 |
Spaying and Neutering
by Dr. Arlene McKinstry
Spaying and neutering are the most common surgeries
performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Spaying female animals
is another term for "ovariohysterectomy" which is the surgical
procedure where the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed
through an incision in the abdomen. The incision is usually closed
in several layers, which may include external skin stitches, or all
stitches maybe buried and absorbed by the body. Neutering male
animals is another term for "castration" which is the removal of
both testicles from the scrotum through an incision in the skin near
or over the scrotum. The incision is closed in layers and there may
or may not be external skin stitches. Cat neuters usually do not
involve any stitches.
Why spay or neuter?
There are many reasons to spay and neuter your pets.
The most obvious one being to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and
cats. Other reasons pertain to the health and well-being of your
pet. Neutering your male pet will reduce roaming, reduce fighting,
reduce urine marking, prevent certain infectious diseases, prevent
prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and enlargement of the
prostate as they get older, and eliminate the possibility of
testicular cancer. Spaying your female pet will eliminate heat
cycles, reduce urine spraying, reduce the chances of mammary cancer
as they get older, eliminate ovarian and uterine cancers and
eliminate the possibility of pyometra, which is a life-threatening
infection of the uterus. Removing the reproductive organs of female
pets before the first heat cycle (around 6 months) reduces the
chance of breast cancer by 95%. Since this benefit decreases each
time your pet comes into heat, it is best to have your pet spayed
early in her life.
Spaying and neutering is a part of responsible pet
ownership and will contribute to the long-term health and quality of
life of your pet.
Contact
Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at (916) 685-2494
to discuss spaying or neutering for your pet!
|
 |
New
Hours!