Desexing Small Mammals; Pros, Cons and Techniques (SVS2024)

Dogs and cats are routinely desexed for health and behavioural reasons, and to inhibit reproduction. There are also many benefits of desexing small mammals, however, there are both surgical and anaesthetic risks that are reportedly higher than in dogs and cats. Due to differences in anatomy, different techniques have been described in these species. This lecture will cover desexing in rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats, addressing the benefits, risks, different techniques, and pre- and post-operative care.