Spaying (or Ovariohysterectomy)
Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an Ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely in order to sterilize a female dog or cat.
Spaying dogs and cats will come with many advantages for their long-term health and wellbeing, including:
- preventing certain health conditions later in life, such as pyometra and uterine cancer
- preventing the ability to reproduce (especially important if you have two species of the opposite gender)
- helps reduce risks for certain types of cancers, like mammary cancer
- stops the regular estrus or heat cycle
- can help reduce certain undesirable behavioral problems
- spayed dogs and cats generally live longer lives than unaltered dogs and cats.
There are many different factors to weigh when determining the optimal time to spay your pet, including health factors, behavioral factors, and your pet's environment. Talk to your Veterinarian to determine the best time to spay your pet.
Neutering (or Castration)
Neutering is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an Castration. In this procedure, the testicles are removed in order to sterilize a male dog or cat.
Neutering dogs and cats will come with many advantages for their long-term health and wellbeing, including:
- preventing certain health conditions later in life
- preventing the ability to reproduce (especially important if you have two species of the opposite gender)
- removes sexual urges, which usually decreases roaming behaviors
- reduces certain types of aggression
- neutered dogs and cats generally live longer lives than unneutered dogs and cats
There are many different factors to weigh when determining the optimal time to neuter your pet, including health factors, behavioral factors, and your pet's environment. Talk to your Veterinarian to determine the best time to neuter your pet.
In general, complications are rare during a castration surgery, however, as with all surgical procedures, there is always a small risk. For this reason, VWCNH encourages pre-surgical bloodwork and other individualized testing if applicable for all pets before being put under anesthesia to assess their risk levels. Please speak with your Veterinarian during your pet's next appointment if you are interested in a routine procedure for your pet.
