If you have owned an animal, or know anyone who has, chances are you have heard the terms spay and neuter, but what exactly are these procedures. Neutering is referred to the removal of the testicles of male animals. Spaying is referred to the removal of portions of the reproductive system, also known an an ovariohysterectomy. These procedures are done to make the animals unable to reproduce.
What age does my pet have to be to get spayed or neutered? The Recommended age for your pet to have a spay or neuter is 4 months and older.
What are the reasons to spay or neuter my pet? Every year. millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens are euthanized. By having animals sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens. Spaying and neutering your pet prevents unwanted litters, helps protect against some serious health problems, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct.
Removing a female dog or cat's ovaries eliminates heat cycles and generally reduces the unwanted behaviors that may lead to owner frustration. Removing the testes from the male dogs and cats reduces the breeding instinct, making them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home.
Early spaying of female dogs and cats can help protect them from some serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections. Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland).
What are the risks of spaying or neutering my pet? While both spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries performed by our veterinarians. Like any surgical procedure, sterilization is associated with some anesthetic and surgical risks, but the overall incidence of complications is very low.
Pre-Surgical Instructions We recommend that your pet fast the night before the procedure, but allow them to drink water up until the time to leave.
What to Expect From the moment you walk in you will be able to talk with one of our highly qualified veterinary assistants about your pet and fill out any forms needed. Your pet will be set up in their own large run or kennel. Your pet will then get a thorough exam by one of our doctors. Pre-surgical blood may be ran before a surgical procedure. In some cases like young age, bloodwork may not be required to be ran, but is always recommended by our veterinarians to make sure that your pet is healthy.
Pre-medications will be given to help your pet stay calm and help with post op pain. The vet assistant will then place an intravenous catheter. This gives the staff and doctors direct access to give any medications that your pet may need for the day. This also gives access to give fluids to your pet while in surgery and recovery. In some cases, like young age IV fluids may not be required, but is always recommended by our veterinarians. This helps keep your pet hydrated and flush out the anesthesia faster.
Your pet will then be given safe anesthetic medications and pain medications that our veterinarian administers. Your patients will be monitored by the assistant checking heart rate, respirations, oxygenation levels, and blood pressure. The surgical site will be prepped and cleaned and the veterinarian will start the procedure. Once the procedure is done your patient is transferred to a location where he or she is monitored closely until fully recovered. You will receive a call from our assistant after the procedure is done and set up a discharge time.
Post-Surgical Home Care
Feline, Canine, and *Rabbit* spays and neuters procedures are offered at our clinic. Please call to get your pet scheduled.
*Seen only by certain veterinarians
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed