What is spaying?
An ovariohysterectomy, which is more commonly referred to as a spay procedure, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the female reproductive organs. These organs include the two ovaries, the uterine horns, and the body of the uterus.
Benefits Of Spaying
By having your pet spayed, you are removing the possibility of them having litter of kittens or puppies that you do not want. When it comes to female cats that live outside, spaying is especially important. They have the highest risk of becoming pregnant at an early age, and that they can start getting pregnant at any time.
As an additional benefit, spaying your pet can help reduce the likelihood that it will develop a disease that affects the reproductive system. The spay procedure also eliminates the possibility of a severe infection of the uterus, also known as pyometra. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that pets that are spayed at a younger age have a lower risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
When should I get my pet spayed?
Generally, we recommend spaying female cats and dogs before their first heat cycle, which is typically around six months of age. However, for certain large dog breeds, we may advise you to wait until they are closer to a year old to allow for proper growth and development.
Consulting with your veterinarian will provide you with the most accurate and specific recommendation for your pet's individual needs.
However, it is important to note that spaying can be done at any age, even if your pet has already gone through their first heat cycle. It is never too late to have your pet spayed.
What happens if I don't get my pet spayed?
One of the main concerns is that your pet may experience unwanted pregnancies, leading to an increase in the pet population. Additionally, female pets that are not spayed may be at a higher risk for certain health issues such as uterine infections and certain types of cancer.
The Spay Procedure
In order to ensure that your pet is in good enough health to undergo the operation without any unnecessary risks, your veterinarian will perform the necessary diagnostic tests prior to the beginning of the procedure. In order to perform spay procedures, general anesthesia is normally administered.
After administering the anesthesia, the hair on your pet's abdomen will be shaved down and the skin will be disinfected. Laparoscopic surgery, which uses surgical lasers, or traditional scalpel surgery are the two methods to remove the female reproductive organs. Both approaches are risk-free.
Following the completion of the procedure, the skin of your pet will be bandaged using either skin glue, sutures (stitches), or surgical staples. Ten to fourteen days after the procedure, your veterinarian will need to remove any staples or stitches that came out of the animal.
How long does spaying surgery take?
It’s possible that the procedure will take anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the size of your pet and any particular medical considerations that may be involved. When it comes to older pets or large-breed dogs, the procedure may take longer and might even require the participation of two surgeons.
You should anticipate that your pet will spend a few hours at the hospital, despite the fact that the procedure itself is relatively short. This is because you will need to allow time for check-in, an initial physical assessment, the actual surgery, and recovery from the anesthesia.
How long does spaying take to heal?
Within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, the majority of pets will begin to feel better. But it will take between ten and fourteen days for them to fully recover. During this time, you should stop them from jumping, as this could result in the incision opening. Observe the incision on a daily basis for any indications of infection. Contact your veterinarian if you observe any of the following symptoms: redness, discharge, swelling, or an offensive odor.
Watching how your pet behaves is another important thing to do. A possible indication of an infection is if, after forty-eight hours, they continue to exhibit signs of lethargy and do not consume any food or liquids. Make sure to follow up with your veterinarian or take them to a veterinarian who specializes in emergency veterinary care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.