Spay and
Neuter
Dr. Karen Overall states:
Spayed and castrated (neutered/desexed) pets are often considered healthier pets for several reasons:
• They are less likely to roam. This is especially true for intact or non-castrated males. Roaming exposes dogs to other dogs with whom they may fi ght, traffi c, and, possibly, to areas of infectious disease.
• Castrated male dogs have decreased risk of prostatic and testicular cancer and infection.
• Spayed females are not at risk from dying of uterine infections or unintended pregnancies.
• Spayed females have a greatly decreased risk of mammary cancer if spayed by no later than 1.5 years of age.
What is the impact?
Spaying and neutering your pets reduces pet overpopulation. Approximately 3% of pets are euthanized every year in shelters due to overpopulation. In the late 1900’s that number accounted for approximately 25% of pets. The only difference since this time period is the beginning of the spay and neuter. Not only does spaying and neutering decrease overpopulation but increases lifespans, giving you more time to spend with your beloved furry friend.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Neuter
Dog - Dramatic decrease in prostate cancer and elimination of testicular cancers
Cat - Decrease roaming, fighting and inappropriate urination.
Pros of Spay
Dog & Cat - Eliminates ovarian cancer, pyometra (uterine infection) and estrus behaviour. Reduces mammary cancer
Cons of spay and neuter
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Is proven to increase potential for weight gain. Fortunately obesity is highly preventable with proper education and diet.
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There is no correlation to increase in general cancer, genetics are a much larger factor
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There is no correlation to orthopedic diseases, once again genetics and body condition are a much greater factor
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As of now there is no reason to believe that spaying and neutering has any effect on cruciate rupture.
Male Dogs
For most dogs there is no reason to not neuter. For some large/giant breeds with very responsible owners, it may be advisable to wait until a year of age to neuter.
Female Dogs
Mammary tumors are extremely prevalent and should therefore be spayed before their first heat.
What happens the day of?
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Pre visit meds
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Pre Anesthetic injection
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IV catheter
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Induction (if needed)
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Intubation
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Pain meds, antibiotics and antinausea
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Surgical site is prepared and a nail trim is done
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ECG is connected, as well as a blood pressure cuff, SPO2 monitor and a thermometer
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Procedure is performed
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Ovariohysterectomy on females, which is the removal of the uterus and the ovaries.
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Orchidectomy on males, which is the removal of the testicals.
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The animal is woken up and recovered
After surgery you can expect a 10-14 day recovery period, at the end of that period a check in with a technician should be performed to ensure proper healing. During this time, the pet should be kept on a short leash to prevent any postoperative complications.