Spaying your female pet is not only a great way to prevent unwanted litters of kittens or puppies, but it can help protect her from some serious health conditions later on in life. Here, our Westminster vets explain more about the spaying process.
What Is Spaying?
An ovariohysterectomy, more commonly known as a spay procedure, is a surgical procedure to remove the female reproductive organs (the two ovaries, the uterine horns, and the body of the uterus.)
While you may not feel like it at the moment, going through the potentially emotional process of having your dog or cat spayed is worth it, both for you as a loving pet parent, and for your beloved pet.
Getting your dog spayed may help to curb undesirable behaviors such as animal aggression, roaming, and yowling. It could have a number of health benefits for your pet, as well as preventing the birth of unwanted puppies or kittens.
Benefits Of Spaying
By having your pet spayed, you are eliminating the risk of unwanted litters of kittens or puppies. Spaying is especially important in the case of outdoor female cats, as they can begin getting pregnant early and have the highest pregnancy risk.
Approximately 3.3 million dogs, and 3.4 million cats enter US shelters every year. Having your pet spayed is the best way for you to help reduce the overall number of unwanted pets in your neighborhood.
Spaying also helps decrease the chance that your pet will suffer from a disease affecting the female reproductive system pyometra, which is a severe infection of the uterus. Additionally, there is some evidence that pets who are spayed at a young age have a lower risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
When it comes to cats specifically, it is estimated that cats in the USA kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds each year. Keeping the numbers of homeless cats to a minimum can help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.
Additionally, female cats and dogs who are not spayed will go into heat frequently throughout the year, attracting males from across the neighborhood to your home and garden.
Specifically with cats, unneutered male cats will be prowling around your property, looking for your female. This can be problematic since these males have a tendency to spray, fight and caterwaul.
The Spay Procedure
Before the surgery begins, your vet will run the appropriate diagnostic tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough to safely go under for the operation. Spay procedures are carried out under general anesthesia.
Following the anesthesia, your pet will have the hair on their abdomen shaved down and the skin thoroughly disinfected. The organs are then removed, either laparoscopically (with surgical lasers) or with a traditional scalpel. Both methods are safe.
After the procedure is complete your pet's skin will be closed with skin glue, sutures (stitches), or surgical staples. Stitches or staples will need to be removed by your veterinarian 10 to 14 days following the procedure.
How long does spaying take?
The procedure typically can take from 20 to 90 minutes to perform, depending on your pet's size and any special medical considerations.
In older pets or large-breed dogs, the procedure can take longer and may require two surgeons to perform.
Although the actual procedure is relatively quick, you can expect your pet to spend a few hours at the hospital, allowing time for check-in, an initial physical assessment, the surgery itself, and time for recovery from anesthesia.
Recovery After Spaying Surgery
Most pets will start to feel better in 24 - 48 hours, but full recovery takes between 10 to 14 days.
During this period you should aim to keep your pet calm and refrain from allowing them to jump, as this could cause the incision to reopen. The incision should be checked daily for signs of infection. If you notice redness, discharge, swelling, or a foul odor, contact your veterinarian.
You should also monitor your pet's behavior. If after 48 hours they still seem lethargic or are not eating or drinking it could be a sign of infection. Follow up with your veterinarian or bring them to an emergency veterinarian for care.
Ways to Comfort Your Pet After Surgery
Your dog or cat should experience minimal pain after their spay surgery, but we know that you will want to help them to rest and feel as comfortable as possible.
Here are a few things that you can do to help comfort your animal after spaying:
- Ensure that your cat dog has a quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals and small children.
- Prevent your pet from running, jumping, or climbing stairs for two weeks following the spay. Follow your vet's instructions regarding activity after these procedures, since your pet may require further restrictions.
- Even if you feel like your cat or dog looks sad, it's important to have them wear a post-operative jumpsuit (recovery suit) or a cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent them from licking the incision site. Licking the incision could lead to infection.
- In order for the incision to heal as quickly as possible, do not bathe your pet (or allow your dog to swim) for at least ten days after spaying.
- Check the incision site daily for any possible signs of infection and to ensure that the incision is healing well.
How long will my pet be in pain after spaying?
When you pick your pet up from the vet's office after their surgery, they may be tired, queasy, or just not seem like their usual self - those are pretty typical side effects of general anesthesia. The next day your pet should begin behaving more like themselves and be showing little sign of pain.
The pain associated with spay surgeries is typically more of a discomfort and may last for just a few days and should be completely gone after about a week. If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort for more than a couple of days it's a good idea to contact your vet for further advice.
Spay surgeries are somewhat more involved than neutering, however, it should take about the same amount of time to recover from either of these surgeries.
Helping With Your Pet's Pain After Neutering
During the surgery your cat or dog will be unconscious and not feel any pain. Once your pet wakes up, further medication will be provided by your vet, as required.
Veterinarians administer pain medications to your pet via an injection. This long-term pain medication should last for about 12-24 hours after surgery is complete.
Your vet will also prescribe any take-home pain meds they feel that your dog will need to help relieve post-operative pain.
Some of the most common medications prescribed to help manage a dog's pain after spay or neuter surgery include Torbugesic or Rimadyl.
It's essential to follow your vet's instructions carefully when it comes to giving your dog pain medications.
Never give your dog human pain medications! Some pain medications that work for humans are poisonous to dogs.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.