GETTING a pet neutered could help to save its life, and is an important part of responsible pet care says PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity.

As well as helping to reduce the problem of stray and abandoned pets and unwanted pregnancies, neutering has many other health benefits such as preventing the occurrence of potentially life threatening diseases such as an infection of the uterus in female dogs.

The charity for pets in need of vets has launched a neutering advice leaflet to encourage pet owners to consider the benefits of getting their pet neutered, and is urging pet owners to pick up a copy from PDSA PetAid hospitals and shops nationwide.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury, comments: “Neutering can be performed on many different types of pets, but it is a particularly important consideration for cats, dogs and rabbits.

“Neutering is a vital part of responsible pet care and is something that pet owners should discuss with their vet as soon as possible, as it can often lengthen the life span of pets and increase their quality of life”.

Neutering - the facts:

CATS

• In female cats, neutering (spaying) involves the removal of the ovaries and the uterus so that they cannot conceive offspring. It also means that in later life they will not develop cancer of the ovaries or infections of the uterus.

• In male cats, an additional benefit of neutering (castration) is that it helps to stop the spread of disease. This is because neutered male cats are less likely to get into fights and are therefore less likely to get bitten and infected with diseases such as Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which are spread through the saliva of other infected cats. Another advantage is that the majority of castrated cats do not spray inside or outside the home, and are less likely to roam. They will also not develop tumours of the testicles.

DOGS

• In female dogs, the main reason for neutering bitches is to stop them having puppies, and so help reduce the number of stray and unwanted puppies. In neutered female dogs, there is a decreased incidence of mammary (breast) tumours and problems associated with false pregnancies, such as milk production, depression and lack of appetite. A spayed dog won’t develop diseases of the uterus and ovaries.

• In male dogs, not oly does neutering (castration) prevent the production of unwanted puppies, but it may reduce hormone-induced rovings, sexual urges and aggression and will prevent testicular cancer.

The Neutering leaflet from PDSA forms part of a range of Responsible Pet Care leaflets from PDSA. The leaflets which include topics such as Diet and Nutrition, Dental Care and Dog Training are available from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA charity shops nationwide. Further information can be obtained from www.pdsa.org.uk or by calling Freephone 0800 917 2509.