Ovariohysterectomy, Spay

Ovariohysterectomy, or spay, is the surgical removal of a female Pet's reproductive organs, the ovaries and uterus.

This prevents unwanted pregnancy and reproductive system cancer, and reduces the potential for breast cancer. Spayed females also cannot develop a potentially life threatening infection of the intact uterus, called pyometra. Very rarely, a spayed female can develop an infection of the small amount of uterine tissue that can sometimes remain after a spay surgery (stump pyometra).

In addition to the medical benefits the behavioral benefits include less desire to roam from home to breed with a male. Marking territory with urine is not as much of a female behavior as seen in males that are not neutered.

Young pets are good candidates for surgery between 4 months and 6 months. This is prior to the time when puppies and kittens develop the hormone that lead to wanting to mate. Older Pets can have surgery as well, check with your veterinarian for an appointment. Any age of Pet is recommended to have pre-surgical bloodwork prior to anesthesia to determine the health of the liver and kidneys and reduce the risk of anesthesia.

Most veterinary hospitals offer the surgical service to neuter you dog or cat. This is often times a one day visit to the hospital for surgery and then recovery at home.

If you have questions about this or any medical topic, please contact your Banfield hospital today.