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ALL GOOD: Veterinarian Kristy Macdonald (left) and nurse Debi Hodge do a health check on Dino before his desexing operation.

The truth about Desexing

LIES, myths and mystery surround the desexing of cats and dogs. To set the record straight, we asked Northland Veterinarian Group veterinarian Kristy Macdonald to answer some of the questions - and excuses - pet owners have.

What is desexing? Desexing of pets or spaying and neutering (castration) is a surgical procedure to remove the reproductive organs.

What are the benefits to my pet? Unwanted pregnancies are eliminated. Behavioural problems like wandering, aggression and inappropriate urination are lessened as is the spread of diseases such as feline AIDS, abscesses and feline respiratory infections.

Is it painful? We consider the management of pain to be very important, the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia and pain relief is provided as required post surgery.

At what age should my pet be spayed? The usual age recommended is 6 months. However at times the procedure may be done younger and it is never too late to spay or neuter your pet.

Isn't it cruel and unnatural? No. Desexed animals are less likely to wander looking for a mate and to be in fights. Cats have a reduced risk of contracting disease. Desexing a female dog prevents ovarian cancers and with a male reduces prostate cancers.

Will desexing change my pet? Desexing can help reduce undesirable behaviours but it would be unusual for your pet's personality or training to alter at all. Your pet will require less food once the reproductive organs are removed - an economic benefit!