SHOULD YOUR PET BE 'ALTERED' / 'FIXED' / 'STERILIZED'?

"Spaying" a female pet means removing her ovaries and uterus. "Neutering" a male means to remove the testicles. Performing these procedures is often reffered to as 'altering', 'sterilizing' or 'fixing'. There are many reasons to alter your pet at a young age;

Pet Overpopulation

Animal shelters are overflowing with unwanted puppies and kittens that are never adopted. There are simply not enough families available.

Health Benefits

Spaying dogs at a young age almost eliminates the risk of developing breast cancer. Ovarian problems and uterine infections are also eliminated. Pregnancy in both dogs and cats can have serious complications resulting in Caesarean section (surgury) or death.

Neutering young males helps prevent prostate infection,eliminates testicular disease and prevents peri-anal tumor formation.

Behavior Changes

These changes are only for the better! Altered (spayed/neutered) pets are less aggressive towards other animals and people, and they are much less likely to wander. Males will usually stop marking their territory. Spaying/neutering adds years to your pet's life expectancy! Simply stated neutering makes for a better family member but remember, don't expect it to change your pets personality. It won't.

WHEN NOT TO SPAY OR NEUTER

Dogs cannot be shown for conformation if they are altered, but they are still eligible for obedience and field trials. On the other hand, a femal in heat CANNOT participate in trials!

Purebred dogs and cats should only be used for breeding if they have especially good qualities that should be passed on, including conformation to breed standard and temperment.

The Procedure

We prefer to sterilize pets that are fully vaccinated and are at least 6 months old, because that way they are protected against disease as they enter the hospital. At this time we can evaluate their adult dentition and remove unwanted / unnecessary baby teeth that should have been shed sooner.

The night before surgery, take away all food after 10 pm (do not withhold water). Plan to have your pet at the hospital between 7:30 and 8:00 am. A physical examination will be performed prior to anesthesia.

Surgery is done with the patient under general anesthesia and sterile conditions. Gas anesthesia is used for most procedures although an injectable mabe more appropriate for the selected procedure. We use an EKG during surgery to monitor heart function, and a pulse oximeter to check oxygen levels. Blood pressure is also monitored. The surgery is done by one of our staff doctors. We strongly urge you to allow us to place an intravenous catheter in your pet prior toanesthesia. This facilitates our response in the event of an emergency. If there are other services you wish us perform while your pet under anesthesia, such as nail clipping or micro chipping, please submit a request at admission.

Your pet will be closely observed. Male cats who have undergone castration can go home the same day, but we usually hospitalize other surgeries overnight. This is to minimize their activity and to prevent pain. This also allows us to evaluate our patients in the morning before they are discharged. You will be given thorough written discharge instructions when our patient is sent home.

Confinement is recommended for at least 5-7 days. If external sutures are present, return for removal in 10 - 14 days.

Feel free to ask a doctor or staff member about any of our recommendations

It is impossible to include the answers to all your questions in a simple brochure. If a friend or relative gives you advice about any of these issues and it seems in conflict with our ideas, please allow us a chance to go into more detail about our experiences.