What is neutering?

Did you know… neutering can have significant preventative health care benefits for your pet?

Whether you have a new puppy or kitten at home, or a slightly older pet, neutering can play an important part of their healthcare for a happy and healthy lifestyle.

At Animal Ark Vets in Ilford, Essex your pet is in the safest of hands. We have a team of experienced veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses along with the best facilities to ensure your pets are well looked after.

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What's included when neutering your dog with us

1	Veterinary pre-operative examination to assess your pets condition prior to surgery
2	Cats & Dogs hospitalized in separate wards to prevent cats becoming stressed
3	Tailored anaesthetic drug protocol specific to each patient - including strong pain relief and anti-inflammatories
4	IV cannula placement as standard in order to administer medication but also to provide a life-line in the event of an emergency. This means your pets leg will be clipped as well.
5	Operation done under the highest surgical standards: surgeon in full surgical PPE and patients clipped and prepared to reduce risk infections and surgical complications but also reduce the need for further medication
6	Intensive anaesthetic monitoring from a trained registered nurse, or a student nurse being overseen by a registered nurse, during surgery. All of our nurses have completed additional Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA) accreditated training.
7	Use of multiparameter monitors measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, respiratory carbon dioxide levels, blood pressure, body temperature.
8	Lubrication of eyes during surgery to prevent eyes becoming dry and developing corneal ulcers. You have the option to purchase eye drops for ongoing post-operative care
9	Local pain block included at the site of surgery to reduce pain: this is an injection of short-acting pain medication at the area of incision or organ removal to reduce intra-operative pain and reduce surgery risk.
10	Free post-operative K-Laser™ therapy to reduce inflammation, reduce pain & promotre wound healing
11	Nurse monitoring throughout the recovery process
12	Same day discharge with a nurse who will discuss the surgery with you and explain the post-operative care process
13	1 week of post operative pain relief included
14	2 free post operative checks where discounted laser therapy also available
15	Free nail clip under anaesthesia if appropriate

What's included when neutering your cat with us

1	Veterinary pre-operative examination to assess your pets condition prior to surgery
2	ISFM Silver Feline Friendly Practice: Cats & Dogs hospitalized in separate wards to prevent cats becoming stressed
3	Tailored anaesthetic drug protocol specific to each patient - including strong pain relief and anti-inflammatories
4	IV cannula placement as standard in order to administer medication but also to provide a life-line in the event of an emergency. This means your pets leg will be clipped as well.
5	Operation done under the highest surgical standards: surgeon in full surgical PPE and patients clipped and prepared to reduce risk infections and surgical complications but also reduce the need for further medication
6	Intensive anaesthetic monitoring from a trained registered nurse, or a student nurse being overseen by a registered nurse, during surgery. All of our nurses have completed additional Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA) accreditated training.
7	Use of multiparameter monitors measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, respiratory carbon dioxide levels, blood pressure, body temperature.
8	Lubrication of eyes during surgery to prevent eyes becoming dry and developing corneal ulcers. You have the option to purchase eye drops for ongoing post-operative care
9	Local pain block included at the site of surgery to reduce pain: this is an injection of short-acting pain medication at the area of incision or organ removal to reduce intra-operative pain and reduce surgery risk.
10	Free post-operative K-Laser™ therapy to reduce inflammation, reduce pain & promotre wound healing
11	Nurse monitoring throughout the recovery process
12	Same day discharge with a nurse who will discuss the surgery with you and explain the post-operative care process
13	1 week of post operative pain relief included
14	2 free post operative checks where discounted laser therapy also available
15	Free nail clip under anaesthesia if appropriate

What's included when neutering your rabbit with us

1	Veterinary pre-operative examination to assess your pets condition prior to surgery
2	Rabbits are allowed to eat and stay with their bonded partner until shortly before surgery
3	Tailored anaesthetic drug protocol specific to each patient - including strong pain relief, anti-inflammatories and medication for gut motility
4	IV cannula placement as standard in order to administer medication but also to provide a life-line in the event of an emergency. This means your rabbits ear will be clipped as well.
5	Pre-oxygenation prior to anaesthesia to improve your pet's response to anaesthesia medication
6	Operation done under the highest surgical standards: surgical PPE worn and patients clipped and prepared to reduce risk infections and surgical complications but also reduce the need for further medication
7	Intensive anaesthetic monitoring from a trained registered nurse, or a student nurse being overseen by a registered nurse, during surgery. All of our nurses have completed additional Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA) accreditated training.
8	Use of multiparameter monitors measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, respiratory carbon dioxide levels, blood pressure, body temperature.
9	Lubrication of eyes during surgery to prevent eyes becoming dry and developing corneal ulcers. You have the option to purchase eye drops for ongoing post-operative care
10	Local pain block included at the site of surgery to reduce pain: this is an injection of short-acting pain medication at the area of incision or organ removal to reduce intra-operative pain and reduce surgery risk.
11	Free post-operative K-Laser™ therapy to reduce inflammation, reduce pain & promotre wound healing
12	Recovery in an oxygen-rich warm incubator to provide better recovery and keep your rabbit warm
13	Nurse monitoring throughout the recovery process
14	Same day discharge with a nurse who will discuss the surgery with you and explain the post-operative care process
15	1 week of post operative pain relief included
16	Medication for gut motility to prevent gut stasis included
17	2 free post operative checks where discounted laser therapy also available
18	Free nail clip under anaesthesia if appropriate

Benefits of neutering your pet

Neutering is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia to remove part or all of an animal’s reproductive organs, preventing them from reproducing. In males, it is called castration and in females, spaying.

Prevents unwanted pregnancies and womb infections
Can help prevent tumours and breast cancer
Can also help prevent testicular cancer and prostate disease
Assists in preventing roaming and aggressive behaviour
It’s normal to neuter! 86% of owned cats and 71% of owned dogs in the UK are neutered*

*PSDA Paws report 2020

When's the right time for my pet?

	Male	Female
Cat	From four months	From four months
Dog	From six months although we will consider your pet’s weight, breed and behaviour	Pre-season or at least three months after season