Spaying & Neutering

SPAYING & NEUTERING

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures to remove a pet's reproductive organs. This common operation has many benefits, including a reduced risk of certain cancers, better overall health, and improved temperament.

We recommend spaying/neutering your pet between 6 months and 2 years of age. You should discuss with your veterinarian about what is appropriate for your pet.

Spaying your female puppy or kitten will critically reduce the chances she will develop mammary cancer as an adult, and will prevent her from getting uterine infections and uterine cancer. Neutering your male kitten will help reduce the risk of spraying and marking behaviors, and neutering your puppy will eliminate problems of prostatitis and testicular cancers seen in adults, in addition to preventing certain undesirable sexual behaviors.

In addition to the extended list of health benefits, spaying or neutering your pet will contribute to the immense, growing problem of pet overpopulation - it is the most responsible choice you can make as an owner!

MORE ABOUT THE PROCEDURE...

Neutering - The procedure is relatively simple for males. Removal of the testicles, also referred to as castration, is necessary to prevent reproduction. Under anesthetic, an incision is made into the scrotum, the testicles are removed and the vessels are sutured. The scrotum is then stitched/glued closed, and the patient will usually receive an antibiotic injection to help prevent infection. Recovery time is fairly quick with most males acting like their old selves within 48 hours, although the site may remain tender a bit longer.

Spaying - The procedure for spaying females is considered major surgery just like a human hysterectomy. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made into the female's abdomen and the complete uterus and ovaries are removed. Dissolving sutures are used internally and sometimes externally, but often the outer incision is closed with surgical staples that must be removed approximately ten days after the surgery, necessitating a follow up visit with the veterinarian. Females take longer to recover from this procedure, usually about fourteen days, but the surgical site may remain tender for some time.