Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are part of responsible pet
ownership. They are surgical procedures that make pets unable to
reproduce. Spaying and neutering is one of the best decisions you
can make for your pet’s health, as well as for the well-being of
animals in the community. There are several benefits to spaying and
neutering. Research shows that altered pets live longer and are less
likely to contract cancer, infections and other health problems.
Another benefit is decreased incidences of behavioral issues.
Spaying and neutering can lessen unwanted behaviors, such as
roaming, spraying, inappropriate elimination or mounting. You’ll
also be doing your part to help reduce the numbers of unwanted
puppies and kittens that are placed in animal shelters each year.
Spaying
Spaying, also called an ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure
in which both ovaries and the uterus are completely removed from
your pet. This procedure is a surgery performed while your pet is
under anesthesia. 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 also eliminates the possibility of uterine infection,
which can be fatal, as well as ovarian or uterine cancer.
Neutering
Also called a castration, neutering involves the removal of both
testicles from your pet. It is a minor procedure that is completed
while your pet is under anesthesia. Removing the testicles helps
prevent certain infectious diseases as well as enlargement of the
prostate gland, an age-related problem that can make urination
painful or difficult. Neutering also eliminates the possibility of
testicular cancer.
Contact
Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at (916) 685-2494
to make an appointment to spay or neuter your pet!
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