Spaying and neutering procedures provide health benefits for your pet and prevent litters of unwanted puppies and kittens.
Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections for both cats and dogs and significantly reduces the risk of malignant mammary cancer in dogs.
Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in cats and dogs and reduces the incidence of prostatic disease in dogs.
Neutering reduces roaming, fighting and urine marking (spraying) in cats.
During the procedure:
- Your pet is examined before receiving any medication to make sure they are free from obvious disease.
Blood may be collected for preanesthetic testing if this has not already been performed.
- Your pet receives premedication. This medication sedates the pet so that they are relaxed and comfortable.
Pain medication is often given as well. Intravenous fluids are usually started at this time.
- The surgery is performed in a surgical suite or operating room, similar to a human hospital.
Sterile tools are used. Once the surgical suite, team and equipment are ready, the pet is induced.
- Most often an injectable medication is given to induce, or anesthetize, the pet.
A combination of injectable and gas anesthetics is then used to keep the pet sleeping.
When gas anesthetics are used, a tube is placed in the pet’s mouth and airway.
During surgery, your pet is monitored to make sure he or she is safe and comfortable.
Once the surgery is completed, the pet is monitored and kept warm while waking up.
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Spay Procedure
Spaying a female dog or cat involves removing both the uterus and ovaries.
This is done through an incision made in the abdomen. This incision is most often made along the middle of the pet’s stomach just behind the umbilical scar or navel.
Sometimes the incision may be made in the pet’s side or flank. Stitches are placed internally and in the skin.
The medical term for this procedure is an ovariohysterectomy. Spayed pets will not have an estrus cycle; they will not experience “heat” cycles and they will not be able to become pregnant. |
Neuter Procedure
The medical term for this procedure is an orchidectomy. Neutering a cat or dog involves removal of both testicles.
This is done through a small incision in the skin. Stitches may be placed internally to prevent bleeding. Stitches are placed in the skin for dogs but are not required in cats. |
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
The ideal anesthetic patient is healthy and free of disease. While much of your pet’s health status can be determined by a thorough physical exam, blood tests can complete the picture.
A small amount of blood (usually less than a teaspoon) is collected and tested to evaluate organ function and blood counts. If the bloodwork is normal and there are no unusual findings, this information becomes part of your pet’s permanent record.
If there are any unusual or abnormal findings, the veterinarian is able to discuss these with you and make any necessary changes to the procedure.
Intravenous Fluids
As new research brings new solutions to veterinary medicine, we are able offer better and better care for our pets.
While spay and neuter procedures are very safe, the use of intravenous (IV) fluids can provide an even safer experience for your pet.
IV fluids are fluids, similar to blood but without the proteins and red blood cells, that are delivered into your pet’s vein.
IV fluids help maintain your pet’s blood pressure and ensure easy access for delivery of both routine medication and medications that may be needed in case of emergency or complications.
Pain Management
Pet comfort is very important. Your pet’s discomfort is managed throughout the surgical procedure.
Pain medication is given before, during and after your pet’s surgery. Pets are also monitored for signs of pain or discomfort during surgery and recovery.
You can help to keep your pet comfortable at home by following the veterinarian’s recommendations regarding exercise and by giving any prescribed information as directed.
Do not give your pet medications other than those prescribed by us.
