What exactly is Spay and Neuter Surgery?
Surgical sterilization is usually the most complex procedure to happen during the life of most dogs and cats. Because spay and neuter are done so routinely, many equate this with simplicity. As animal advocates, we must always consider our patients comfort and safety when considering a drastic measure, like surgery, in the solution of a problem. Therefore, let us look at exactly what these procedures are and why they are carried out before discussing the controversy of timing. Female Spay or Neuter These terms are used interchangeably for surgical sterilization of the female. Because it involves removing the entire uterus and both ovaries, the surgery is commonly performed via an incision on the belly of the patient. This invasion of the abdomen requires attention to sterile technique to prevent life-threatening infection, post-operatively. Historically this procedure has been performed to solve the following problems: stop the animal from heat (reproductive cycling) 3 to 4 times per y
