-A dramatic decrease in the possibility of breast cancer occurring later in life, especially if done before the first heat cycle

-Preventing the risk for your young pet of an unwanted pregnancy and the burden of caring for and finding homes for kittens

-Removing the risk of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra) which is likely to occur in unspayed pets in later years.

The ovaries produce the hormonal influence known as "being in heat."  Spaying is an operation to remove the ovaries and the uterus so all the hormonal influence and possibility of pregnancy are gone.

Prior to surgery, all patients receive a thorough pre-anesthetic physical exam.  Any potential problems result in a phone call to you and are discussed at that time.  We also offer a pre-anesthetic blood screen, which is recommended for all surgical candidates.  Pre-surgical EKGs can also be performed prior to anesthesia, if needed.

Since spaying is a major abdominal surgical procedure, it is performed with the cat placed under general anesthesia.  Your cat sleeps through the entire operation.  Our primary concern is your cat's safety and comfort.  We use the safest anesthesia for your individual pet, and all of our surgery patients receive pain medications during and after the procedure.  The surgery is performed in a operating room by a  licensed veterinarian, scrubbed and gloved, using freshly sterilized instruments for each individual patient, to help prevent post surgical infections.  You cat will be intubated so that we can assist with respiration if needed and will have an IV catheter placed in a vein and warm IV fluids will be administered.  The IV fluids keep the cat well-hydrated and keep the blood pressure in the normal range during anesthesia.  The IV catheter also provides our veterinarian with immediate IV access for medications in case of any complications in surgery.  Your cat’s vital signs are constantly monitored and recorded by a technician until the cat is fully awake and stable.  Most cats are sitting up, comfortable and willing to eat some canned food within 20 minutes of surgery.

Very little care is required at home after hospital discharge.  In most cases the sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.  It is best if your cat doesn't leap and play too wild for the first week after surgery, but we realize that is difficult for many cats.  The incision should be kept clean and dry as possible.  Rarely a cat may lick excessively at the incision, irritating the site and causing complications with healing.  Call the clinic if this occurs. 

We strive to perform the spay, and all our surgical procedures, with the highest medical standards set forth by our profession.  If you have any questions about this procedure or your pet, please do not hesitate to ask our trained staff or our veterinarians.  When you are ready to schedule your cat’s spay surgery, just call.  Our receptionist will be happy to set up the appointment and give you further instructions.