Wellness Tips

SPAYING / NEUTERING YOUR PET

OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY:

Medical term for “spaying” the female pet. It is a surgical procedure, which removes both the ovaries and the uterus. In the dog and cat, one of the major reasons for performing the sterilization surgery is to eliminate the annoying “signs of heat” which cause males to be attracted. If the uterus alone were removed, the pet would still “come into heat,” but could not get pregnant. Removal of both the ovaries and uterus completely eliminate the annoying signs of being “in heat.”

CASTRATION:

Medical term for surgically sterilizing the male dog. The testicles are removed because they are the major source of male hormones, which cause sexual interest, aggression, and urine marking of territory. Therefore, neutering the male pet provides significant advantage to the pet owner, as well as eliminating the ability to produce unwanted offspring and decreasing the risk of future medical problems, such as prostate cancer.

Prior to surgery, all patients receive a pre-anesthetic physical examination. All potential problems result in a phone call to you and are thoroughly discussed at that time. Just as your own doctor would never take you to surgery without first running “screening tests,” we recommend a preanesthesia ECG screen and a presurgical blood screen to detect many potential problems. Not all veterinary clinics run these tests on a routine basis. It is an optional way you can increase the anesthesia safety for your pet.

The procedures are performed under “general anesthesia.” The pet sleeps painlessly through the entire surgical procedure. Anesthesia choices used in our hospital are the same as those used in humans undergoing major surgery. Newer anesthetic choices we use are reported to be ten times safer in older pets than other choices commonly used in veterinary clinics today.

Surgery is performed in an operating room equipped with monitors, emergency equipment, oxygen and ventilation equipment, and the most modern surgical instruments available. All surgery is done using sterile gloves and surgical instruments. In our hospital, the same instrument pack is never used on more than one animal without re-sterilization. Our clinic is committed to quality and therefore maintains high standards for both anesthesia and surgical procedures. After surgery, our staff carefully monitors each patient until fully awake and stable. No pet is dismissed from the hospital until we are satisfied that it is fully recovered from anesthesia. Very little care is required at home after hospital discharge. Pets usually go home the same day as surgery is performed. Rechecks and suture removal in 10 days is included in the initial fee.

Since many people “price-shop” these procedures, we suggest you be sure all prices quoted elsewhere are “all inclusive,” and that you tour the facility before making your choice.

The spay/neuter procedure is an “once-in-a-lifetime” procedure for your pet.
Make sure you get it done right!