Frequently Asked Questions
Neutering | Spaying | Pregnancy | Heat | Behavioral Changes | Surgical Procedure
What is neutering?
Neutering (castration) is the surgical removal of the testicles. Unlike the discomfort testicular surgery produces in humans, pets seem to experience little or no pain after neutering. The surgery is not the same as a vasectomy, where only the “sperm tube” or ductus deferens is cut and tied.
What is spaying?
The spaying of a female pet (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the uterus and the ovaries. Unlike the discomfort uterine surgery produces in humans, pets seem to experience much less pain after spaying. The surgery is not the same as “tube tying”, where only the fallopian tubes or “egg tubes” are tied.
How old does my pet need to be in order to be spayed or neutered?
For many years, veterinarians were taught that cats and dogs had to be a year old to be spayed or neutered. Later, they were taught that six months was appropriate. Today we know that kittens and pups can be spayed or neutered as early as two months (or two pounds). We recommend that you spay or neuter your pets between 5 and 6 months of age.
Neutering | Spaying | Pregnancy | Heat | Behavioral Changes | Surgical Procedure
How young can a female cat/dog get pregnant?
"Adolescent" cats and dogs as young as five months can get pregnant. For many reasons, it is important to spay or neuter BEFORE the first litter is born - before six months.
How long are dogs/cats in heat?
Dog are in heat for approximately 3 weeks every 6-9 months. Cats are in heat on and off during their breeding season, they are induced ovulators, so they will come into heat if they sense a male in the area.
Can I have them spayed during their heat cycle?
No, we recommend waiting until she has finished the cycle to reduce surgical risks.
Can brother and sister from the same litter mate?
A brother and sister from the same litter can create their own litters by the age of five months. It is not a good idea to allow this to happen.
Neutering | Spaying | Pregnancy | Heat | Behavioral Changes | Surgical Procedure
Will neutering my male cat stop him from spraying?
It is best to alter males before they reach five months of age, and before they start “spraying” or “marking.” Even if a cat has started spraying, neutering may help. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the hormones to subside after the neutering. Neutering helps prevent spraying, roaming and aggressive behavior.
Will may animal’s behavior change after being altered?
Your animal’s behavior will not change except that male dogs and cats will be less likely to fight, roam and spayed females will no longer go into heat.
Neutering | Spaying | Pregnancy | Heat | Behavioral Changes | Surgical Procedure
General Surgical Procedure Questions
What is the procedure the day of surgery?
The night before surgery your pet should not eat after 8 pm. You bring your pet to the hospital for drop off at 8 am the morning of the surgery. We advise routine blood tests on all animals to ensure that your pet has no hidden health problems that might complicate the surgery. Your pet is put under anesthesia and the surgery is performed by the doctor and surgical staff. Your pet is given medication to reduce any pain right after surgery and allowed to recover in a quiet, confined area. Most patients will go home in the same day.
Are there any risks to anesthesia?
When a person or an animal is to be anesthetized, there is a the potential for complications. Your doctor and the surgical team will take many precautions to minimize any risk to your pet. Before anesthesia, the doctor will examine your pet. Bloodwork will be done to evaluate any hidden problems before surgery. If a problem is suspected, additional tests may be done, or the procedure delayed.
Pets under anesthesia will have their hearts, breathing, oxygen levels, and circulation monitored at all times. This allows doctors to react quickly, before a real problem arises. In addition, an intravenous catheter will be placed prior to surgery to provide supportive fluids, ensuring proper blood pressure, the administration of medication, and a faster post-op surgery recovery.
Will my cat or dog feel pain during surgery?
Your cat or dog will be under anesthesia during surgery, and will feel no pain. You should keep the animal quiet after surgery while she or he heals. Dogs and cats should be kept indoors; dogs walked on a leash.
What should be done after surgery?
Activity should be restricted for 10-14 days after surgery. Walks on leash are fine, but running and jumping should be avoided. Some pets will lick at the incision; this must be discouraged as licking can infect or open the incision. An elizabethan collar may be used to prevent licking
Neutering | Spaying | Pregnancy | Heat | Behavioral Changes | Surgical Procedure