Having Your Female Cat or Dog Spayed
A spay procedure is also sometimes referred to as an ovariohysterectomy. During this surgical procedure, a veterinarian will remove the female reproductive organs, including the two ovaries, the uterine horns, and the body of the uterus.
Benefits of Spaying
By spaying your cat or dog, you are eliminating the possibility of your pet birthing a litter of kittens or puppies that you do not want or are unable to care for. It's especially important to have female cats that live outside spayed because they have the highest risk of becoming pregnant at an early age, and they can get pregnant as young as four months old, unless they are spayed to prevent this.
Additionally, spaying your pet can help reduce their risk of developing a disease that impacts the female reproductive system. The spay procedure eliminates the possibility of a severe infection of the uterus, also known as pyometra. There is also some evidence that suggests that pets spayed at a younger age have a lower risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
When should I get my pet spayed?
Generally, female cats and dogs should be spayed before they enter their first heat cycle, which typically occurs when they are around six months old.
However, if you have a large breed dog like a Great Dane or Saint Bernard,, your vet may recommend waiting until they are closer to a year old, or even 18 months old, to allow your pup enough time to reach certain growth and development milestones.
Ask your vet when they recommend having the procedure performed, as their advice may vary depending on your dog's health status and potential future medical concerns.
Keep in mind that spaying can be done when your pet is at any age, even if they have already gone through their first heat cycle. It's never too late to have your cat or dog spayed, as the procedure offers many health benefits and helps prevent unwanted pregnancies.
What can happen if I don't get my pet spayed?
If you don't have your cat or dog spayed, there are a few potential consequences. One of the primary concerns is that your pet may experience unwanted pregnancies, which can increase the population of kittens and puppies in your neighborhood.
You'll also incur the costs of taking your pregnant cat or dog to the vet for visits to ensure the pregnancy is progressing as it should. If your pet has problems giving birth, this can become a veterinary emergency and you may need to have a vet supervise the birth. Litters of puppies and kittens can also be costly to care for, as they require food and have medical needs that a vet must address.
Additionally, female pets that are not spayed may have an increased risk of developing certain health issues, such as uterine infections and certain types of cancer.
The Spay Procedure
Your veterinarian will perform the necessary diagnostic tests before starting the procedure to ensure that your pet is in good enough health to undergo the operation without any unnecessary risks. General anesthesia is normally administered to perform spay procedures.
After the anesthesia has been administered, the hair on your pet's abdomen will be shaved down, and the skin will be disinfected thoroughly. Laparoscopic surgery, which utilizes surgical lasers, or traditional scalpel surgery, are the two methods used to remove the organs. Both approaches involve minimal risk to your pet's health.
Following the procedure, your pet's skin will be bandaged using either skin glue, sutures (stitches), or surgical staples. Ten to fourteen days after the procedure, your veterinarian will remove the staples or stitches from your pet.
How long does spaying take?
The procedure may take anywhere from twenty to ninety 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 may even require the participation of two surgeons simultaneously.
Despite the relatively short procedure and process, you should anticipate that your pet will spend a few hours at the hospital. 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?
Most dogs and cats may begin to feel better in 24 to 48 hours, but it will take up to two weeks for them to fully heal.
How long does it take a cat or dog to recover from a spaying procedure?
While your pet recovers from their spaying procedure, do everything you can to keep them calm and prevent them from jumping, as jumping and other physical activity can open the previously closed incision. Examine the incision daily for any indications of infection. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any redness, discharge, swelling, or an offensive odor.
You should also watch how your pet behaves. If they continue to display signs of lethargy and do not consume any liquids or food after 48 hours, this may indicate infection. Follow up with your veterinarian or take them to a veterinarian specializing in emergency patient 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.