spay and neuter

What is spay and neuter?

Animal shelters cannot keep up with the severe overpopulation of pets in the United States and, as a result, millions of pets are euthanized each year. Both spaying and neutering prevent future reproduction, therefore not contributing to pet overpopulation. Beyond the reproductive aspect outlined above, spaying and neutering has additional benefits some may not immediately think of. The potential for ovarian and uterine infections such pyometra are eliminated. Also, testicular infections and cancers are eliminated. Testosterone and estrogen driven cancers are markedly reduced, as are undesirable behaviors such as increased aggression, urine marking, and roaming in search of a mate.

When can you spay or neuter a dog or cat?

Vetsavers Pet Hospital recommends having your pet spayed or neutered between 5-6 months of age, to ensure the safest anesthesia possible. We feel it is best to have the spay procedure performed prior to the first heat cycle as this will markedly reduce future chances of mammary cancer development. Neutering at this age will decrease the likelihood of testosterone driven behavior problems. Technically a pet can be spayed or neutered at any age as long as they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

Can a female dog or cat be spayed while in heat?

Female dogs or cats can be spayed while in heat, but the uterine tissue is more fragile and vascular, making the surgery more difficult and having a higher risk of complications.

How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog or cat?

At Vetsavers Pet Hospital we stay committed to providing pet parents quality pet care at an affordable cost. Feel free to call Vetsavers Pet Hospital (972) 939-0900 or visit us online at vetsaverspethospital.com for pricing.

Pets that are in heat or have retained testicles will incur additional charges. For dogs over 80 pounds, a doctor will assess your pet and provide you with an estimate for the surgery.

What happens during spay and neuter surgery?

Spays and neuters are surgical procedures that require general anesthesia. Both procedures are performed at Vetsavers Pet Hospital in our surgery suite where sterile instruments, gowns, gloves and sutures are always used.

With a spay procedure, an incision will be made on the ventral abdomen. The ovaries and uterus will both be removed through this single incision. Three layers of suture will be used to close the incision to allow appropriate healing to occur.

For traditional neuter procedures, an incision is made just in front of the scrotum and both testicles are removed through this single incision. Two layers of suture will be used to allow appropriate healing to occur.

Is spay or neuter surgery painful?

With any surgical procedure, there will be some degree of discomfort. Our furry friends feel pain in the same manner as you or I would. Pain management is of utmost concern at Vetsavers Pet Hospital and we want your beloved friend to feel as comfortable as possible. Therefore, we will give pain medication prior to surgery and send oral pain medications home afterward as well.

How often should adult cats get vaccinated?

Your veterinarian will determine the best vaccination schedule for your cat based on the type of vaccines used, age, health, lifestyle, and your city requirement.

Are there any risks associated with the surgery?

With any anesthetic or surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. While we wish it could be otherwise, no surgery or anesthesia is 100% risk-free. Knowing this, we recommend pre-operative blood work for all pets and require it for pets over the age of 5 years. We meticulously monitor all pets under anesthesia using state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. All pets will have IV catheters and IV fluids throughout the anesthetic and surgical events.

How do I care for my pet after surgery?

All pets will be sent home with discharge instructions tailored towards their particular needs. For spays and neuters, pets should wear an e-collar until all sutures are removed and the incision has been assessed for healing, typically 10-14 days after surgery. Exercise should be restricted to short walks to go potty outside, with no major running or jumping until suture removal. Also, pets should not be bathed until suture removal to prevent infection of the surgical site. The incision should be checked regularly for swelling, redness, or discharge, and if any of these conditions are noted, the pet should be seen by your veterinarian.