Spays and Neuters

Our hospital routinely performs spays and neuters-the surgical sterilization of female and male dogs and cats. Spaying involves either removal of the uterus and ovaries (ovariohysterectomy) or removal of just the ovaries (ovariectomy) in female animals. Neutering involves removal of the testicles of a male animal and is called castration. The procedures are performed under general anesthesia and involve a surgical incision. Pain management medications are used to ensure your pet's comfort. These surgeries are commonly performed between 6 months to 1 year of age. Please speak to your veterinarian about when they recommend spaying or neutering your pet. These procedures help prevent unwanted sexual behavior and pregnancies and decrease or eliminate the possibility of certain disease conditions later in life.