Spay & Neuter
Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen, and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.
Spaying and neutering can help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets!
Spaying
Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. At Riverchase Animal Hospital, our veterinarians generally recommend spaying pets around 5 to 6 months of age, ideally before their first heat cycle. However, the optimal timing can vary depending on factors such as species, breed, current size, estimated adult size, health conditions, medical history, and lifestyle. For a personalized recommendation, please schedule an appointment with our team.
Benefits:
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
- Remove the possibility of uterine infections
What to expect after surgery
Spaying is a major surgery requiring 7-10 days of recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. E-collar or post-surgery suits are recommended to prevent licking or biting of the incision and to reduce the risk of infection. We also highly recommend restricting activity for 7-10 days post-surgery to provide the best recovery possible.
Neutering
Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is advised when your pet is 4-6 months old but can be performed on older animals as well. The optimal timing can vary depending on factors such as species, breed, current size, estimated adult size, health conditions, medical history, and lifestyle. For a personalized recommendation, please schedule an appointment with our team.
Benefits
- Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
- Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
- Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors
What to expect after surgery
Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. E-collar or post-surgery suits are recommended to prevent licking or biting of the incision and to reduce the risk of infection. We also highly recommend restricting activity for 7-10 days post-surgery to provide the best recovery possible.
Our Spay & Neuter Services
Pre-Anesthetic Blood Panel: Highly recommended for all pets to help to minimize the underlying risks before putting your pet under anesthesia, and required for pets seven years of age or older.
Pre-Op Thorough Physical Exam: Completed the day of surgery, this ensures nothing has changed since your last appointment, and further confirms that the pet is safe to undergo anesthesia.
Pre-Op Injection to Prevent Nausea: Highly recommended for all pets to receive, however, if a pet vomits post anesthesia, this is no longer optional and anti-nausea meds will be given at the expense of the owner. Nausea can be common with anesthesia. We want to keep our patients as comfortable as possible.
Intravenous Catheter: Allows for quick IV access in case of an emergency.
Dedicated Vital Monitoring: We have a technician dedicated to monitoring your pet’s vitals before, during, and after surgery.
Injection for Post-Op Pain: Highly recommended to help your pet stay calm and comfortable after the procedure while they begin recovery.
Take-Home Pain Medication: Required for all pets. While a common procedure, your pet is still experiencing surgery and should be treated as such.
Intradermal or “Buried” Sutures: Reducing the risk of infection by exposure, buried sutures are used for faster healing, less irritation, and to avoid the need for suture removal.
To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 972-462-7387.