Canine desexing attitudes and practices of Australian veterinarians: A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

Canine desexing is one of the most common small animal surgical procedures in Australia, yet little is known about current practices. This study characterised attitudes, practitioner recommendations and surgical practices for routine canine desexing among Australian veterinarians using an online cross-sectional survey (n = 107). Respondent demographics were broadly comparable to the 2023/2024 Australian Veterinary Workforce Survey, suggesting appropriate representation. Most veterinarians (93.6%) recommended routine desexing, with orchiectomy and ovariohysterectomy being the predominant surgical approaches. Alternative approaches were occasionally recommended but rarely performed. The main reasons reported for recommending desexing dogs of both sexes were prevention of unwanted mating, perceived health benefits, population control and, for males, preventing undesirable behaviour. Recommended timing was influenced by age, expected adult size, breed and owner preference. Recommended age of desexing did not differ by sex, but larger expected adult size was associated with a later recommended age (p < 0.001). In female dogs, 59.3% respondents reported advising desexing after one or more seasons, with a mean minimum post-oestrus interval of 1.8 ± 0.9 months and 17.6% of respondents reported advising desexing less than 4 months of age. Drug choices did not differ between male and female desexing operations for premedication (p = 0.66), induction (p = 1.00) and postoperative analgesia (p = 0.51). Medetomidine, alfaxalone, acepromazine and methadone were commonly used for premedication; alfaxalone and propofol for induction; and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories postoperatively. Local anaesthetic blocks were infrequently used. Our findings provide an overview of desexing practices, highlight key areas for future research and inform future veterinary training.