Routine surgical procedures include spaying and neutering, sometimes referred to as sterilization or gonadectomy. Spaying a female pet involves the surgical removal of the ovaries, with or without the uterus. Neutering a male pet involves the surgical removal of the testicles.
These procedures cease pets’ reproductive abilities, prevent or treat specific pathologies, and modify some hormone-related behaviors.
We recommend spaying or neutering pets at an appropriate time in their lives if they are not intended for breeding.
The optimal age for these procedures varies based on each animal’s lifestyle and breed, and the decision should be made after discussing the pros and cons with the veterinarian.
We strongly recommend a consultation to tailor the decision to the specific needs of each pet and its family.
Sterilization is a one-day procedure, and most animals are discharged on the same day unless otherwise indicated.
Post-operative care includes using an Elizabethan collar or a body suit to prevent the pet from licking the wound, though male cats typically do not require these measures. Post-operative pain relief and antibiotics are prescribed.
While these procedures are routine, they do require general anesthesia. Potential complications, though rare, include infections, bleeding, seroma formation, or even anesthetic death. Tailored anesthetic protocols, pre-anesthetic tests, and monitoring equipment during the procedures minimize these risks.