Pet Routine Surgeries
Pet Routine Surgeries
Neuter and Spay (Sterilization)
These are terms used to describe procedures in which the animal’s reproductive organs are removed surgically making it impossible for them to breed. In Male animals, it is called Castration (complete removal of testicles). In Female animals, it is called Spaying (complete removal of ovaries and uterus). It is recommended for all non-breeding pets to be sterilized.
The procedure has no effect on a pet’s intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. Some pets tend to be better behaved following surgical removal of their ovaries or testes, making them more desirable companions.
Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing roaming behaviour and certain types of aggression, these procedure help reduce and or eliminate the risk of the following medical conditions:
Ovarian and Uterine Cancer, Pyometra (infection of the uterus which is a fatal condition if untreated), Mammary (breast Cancer), Testicular Prostate Cancer, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Spaying female dogs can be therapeutic in some cases such as to treat false/ phantom pregnancies, irregular cycles due to ovarian cysts or as an aid for Diabetes treatment.
One of the main potential disadvantages to these procedures is weight gain due to decreased metabolism after the procedure, however, obesity is the result of overfeeding and lack of physical activity. By regulating your pet’s diet and caloric intake and ensuring daily exercise, you can prevent obesity in sterilized (or intact) dogs and cats.
The other potential disadvantage is Urinary Incontinence especially in female dogs which is the loss of voluntary control of urination. It is usually observed as involuntary urine leakage. It is believed that the lack of oestrogen in these dogs (along with obesity and larger breed size) can cause laxity or loosening of the urethral sphincter or valve resulting in the leakage of urine, especially during sleep.
There are many different factors to consider when determining the optimal time to spay or neuter a puppy or a kitten including health factors, behavioural factors, and your pet’s environment. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to proceed.
Even though it is referred to as a “Routine Surgery”, it is still a major operation performed under general anaesthesia which carries a small risk of death. However, with modern anaesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk of a complication is very low. Other surgical complications that may occur are haemorrhage, infection, suture reaction and seroma or haematoma.
What is a microchip
A microchip is a small electronic chip (rice grain size) inserted/ implanted under your pet’s skin using a special syringe. It is a universal method used to permanently identify your pet. It is normally inserted in the lose skin in between the shoulder blades. Most pets tolerate it and don’t even flinch when it’s happening.
It is important to note that a microchip is not an active tracking device. The chip only contains a unique number which can then be cross referenced with the owners’ details when the chip is inserted and the animal is registered.
The chip is “read” by using a small portable hand-held scanner which is waived over the animal. This picks up the unique number and it means that the owners’ details can then be obtained and contacted.
Vaccine Groups
Here at The Veterinary Hospital, we follow the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) vaccination guidelines and in keeping in line with manufacturer instructions, we recommend the following program:
DOGS
- Core Vaccines for Dogs are Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis), Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis (DHPPiL) and Rabies virus.
- Non-Core Vaccine for Dogs is Kennel Cough Vaccine.
- First core vaccine at 8 weeks old and not any earlier to avoid clashing with their maternal immunity from their mother.
- Second core vaccine (including Rabies) at 12 weeks old.
- 7-10 days after that, a puppy can be taken out on walks, play dates and mixing with fully vaccinated dogs but to avoid dog parks, day care/ kennels until an antibody titer test is done to determine immunity and protection levels. That way puppies get the socialisation aspect but not the exposure to viruses.
- Third core vaccine at 16 weeks old.
- At 18 weeks old (2 weeks after the last vaccine) VacciCheck (antibody titer test) must be performed. Titer testing is the new gold standard in veterinary medicine.
- From there on, an annual booster is required for all or some of the vaccines, in line with the local veterinary authorities’ regulations.
CATS
Core Vaccines for Cats are Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Feline Enteritis), Feline Calici and Herpes Virus or Cat Flu (PCH) and Rabies virus.
Non-Core Vaccine for Cats are Feline Leukaemia Virus and Ringworm which is particularly useful for long hair cats such as Persians and Turkish Angoras…etc.
- First core vaccine at 8-9 weeks old and not any earlier to avoid clashing with their maternal immunity from their mother.
- Second core vaccine (including Rabies) 3-4 weeks later.
- Third core vaccine 3-4 weeks after that.
- Two weeks after the last vaccine, VacciCheck (antibody titer test) must be performed. Titer testing is the new gold standard in veterinary medicine.
- A kitten will not be fully protected until seven to ten days after completing the vaccination program.
- From there on, an annual booster is required for all or some of the vaccines, in line with the local veterinary authorities’ regulations.
Part of the vaccination visit is a thorough clinical examination by our veterinarians, to ensure that pets are in good condition prior to receiving their vaccines and to identify early problems (if present) that may be unfamiliar to the owner.
If your pet is found to be sick, too young, generally underweight or underdeveloped, we will not administer the vaccine and will work with you to correct the presenting problem first.
At The Veterinary Hospital, we provide safe and professional pet routine surgeries to support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing. Our services include neuter and spay procedures, castration, and other common routine surgeries, all performed by experienced veterinary surgeons in a sterile and caring environment. These procedures not only help manage the pet population but also prevent certain health issues and unwanted behaviors. We follow international standards for pain management, recovery, and post-surgical care. Trust us for reliable, compassionate care when it comes to your pet’s essential surgical needs in Dubai.
Our Location
Villa 4, Al Wasl Rd
Umm Al Sheif – Dubai
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