Spaying Your Pet

Why?
The main reason is to prevent pet overpopulation; however, there are many other reasons. Intact females are more likely (seven times!) to develop breast cancer. Spayed females do not go through heat cycles, so they do not have blood spotting and do not attract male dogs. Spayed females do not develop uterine or ovarian cancer and do not develop a life threatening infection called pyometra. Spaying is also recommended as part of treatment for mammary cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, and reproductive tract problems.

When?
The preferred age is 4-6 months of age. Younger animals are at increased risk of anesthetic complications. Older animals have a longer recovery. If your pet is over 2 years of age, please discuss this with the veterinarian. We do not recommend spaying a dog while in heat.

Procedure?
First, your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian. If you have been here on routine office visits or illnesses with your pet, no special appointment is needed. If we have not seen her, you need to set up a pre-spay appointment. Then, you can set up a surgery appointment with the receptionist.

Spaying is a routine procedure. Because it is abdominal surgery, they do need to go under general anesthesia. You will drop off your pet the day before surgery. We highly recommend performing blood tests the night before to insure the pet has no underlying infection, anemia, dehydration, kidney or liver complications. Your pet will also have an EKG, fluid therapy and pain medication during the surgical procedure. Pain medication will also be sent home.

Home Care?
Your pet will be a little sore, so we recommend pain medication after the procedure to dull any discomfort she may have. Do not allow her to lick or chew at her incision site, this can lead to infection or other complications. Check the incision site at least once a day. If there is redness, swelling, or discharge, call our office. Skin sutures will be removed in 10-14 days. Call an hour before coming to let us know, but no appointment needs to be made unless other recommendations were made or you need to speak with a veterinarian.