Desexing Surgery for Dogs (Spaying & Castration) Melbourne
ASC provides compassionate and expert desexing services for your dog, backed by over 25 years of surgical experience and a commitment to the highest level of care.
What is Dog Desexing?
Dog desexing, also known as sterilisation, is a surgical procedure that prevents your dog from reproducing. The procedure differs between male and female dogs:
Female Dogs (Spaying/Ovariohysterectomy)
Spaying involves the complete removal of the ovaries and uterus through a surgical incision in the abdomen. This surgery requires general anaesthesia and typically takes 20-40 minutes, depending on your dog's size and age.
Male Dogs (Castration/Neutering)
Castration is the removal of both testicles through a single incision made in front of the scrotum. This is a less invasive procedure than female spaying, typically taking 15-30 minutes under general anaesthesia.
Desexing is one of the most important preventive health measures you can provide for your dog, offering significant medical, behavioural, and social benefits throughout their lifetime.
Health Benefits of Dog Desexing
Health Benefits of Dog Desexing
Benefits for Female Dogs
- Prevents mammary cancer: Dogs spayed before their first heat cycle have less than 0.5% chance of developing mammary cancer
- Eliminates pyometra: A life-threatening uterine infection that affects up to 25% of unspayed females
- Prevents ovarian and uterine cancers: Complete elimination of these reproductive cancers
- Stops heat cycles: No more bleeding, swelling, or unwanted attention from male dogs
- Reduces false pregnancies: Eliminates hormonal fluctuations causing phantom pregnancies
Benefits for Male Dogs
- Prevents testicular cancer: Complete elimination of testicular cancer risk
- Reduces prostate disease: Significant reduction in prostate enlargement and infections
- Decreases hernias: Lower risk of inguinal and perineal hernias
- Prevents perianal tumours: Reduced risk of hormone-related anal tumours
- Eliminates marking behaviour: Significant reduction in territorial urine marking
Behavioural Improvements
Expected Behavioural Improvements after Desexing your Dog
Desexing can significantly improve your dog's behaviour by reducing hormone-driven instincts:
- Reduced aggression: Less territorial and dominance-related aggression
- Decreased roaming: Less likely to escape searching for mates
- Calmer temperament: More relaxed and focused on family interactions
- Reduced mounting: Less mounting behaviour towards people and objects
- Better socialisation: Improved interactions with other dogs
Optimal Timing for Dog Desexing
Current Australian Recommendations
Recent veterinary guidelines recommend individualised timing based on breed size:
Females
Ideally before their first heat, usually between 6 and 8 months of age depending on breed.
Small Male Breeds (Under 20kg)
- Recommended age: 6-8 months
- Rationale: Minimal orthopaedic concerns, maximum cancer prevention benefits
- Council benefits: Reduced registration fees when desexed before 6 months
Medium to Large Male Breeds (20-35kg)
- Recommended age: from 12 months depending on breed and size.
- Rationale: Balance between cancer prevention and skeletal development & allow complete skeletal development to reduce joint disease risk
- Timing: Often just before or after first heat cycle
Fixed Price Dog Desexing
Neutering (Castration) Prices For Dogs
Prices are indicative only*
Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) Prices For Dogs
Prices are indicative only*
The above cost estimates includes:
- Pre-surgical examination
- General anaesthesia and monitoring
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Pain management medications
- Post-operative monitoring
- Suture removal
Why Choose ASC for Your Dog's Desexing Surgery?
- Dr Jas has over 21 years of experience as a vet.
- Quality care at affordable prices.
- Advanced equipment and surgical techniques
- Proven track record and exceptional patient outcomes
- State-of-the-art surgical equipment and modern fixation methods
- Ligasure use advanced vessel-sealing device that cauterises and seals blood vessels, reducing bleeding and surgical time
Desexing Surgical Procedure
Pre-Operative Preparation
- Our experienced veterinarians conduct a comprehensive assessment including:
- Health examination: Complete physical assessment
- Blood work: Pre-anaesthetic screening for organ function
- Fasting: 12-hour food restriction, water available until surgery
- Consent: Detailed discussion of procedures and risks
Day of Surgery
Female Spaying Procedure:
- Anaesthesia – General anaesthesia with continuous monitoring
- Positioning – Dorsal recumbency with sterile preparation
- Incision – Small abdominal incision to access reproductive organs
- Ligasure use – Seals blood vessels during ovary and uterus removal, reducing bleeding and surgical time
- Ovary removal – Careful removal of both ovaries
- Uterus removal – Complete removal of the uterine body
- Closure – Multi-layer closure with absorbable sutures
- Recovery – Longer recovery period compared to males due to abdominal surgery
Male Castration Procedure:
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia with monitoring
- Positioning: Dorsal recumbency with sterile preparation
- Incision: Single incision in front of testicles
- Ligasure use – Advanced vessel-sealing device to seal blood vessels and minimise bleeding
- Removal: Careful removal of both testicles
- Closure: Closure of incision with sutures
- Recovery: Quick recovery due to less invasive nature
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Immediate Post-Surgery (0-24 hours)
- Monitoring: Close observation for complications
- Pain management: Prescribed pain relief medications
- Restricted activity: Quiet, warm environment
- Limited food: Small amounts of bland food if not vomiting
First Week Recovery
- Elizabethan collar: Prevent licking and chewing of incision
- Activity restriction: No running, jumping, or rough play
- Daily wound checks: Monitor for swelling, discharge, or separation
Second Week Recovery
- Suture removal: Typically 10-14 days post-surgery
- Gradual activity increase: Short leash walks only
- Follow-up appointment: Veterinary check to ensure proper healing
Return to Normal Activity
- Timing: 2-3 weeks for full recovery
- Gradual introduction: Slowly increase exercise levels
- Full activity: Return to normal activities after veterinary clearance
FAQs
Will desexing change my dog's personality?
Desexing typically improves temperament by reducing hormone-driven behaviours while maintaining your dog's core personality traits.
Can I wait until after my dog has had puppies?
There's no behavioural or health benefit to allowing your dog to have a litter before desexing. Earlier desexing provides maximum health benefits.
What if my dog is overweight?
Overweight dogs can still be safely desexed, though they may have slightly higher anaesthetic risks and longer recovery times.
How long before my dog can swim or bathe?
Wait at least 2 weeks or until your veterinarian confirms the incision is fully healed before allowing swimming or bathing.
Further Readings:
Council Registration Benefits in VIC
Council Registration Benefits
Australian Registration Discounts
Lifetime registration discounts in VIC
Timing for Maximum Benefits
- Before 6 months: Qualify for reduced registration fees
- Veterinary exemption: Some councils allow delayed desexing with veterinary letter
- Proof required: Veterinary certificate confirming desexing status
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Immediate Concerns
- Excessive bleeding: Active bleeding from incision site
- Severe swelling: Significant swelling beyond normal post-surgical response
- Persistent vomiting: Vomiting beyond 24 hours post-surgery
- Lethargy: Unusual lethargy after first 24 hours
- Pale gums: Signs of internal bleeding or shock
General Concerns
- Appetite loss: Not eating beyond 48 hours post-surgery
- Incision problems: Discharge, separation, or infection signs
- Behavioural changes: Unusual aggression or withdrawal
- Difficulty urinating: Straining or inability to urinate