Spaying is a surgical procedure in which a female animal’s ovaries and uterus are removed. The medical name for spaying is ovariohysterectomy. In male animals, removal of the reproductive organs is referred to as neutering.
Benefits of Spaying
When a female animal is spayed, they are no longer able to reproduce. The most obvious benefit of the procedure is that it prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number of abandoned pets.
Spaying also eliminates a pet’s heat cycle and often reduces behaviors such as over vocalizing and urinating in the house. In addition, spaying protects female pets against the development of conditions such as pyometra (an infection of the uterus), mammary cancer, and cystic ovaries.
Spaying Procedure
Spaying is considered a major surgery since it involves making an incision in the abdominal wall and removing the reproductive organs. However, the procedure is routinely performed and poses little risk to your pet.
If you decide to have your pet spayed they will need to be sedated throughout the procedure. Pre-surgical bloodwork will be performed before spaying surgery to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia to be administered.
The spaying procedure is relatively simple and will usually take just a few minutes to complete. Following surgery, it may be necessary for your pet to stay in the veterinary clinic overnight for observation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Aftercare is vital for helping your pet recover from surgery. Make sure to limit activity during the healing process and prevent your pet from jumping on and off furniture. You should also keep the wound clean and dry, and avoid bathing your pet for at least the first 10 days following surgery.
It’s also important to provide plenty of freshwater and feed a healthy, balanced diet to provide your pet with the nutrients they need to help their body heal.
Keep a close eye on your pet’s incision and avoid allowing them to lick the wound. Often, your veterinarian will provide an Elizabethan collar (cone) that fits around your pet’s neck to prevent this behavior. It is also a good idea to keep pets away from other animals when they are recovering from surgery.
Finally, please make sure to follow any additional recovery advice given by your veterinarian and contact them immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as redness or swelling.
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