Ovariohysterectomy: Spaying Your Dog or Cat

Why should my dog/cat be spayed? Spaying your pet decreases the chance of mammary cancer, ovarian, and uterine disease as well as exposure to feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats. In addition, inconvenient heat cycles and the potential of unwanted pregnancies are eliminated.

When can my dog/cat be spayed? We require a minimum age of 12 weeks and 3 pounds for a puppy or kitten spay and suggest waiting until approximately 6 months of age but before their first heat cycle.

How will she act after the surgery? Most pets, especially young ones, recover quickly after surgery and without complications. We recommend a 14 day period with restricted activity including running and jumping. Limited food the night after the procedure is recommeded as her stomach may be slightly upset from the anesthesia. In most cases, we are able to minimize the incision site and burry dissovable sutures so there is no need for suture removal.

How long will she have to stay? Surgery days are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and should be scheduled at least a week in advance to ensure space. We ask that you bring your pet between 8 and 9AM the day of the surgery and in most cases she will be abel to go home that afternoon after 4PM. If these times do not work with your schedule, please let us know and we can arrange alternate drop off and pick up times.

How much does a spay cost? The cost of a spay at Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic is determined by weight and includes a pre-anesthetic examination, doctor and technician time, anesthesia, surgery material, and a day’s hospitalization. In addition, you can opt to have us use a laser as opposed to a traditional scalpel blade, do a pre-surgical blood screen, and/or give an injection for pain management. These options come at an additional charge and can be decided upon the day of the surgery. Feel free to call our office for estimated fees.

Why should I opt for the laser, pre-surgical blood screen, and pain management injection?

Laser: Using a laser typically results in less pain, swelling, and redness at the incision site as well as a quicker recovery time. (see our Laser Surgery link for more details)

Pre-Surgical Blood Screen: A PSS can help identify any potential problems that may complicate anesthesia use or post-surgical recovery that many not be detectable in the pre-surgical physical exam. It is required for senior-aged patients and strongly recommended for younger patients. If the screening comes back normal it is helpful to use this as a reference guide for future blood panels.

Pain Management Injection: An additional injection can be given for pain while your pet is still under anesthesia allowing your pet to be more comfortable as she wakes up from surgery and begins recovery. The injection lasts 4-8 hours after administration. Additional oral pain medication can be sent home upon request.