Sterilisation (otherwise known as desexing or neutering) is recommended for many exotic pets, and it is important in preventing a range of problems that can occur later in your pet’s life.
We recommend that rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and rats should all be routinely desexed to prevent a range of issues. In some cases, sterilising your reptile or bird is also indicated for the prevention of some diseases.
The most common form of sterilisation is when animals undergo surgery to remove part of their reproductive tract, this is generally known castration or spay. There are also medical forms of temporary sterilisation that involve hormonal injections or implants.
In general, either surgery (castration or spay) is a day procedure where your pet is dropped off at our veterinary clinic in the morning, has surgery during the day and then goes home that afternoon or evening.
Recommended sterilisation ages vary on the species but can be performed as early as 3 months of age in some cases.
There are many health and behavioural benefits from sterilising your exotic pet, including:
In addition to the benefits listed above, sterilisation prevents any unwanted (and unexpected) pregnancies.
For more information on sterilisation your exotic pet or to make an appointment, please contact your local Unusual Pet Vets team.
