Lakeland Veterinary Hospital

 

"Caring for pets and the people who love them"

 
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~Spaying and Neutering~

 
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of female dogs and cats. Neutering is the removal of the testicles in males. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia so that no pain will be felt. Pets that are spayed or neutered cannot reproduce.
   

   
 
Advantages of spaying and neutering

The neutered male has a decreased urine odor, less of a tendency to fight and roam, and a significantly lower likelihood of spraying urine to mark territory (this is especially true in the male cat).

The neutered male dog also is less likely to roam or mark territory, and is usually much less aggressive to other dogs and humans. The neutered dog has a much lower risk of prostate disease and cancer.

The spayed female cat and dog will not have reproductive tract disease problems, and will have a much lower risk of mammary cancer.
   
 
What age is best?
Dogs and cats can be spayed or neutered any time after 3 months of age, but at Lakeland Veterinary Hospital, we recommend 5 to 7 months as the preferred age range because there is sufficient maturity to reduce risks, but still avoid sexual maturity.
   
 
Will spaying and neutering make my pet fat?
No. Weight gain is caused by the pet being fed more calories than it uses. Watch the quantity of food your pet receives, offer regular exercise, and limit treats to avoid obesity.
   
 
The surgical procedure  

Your pet will be given a pre-surgical physical examination, and then any necessary pre-anesthetic blood tests will be performed. If everything is acceptable, an IV catheter will be placed and fluids will be started intravenously. This will keep your pet properly hydrated, speed recovery, and enhance the overall safety of the procedure.  Your pet will then be anesthetized. Anesthesia will be maintained by gas (isoflurane) delivered through a tube placed in his or her trachea (windpipe). Male cats usually do not require the IV catheter, fluids or gas, as the procedure time to neuter them is much shorter. The entire surgery is performed in a sterile manner, and carefully monitored, just as it would be in a human hospital. Following surgery and recovery, your pet will remain under observation in the hospital until the following day. Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is the only area veterinary hospital with staff on duty 24 hours a day, so that your pet is never alone. The night staff will call the Dr. in the unlikely event of complications.
 
 

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