Turquoise Animal Hospital – San Diego Veterinarian

Our veterinarians at Turquoise Animal Hospital perform spay and neuter procedures frequently on all animals: dogs, cats, and even rabbits. We can provide the safest and most comfortable experience for you and your pet.

Spaying is a general term used to describe the ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. Neutering is a general term used to describe the castration of a male animal. However, neutering is often used in reference to both genders. The surgical procedure, performed by a veterinarian, renders the animal incapable of reproducing. Here are answers to some questions you may have about this beneficial procedure.

When can I have this procedure done?

Both procedures can safely be performed at as early as 8 weeks of age. Many people choose to spay and neuter their pets around 6 months of age, once they have completed their puppy or kitten booster shots.

Why should I have my pet neutered?

Animal shelters, both public and private, are faced with an incredible burden: What to do with the overpopulation of dogs and cats that they cannot find homes for? Approximately 3.7 million animals are euthanized at shelters each year, due to the sheer fact that there are not enough willing adopters. Having your pet spayed or neutered ensures that you will not be adding to this tremendous burden.

What are some of the health and behavioral benefits?

Through neutering, you can help your dog or cat live a happier, healthier, longer life. Spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing of a female cat in heat. Spaying a female dog also eliminates the messiness associated with the heat cycle.

Neutering of male dogs and cats can prevent certain undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking, humping, male aggression and the urge to roam. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will generally get along better if they are neutered.

A long-term benefit of spaying and neutering is improved health for both cats and dogs. Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer. Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumors.

What is the procedure like?

Surgical Preparation for Spaying and Neutering

In preparation for surgery, the fur around the surgery site is clipped, and the skin is scrubbed with povidone-iodine (i.e., Betadine, a potent antiseptic) or chlorhexadine (an antiseptic commonly found in animal shampoo).

Spaying and Neutering Anesthesia

Spaying and neutering are performed under general anesthesia, which means that the pet is unconscious while the surgery is performed. The animal is usually given an intravenous injection and then is intubated (a tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airway). Intubation maintains a patent airway and allows mechanical ventilation throughout the procedure.

Anesthesia is generally safe, but poses a slight risk for complications or death. The drugs that are used are safe well-known drugs that are also used in people and the animal is closely monitored throughout the entire procedure (e.g., EKG, blood pressure monitor).

Spaying and Neutering Surgery

Spaying is done through an incision in the abdomen, and takes from 15 minutes to an hour to perform, depending on the size of the animal and other factors. Surgery on overweight animals is usually more difficult to perform because of the layers of fatty tissue. It may take longer to perform the surgery on a pregnant animal or an animal in heat because of the increased blood supply to the reproductive tract.

Neutering takes from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the animal. Pets that have only one descended testicle may require more extensive surgery if the undescended testicle is inside the abdomen.

Sterility is essential to prevent infection. The surgeon scrubs his or her hands and forearms and puts on a sterile gown and gloves. The instruments and tools used before, during, and after the surgery are sterilized.

Recovery after Spaying or Neutering

Usually, the pet is able to go home several hours after the surgery. The incision should be kept clean and dry and should be checked twice daily for sign of infection, swelling, redness, and discharge.

The pet’s activities should be limited for the first week or so following surgery. Dogs should be walked on a leash and not allowed to run or roam. Pets should be protected from stressful environments (e.g., excitement, extreme temperatures). After the first week, animals can resume normal activities.

We recommend feeding half your pet’s normal meal the night following surgery. Pets can resume usual meals the day after surgery. Pet owners who are concerned about their pet’s appetite or weight should talk to their veterinarian.

If your pet has external sutures or staples, they are removed by the veterinarian 10 to 14 days after surgery. If medications are prescribed, label directions should be followed carefully. Call the veterinarian if there are any problems or questions.