Once your pet has reached at least six months of age and has been fully vaccinated, it is strongly advised for them to be spayed or neutered. Choosing to spay/neuter your pet is possibly one of the most responsible decisions you can make as a pet owner. Not only does having this procedure performed reduce the risk of potential health complications, it also helps your pet live a longer, happier and healthier life.
Spaying Your Female Pet
Advantages of Spaying:
- Eliminates heat cycles, bleeding and vocalizing for a mate
- Eliminates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers
- Decreases risk of mammary gland tumors
- Decreases desire for pets to roam
- Eliminates or reduces marking and spraying
- Eliminates unexpected pregnancies
- Decreases pet overpopulation, keeping more animals out of shelters
What does spaying involve?
Spaying is a surgical procedure that involves surgically removing the uterus and ovaries. Although this surgery sounds rather complex, it usually can be completed within a few hours and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Since this safe surgical procedure can be classified as invasive, your pet will require a full general anesthesia. At Guildford Animal Hospital we follow strict protocols with the safest medications and techniques available to us. Your pet's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, oxygenation and any potential pain level will all be continually monitored by one of our trained veterinarian technicians to help ensure your pet's safety while under anesthetic.
Post-operative care:
During the few days following surgery it is essential for you to restrict your pet's physical activity in order for her to have a proper recovery. Our doctors use absorbable internal sutures, meaning suture removal is not necessary. Wait at least 10 days after surgery before bathing your pet and examine the incision daily. If you happen to notice the incision appears red or swollen, make sure to contact the clinic as soon as possible for a free recheck exam.
Neutering Your Male Pet
Advantages of Neutering:
- Eliminates the risk of prostate and testicular cancers
- Reduces the risk of prostatitis (inflamed prostate)
- Decreases sexual urges, which usually decreases the desire to roam
- Reduces certain types of aggression
- Eliminates or reduces marking and spraying
- Decreases pet overpopulation, keeping more animals out of shelters
What does neutering involve?
Neutering is a surgical procedure that involves removing the testicles. Despite its complexity, it typically takes about an hour and doesn't necessitate an overnight hospital stay. Since this procedure requires full general anesthesia, strict protocols with the safest medications and techniques are followed at Guildford Animal Hospital. Trained veterinary technicians continuously monitor your pet's vital signs to ensure their safety during anesthesia.
Post-Operative Care:
In the days following surgery, it's crucial to limit your pet's physical activity for proper recovery. Our doctors utilize absorbable internal sutures, eliminating the need for suture removal. Wait at least 10 days before bathing your pet and inspect the incision daily. If you observe any redness or swelling, please contact us promptly for a complimentary recheck exam.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the process of spaying/neutering or would like to schedule this surgery for your pet, please either call or visit our clinic at your convenience.