Neutering / de-sexing / spaying / castration
Surgical removal of the reproductive organs. Spaying = female (ovaries and usually uterus); castration / neutering = male (testicles). Population control + health benefits.
De-sexing is one of the most common surgical procedures in companion animals. In females (spay / ovariohysterectomy / ovariectomy), the ovaries and usually the uterus are removed. In males (castration / orchidectomy), the testicles are removed.
Health benefits include elimination of certain cancers (testicular, ovarian, uterine), reduced risk of others (mammary cancer if spayed before first heat in dogs), elimination of pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection in older entire females), and reduced behaviours linked to sex hormones (roaming, fighting, marking, false pregnancy).
Timing is increasingly debated. The traditional 6-month age is being revised in some breeds — particularly large and giant breed dogs, where delaying until growth plates close (12–18 months) appears to reduce orthopaedic disease (cruciate rupture, hip dysplasia) at the cost of slightly higher cancer risk for some types. Discuss with your vet for your specific breed.
Cats: typically 4–6 months. Sexual maturity arrives early in cats and unwanted litters are a leading welfare issue.
Recovery is usually 7–14 days of restricted activity. Modern anaesthetics, IV fluids, pain relief, and Elizabethan collars (or recovery suits) make the experience routine for healthy young pets.