet's health first and let you know if anything needs extra care.
Pets who need a little extra care
Some pets need extra planning before surgery, and our team is experienced in caring for them. This includes:
- flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, who can be more sensitive to anaesthetic
- pets with a retained testicle, who may need a different surgical approach
- pets who are pregnant or in season
- nervous or anxious pets.
Some of these can add to the cost. We'll always explain any extra fees before surgery.
What to expect on the day
Morning drop-off
Desexing is a day procedure. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in. [To confirm: drop-off time and fasting instructions.]
Health check
Your pet has a short consultation before surgery so our vet can check they're well enough for an anaesthetic. We'll also confirm their vaccinations are up to date. If our vet doesn't think desexing is right for your pet that day, we'll talk you through the other options.
Surgery
Our team monitors your pet's heart rate, breathing and temperature throughout. Pain relief is given before, during and after the procedure.
Going home
We'll call you in the afternoon when your pet is ready to collect. We'll explain their medication, how to care for the wound and what to look out for.
Check-up
We'll book a post-surgery check to make sure your pet is healing well. [To confirm: whether this is included in the standard fee.]
Caring for your pet after desexing
Most pets bounce back within a few days. To help your pet recover:
- keep them quiet and limit exercise for [X] days
- don't worry if they eat less on the first evening
- check the wound each day and keep it clean and dry
- give any pain relief exactly as prescribed.
Call us on 03 9328 3021 if the wound looks red, swollen or weepy, or if your pet seems unwell or in pain. No question is too small.
Equipment we use
Anaesthetic monitoring
Tracks your pet's heart rate, breathing and temperature from the moment they're asleep until they wake up.
Autoclave
Sterilises our surgical instruments and equipment to hospital standard, keeping every procedure safe for your pet.
In-house pathology laboratory
Lets us run pre-anaesthetic blood tests on site when your vet recommends them, with results the same day. [Vet to confirm when these are offered for desexing]
Facilities at Lort Smith
Consult rooms
Private rooms where our vets check your pet before surgery and talk you through their aftercare.
Surgical theatres
Fully equipped operating theatres where our vets perform your pet's desexing.
Patient wards and recovery condos
Quiet, warm spaces where your pet rests and is monitored as they wake up from their anaesthetic.
Related
Fees and payments
/vet-care/fees-and-payments/
Puppy and kitten care
/vet-care/services/puppy-and-kitten-care/
Vaccinations
/vet-care/services/vaccinations/
Puppy and dog training
/vet-care/puppy-and-dog-training/