Spay (ovariohysterectomy)
Spaying your pet means to surgically alter a female so that she is infertile. This involves surgically removing the ovaries and the uterus, and is preferably done before your pet’s first heat at about six months of age. The benefits of spaying your pet early far outweigh the risks. Spaying will prevent disease such as pyometra (an infection in the uterus) and cancers of the reproductive tract. Spaying before the first heat reduces the chance of mammary (breast) cancer in the future by 95%. Heat cycles are often messy, frequently attracting the attention of male dogs. By eliminating the ability to reproduce, you are helping to control the pet over-population problem.
Neuter (orchidectomy)
Neutering your pet means to surgically alter a male so that he is infertile. This involves surgically removing testicles, and is preferably done before your pet becomes mature at about six months of age.
Neutering is not only recommended for dogs and cats, but also for all exotic mammals. Every species is anatomically and physiologically different in minor ways. The same surgical procedure can not be safely used in all species. Different medications and anaesthetics react differently for each species. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the different species is vital in avoiding complications with these procedures. I have surgical experience specifically with exotics and understand these differences. Medications, anaesthetic protocols and surgical procedures are catered specifically towards your specific species of pet.
The benefits of neutering your pet early far outweigh the risks. Neutering your pet greatly decreases the chance of behavioural problems (aggressiveness, roaming) often exhibited by sexually intact male dogs. Neutering also eliminates the risk of reproductive tract-associated diseases, such as testicular torsion or cancer. Contrary to popular belief, neutering does not reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but will reduce the risk of developing a common prostate disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. By eliminating the ability to reproduce, you are helping to control the pet over-population problem.