Spays and Neuters

Spaying is a surgical procedure where both the ovaries and the uterus (reproductive organs) are completely removed from a female animal. It can also be referred to as an “ovariohysterectomy”. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Neutering is a surgical procedure where both the testicles (reproductive organs) are removed from a male animal. Proper pain management, ie anesthesia, injectable pain medications, are used during the procedure to make the animal as comfortable as possible.

Advantages to spaying/neutering your pet(s) are numerous.

• Neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered male dogs. (per USA Today – May 2013)

• Spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs. (per USA Today – May 2013)

• Unaltered pets can have the urge to roam which increases their exposure to fights with other animals, getting hit by cars, and other mishaps.

• Reduces the risk of certain types of cancers. Unspayed female cats/dogs have a greater chance of developing pyometra (a uterine infection), uterine cancer, and other reproductive system cancers.

• If females are spayed before their first heat, evidence indicates they are typically healthier.

• Neutered males have a lower chance of developing testicular and prostate cancer.

• Unneutered/spayed dogs are more prone to urine marking (lifting their leg) than neutered dogs.

• With cats, neutering solves 70 percent of all marking issues, even in cats that have been doing it for a while. It can also minimize howling, the urge to roam, and fighting with other cats.

• Excessive barking, mounting and other dominance related issues can be improved with spaying/neutering your pet.

• Spaying/neutering will contribute to the prevention of dog/cat overpopulation.