Why Spaying Your Gecko Might Save Her Life and Other Little-Known Facts About “Fixing” Exotic Pets

When considering whether to spay or neuter your pet, you probably think that it’s mostly about preventing overpopulation. While this can be an important reason to opt for the procedure, there are many other benefits as well.

Here at LIBEVC, we spay and neuter a variety of pets including rabbits, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, ferrets, bearded dragons, leopard geckos and more.

Below, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of “fixing” your pet and why our veterinarians recommend it. But first, let’s explain a bit about what spaying and neutering entail.

What are the differences between spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that involve the removal of an animal's reproductive organs. Female animals are spayed, while males are neutered. Also known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying is an invasive surgery that involves removing the ovaries and uterus of a female animal. Neutering a male animal is a non-invasive procedure that involves the removal of the animal's testicles. Recovery for both of these procedures is generally very quick.

Here are 5 of the top reasons we recommend that families spay or neuter their exotic pet:

1. Pets that are spayed and neutered tend to live longer lives. For example, 80% of unspayed rabbits develop uterine cancer by age four. Guinea pigs also benefit from being spayed as the older a guinea pig is, the more complications there may be in pregnancy which can result in the loss of the babies and/or mother.
   

2. It prevents certain cancers. Spaying helps to reduce the risk of ovarian and mammary cancers in rabbits. Similarly, neutering can help prevent testicular cancer in males.
   

3. Neutered animals won’t spray! Want to avoid that awful smell when your bunny tries to mark his territory? Neutering can help reduce or stop the behavior completely. Similarly, spayed animals won’t go into heat. Animals in heat can be loud, aggressive and agitated.
   

4. Spayed and neutered animals bite less. In general, animals who have been fixed tend to be more relaxed all around, and are much less likely to have behavioral problems.
   

5. A litter of baby animals is a lot of work. Finding yourself with half a dozen baby animals on your hands can be a bit overwhelming. Sure, they’re cute, but do you want to care for them all? And do you have enough friends who are willing to take them in? By spaying or neutering them early on, you can prevent this headache altogether.

The veterinarian team at Long Island Bird & Exotics has decades of experience spaying and neutering pets. The procedures are typically quick and your beloved pet can usually be home with you within a day or two.

Do you have concerns or questions about the procedure? Want to schedule an appointment for your exotic pet?

Contact us. We’re here to help!