Spaying queens and castrating tom cats are the most common surgical procedures we routinely undertake. There are advantages and disadvantages to both procedures.
Spaying queens and castrating tom cats are the most common surgical procedures we routinely undertake. There are advantages and disadvantages to both procedures.
Castration is the removal of the testicles through a relatively small single incision so small that sutures are rarely used. Medical ‘superglue’ is sometimes applied to the incision. The cat goes home later that day with pain control medication to obliterate any post surgical discomfort. Most cats resume their normal routines the next day but don’t let your cat outdoors until a week later, when the wound has completely repaired.
Reasons for castrating male cats are social rather than medical. The neutered male cat population doesn’t live any longer, on average, than the not neutered population. That’s because life-threatening conditions involving the male reproductive organs – malignant cancers or uncontrollable hormonal or microbial conditions – are uncommon. Specifically, malignant testicular or prostate cancers are rare in cats compared to in men. Cats are castrated primarily because we find the smell of un-neutered tom cat urine repellant and we don’t want our cats to spray it in our homes or gardens.
Castration reduces or eliminates three behaviours; male to male aggression, urine spraying and wandering. A neutered tom cat stays closer to home and is less likely to cross roads.
In one out of every three or four cats, castration alters energy balance enough to lead to weight gain unless the energy level of the diet is reduced. If your cat is castrated we recommend reducing the quantity of food anywhere from 10 to 20 per cent, or switching to a ‘neutered cat’ variety of food.
Whether or not to castrate male cats is as much a cultural decision as it is a medical one. In North America and Northern Europe it’s the norm. In southern Europe it’s less common. Our advice is that male hormone can be beneficial as well as a nuisance. However, the odour it gives to urine (in most but not all tom cats) is offensive to the human nose. Unneutered tom cats roam and the farther they roam the greater the risk of trauma. We recommend that outdoor tom cats are neutered, for their own well being and to control the surplus cat population. We also recommend neutering indoor toms to ensure they are contented living indoors.
I can’t recommend London Vet Clinic enough! I relocated my 10 year old Miniature Schnauzer from the US to UK with a newly discovered medical condition. Helen was our angel and cured our sweet Penny of her condition and other consequent complications with medication. The team of vets at London Vet Clinic are truly the best in their field and really care about the animals they treat. The office staff is also lovely to work with which really eases the stress of scheduling and speaking with the vets.
Haley M
My Pug Queenie has been seen by a number of the Vets at the London Vet clinic, all were brilliant, they thoroughly explained all of the procedures that my dog would be having. I’m a first-time pug owner and I have very much appreciated all their help. Queenie’s had her spay & Boas surgery here. Jo was fantastic, she did the Boas, which has been highly successful, Queenie’s been coping well with the extreme heat we have been having. Highly recommended!
Queenie
The vets and staff at the London Vet Clinic have cared for our two dogs for almost 15 years. In that time, we have had our share of serious and not so serious issues. No matter the severity, the care has always been professional, kind, proactive and attentive to the needs of both our dogs and us. On at least two occasions, our dogs’ lives were saved by their swift decisions. They are equally sensitive to the needs of puppies as well as the needs of aging dogs. We have learned how important it is to have full confidence in your vet. We trust them wholeheartedly.
Susan
Very helpful and professional staff. Dr. Hugo Richardson goes out of his way to ensure the right treatment is provided for my dog who has the Leishmania disease.
L Michel
Only been a few times but have been so pleased with how nice the staff is. They really love our dog and Dr. Fogle really knows his stuff. I immediately felt very comfortable with him and I’m very picky about who I let prod my pup!
Eli Cohen
Amazing Service. I knew my dog Bella was in the safest hands with Vet Jo. Such a friendly and experienced team. Would highly recommend this clinic. They are the perfect example of how a vet clinic should be, showing pets care and affection while reassuring pet owners in the process. 5 Stars for the team and Dr Jo!
Tania Saour
Digital strategy, website development, and marketing by Living Dreams Web Development Solutions in partnership with Dr Samuela Merenda, DVM, MRCVS.