Our hospital routinely performs spays and neuters, the surgical sterilization of female and male dogs and cats. Spaying involves removal of the uterus and ovaries of female dogs and cats and is called ovariohysterectomy. Neutering involves removal of the testicles of male dogs and cats and is called castration.
Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and both involve a surgical incision. Pain management medications are used routinely to insure your pet's comfort.
Recent studies suggest for large and giant breed dogs sterilization at a later age (12-15 months old) can decrease orthopedic issues and prevent triggering the sarcoma gene in certain breeds.
VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital offers less invasive and less painful laparoscopic spays for female dogs. The initial incision is the width of a dime and the tissues around the ovaries are cauterized instead of torn as is routine with a traditional spay.
These surgeries are performed most commonly at or around six months of age. However, many veterinarians recommend and perform this procedure at a younger age. Ask our staff about spaying or neutering your pet to help prevent unwanted sexual behavior and pregnancies and to decrease or eliminate the possibility of certain disease conditions later in life.
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