Neutering

At Arden House, we provide neutering services for companion animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and small furries.

Deciding whether to have your pet neutered is an important decision, and our team is always happy to discuss the options with you.

We generally recommend neutering because it can provide significant health benefits and help prevent unwanted litters. Neutering can reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections affecting the reproductive system.

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What is Neutering

Neutering is a surgical procedure performed to spay or castrate your pet, ensuring they are no longer able to breed. All neutering procedures are carried out under a general anaesthetic. Following surgery, your pet will be closely monitored by our veterinary nurses to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.

Female Cat Neutering (Spaying)

Neutering a female cat is known as spaying. This procedure involves the removal of the ovaries and the uterus preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of certain health conditions later in life.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the flank (side of the abdomen) or along the midline of the abdomen, depending on the veterinary surgeon’s preferred approach and the individual patient. Your veterinary surgeon will discuss the most appropriate approach with you before the procedure.

Male Cat Neutering (Castration)

Neutering a male cat is known as castration. This procedure involves the removal of both testicles, preventing reproduction and reducing the risk of certain reproductive diseases and conditions later in life.

Castration may also help reduce hormone driven behaviours such as roaming, urine spraying and some forms of aggression although the effects can vary between individual cats.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic. Small incisions are made in the scrotum, allowing the veterinary surgeon to safely remove both testicles.

Female Dog Neutering (Spaying)

Neutering a female dog is known as spaying. This procedure involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of certain reproductive health conditions later in life.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic. An incision is made along the midline of the abdomen, allowing the veterinary surgeon to safely remove the reproductive organs.

Male Dog Neutering (Castration)

Neutering a male dog is known as castration. This procedure involves the removal of both testicles, preventing reproduction and reducing the risk of certain reproductive diseases and conditions later in life.

Castration may also help to reduce some hormone driven behaviours, although this can vary between individual dogs.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic. An incision is made just in front of (above) the scrotum, along the midline of the body, allowing the veterinary surgeon to safely remove both testicles.

Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time (BMBT)

Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time (BMBT) is a test used to assess how effectively your dog’s blood is able to clot. It will be recommended before neutering if your dog is not up to date with their lungworm prevention, as lungworm infection can affect the blood clotting process and increase the risk of abnormal bleeding during surgery.

During the test, a small shallow incision is made on the inside of your dog’s upper lip (the buccal mucosa). The time taken for the bleeding to stop is carefully measured, with any excess blood gently blotted away at regular intervals without disturbing the incision.

The total bleeding time is then recorded, helping the veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse assess your dog’s clotting function and determine whether it is safe to proceed with surgery or whether further investigation is required.

Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)

Occasionally, one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. This condition is known as cryptorchidism.

In these cases surgical removal of both the visible (descended) and hidden (retained) testicle(s) is recommended.

Additional charges apply for cryptorchid castrations, as these procedures are more complex than routine neutering.

Hernia Repair

Some pets may be diagnosed with a hernia, where tissue or abdominal contents protrude through a weakness in the muscle wall. Hernias can occur in various locations including around the belly button or groin area.

Where appropriate, hernia repair can often be performed at the same time as neutering. The veterinary surgeon will assess your pet and discuss the most suitable treatment options with you before surgery.

Additional charges apply for hernia repairs, as these procedures are more complex than routine neutering.

When Can I Get My Pet Neutered?

The recommended age for neutering depends on several factors, including your pet's health, sex, weight, breed, and individual behaviour.

At Arden House, we generally advise neutering female dogs approximately three months after their first season, while male dogs are usually neutered between 12 and 18 months of age, although this can vary depending on their breed and behaviour. Our vets can provide individual recommendations based on your dog's specific circumstances.

For cats, we recommend neutering both males and females from 6 months of age, provided they weigh at least 2kg.

Booking the Surgery

We run neutering clinics:

Monday to Friday at our Ruislip hospital

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at our Greenford surgery

Please note that we do not perform surgical procedures at our Harefield branch, as there is no operating theatre on site.

Before booking a neutering procedure, your pet must be registered with our practice.

Already registered with us? Call us on 01895 633 600 to arrange your neutering appointment.

Fees

Our neutering fees can be viewed if you click here .

The neutering fee includes:

The surgical procedure

General anaesthetic

Two post operative checks (3 day and 10 day)

Pain relief medication

A buster collar (male dog, female dog and cat)

Pets will require a pre-operative health check - if your pet has not been seen within the last 6 months our standard consultation fee will be additional.

Deposits and Payment

A 50% deposit is required when booking a neutering procedure. This deposit is deducted from the final invoice, with the remaining balance payable on the day of discharge.

Please note:

Deposits are non-refundable if the appointment is cancelled on the day of surgery.

If the appointment is cancelled at least one day before surgery, the deposit can either be refunded or retained on your account as credit for future treatment.

Any additional treatment required as a result of complications is not included in the standard neutering fee and will be charged separately. Should any complications arise, the veterinary surgeon will contact you to discuss the recommended treatment and any associated costs before your pet is discharged. All additional charges must be settled at the time of discharge.

Please note you will receive 10% off the procedure if you are joined on our health care plan.