Ovariohysterectomy, often referred to as spaying, is a surgical procedure performed on female dogs and cats to remove their ovaries and uterus. This procedure is a common and routine part of pet population control and has several health and behavioral benefits.
One of the primary reasons for performing an ovariohysterectomy is to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats. By spaying female animals, they cannot become pregnant or contribute to the birth of unwanted litters. Spaying also offers several health benefits. It eliminates the risk of uterine infections (such as pyometra) and significantly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, particularly if done before the first heat cycle. Spaying can also help reduce certain undesirable behaviors, such as roaming, yowling, and marking territory with urine, in both dogs and cats. These behaviors are often driven by the hormonal changes associated with the estrus (heat) cycle.
The animal is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are completely unconscious and pain-free during the surgery. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen, typically near the midline. The ovaries and the uterus are carefully located, isolated, and then removed. This eliminates the source of reproductive hormones and prevents pregnancy. After the ovaries and uterus are removed, the surgical incision is closed with sutures. The veterinarian takes care to ensure the incision is properly closed to prevent infection. Your animal is monitored closely during recovery from anesthesia. Pain management is an important part of our post-operative care, and medications will be prescribed to keep your pet comfortable.
While spaying can be done at any time, it’s generally preferred to perform the surgery when the animal is not in estrus (heat) to reduce the risk of complications.
Physical activity should be limited for a specified period to allow the incision to heal properly.
To set up an appointment to have your pet spayed or to learn more about this procedure, call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to spay your pet, please call us so we can discuss your concerns.