Spaying and Neutering for Pets

The number of cats and dogs in Canadian shelters is always on the rise. Overcrowded shelters are a result of unwanted pets being abandoned. To curb this problem, many pet owners choose to have their pets spayed or neutered. Both surgeries prevent pets from having offspring. Neuter surgery is performed on male pets while spay surgery is performed on females.

What are the benefits of spay surgery?

Spaying is a type of surgery where the uterus and ovaries are removed. Our hospital offers both traditional and laparoscopic spay surgery. With the laparoscopic technique, the surgeon removes the ovaries with a minimally invasive incision. On the other hand, during traditional spay surgery, the veterinarian removes the ovaries and uterus through an incision on the abdomen. When compared to traditional spays, using the laparoscopic method is safer as there is less trauma, bleeding, or risk of infection. Here are the benefits of spay surgery:

• Prevents pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus
• Eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer
• Lowers the risk of mammary cancer in pets spayed before their first heat cycle
• Prevents undesirable behaviours associated with the heat cycle such as loud and persistent vocalizing, blood-tinged vaginal discharge, and false pregnancy in dogs

Why would neuter surgery be beneficial for my pet?

When your pet is neutered, both testicles are removed from their scrotum. The most obvious benefit is preventing pregnancies, but it can also have other advantages such as reducing the risk of testicular cancer, inflammation of the prostate, hormone-related skin growths and per-anal adenomas. The surgery will also eliminate certain hormonal behaviours in your pet like aggressiveness and roaming activity.

When should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

Typically, most pets have the surgery when they are 6 months old, which is when they begin to sexually mature. For optimal health benefits, it is recommended that female pets have the procedure before their first heat cycle. Older pets can still have the surgery if the veterinarian determines they are healthy enough. To book an appointment to have your pet spayed or neutered, contact us at 905-844-3331.