Companion piece to: Neuter Q & A
Please see the archive for more Q & A topics.
First, some basic reproductive terminology:
Spayed = a female cat or dog who has had both ovaries and uterus surgically removed, and is not capable of producing offspring.
Neutered = a male cat or dog who has had both testicles surgically removed, and is not capable of producing offspring. Also known as castration. Some refer to "neutered" as a male or female dog that has been surgically altered to render them sterile (testicles removed or ovaries removed, making them not capable of producing offspring).
Related terms: desexed, fixed, altered
Intact = not spayed or neutered, the animal has reproductive organs capable of producing offspring.
Queen = intact female cat
Tom = intact male cat
Bitch = intact female dog
Dog = intact male dog
For the purpose of this article, intact female cats and dogs will be referred to as the "pet" or "patient".
Is spaying a major surgery?
Yes, because it involves surgically entering the abdomen, it is considered "major surgery". This should not frighten pet owners however, since this surgery is a routinely performed one, and very safe. There are inherent risks with any anesthesia or surgical procedure, and talking over your fears and concerns with your veterinarian should help you understand any special risks that your pet may have. (For more on the actual surgery, see below.)
Myth #1 - I've heard that my pet should have a heat cycle first -- she will be a better pet.
Myth #2 - I've heard that my pet should have a litter first -- she will be a better pet.
These are two common misconceptions about spaying. You will do so much more for the health of your pet by spaying before the first heat. It has been reported that by doing so, you will reduce the chance of mammary (breast) cancer in your pet by as much as 97% over their lifetime. The chance of other reproductive cancers (uterine, ovarian, mammary) and uterine infection is eliminated in spayed animals. Even after the first heat, spaying will reduce the risks of certain cancers and eliminate reproductive organ disease.
Providing a loving environment for your pet, proper health care, and proper training will be the most influential benefit to maintaining a happy pet that fits into your family.
I want to spay my pet, but it is too expensive for me at this time. What can I do?
First, speak with your veterinarian. Some practices offer spay packages as part of a puppy vaccination package, have a "spay day" (reduced price spays on a certain day), or a reduced spay fee for those who demonstrate need. Many shelters and humane organizations work with veterinarians to provide spay vouchers and other funding to those who are unable to afford spaying. Pet overpopulation is a HUGE problem in the United States and many countries around the world -- don't contribute to the problem of unwanted puppies and kittens simply due to lack of funding, if possible. There are alternative means of funding.
Non-spayed females have an increased risk cancer (uterine, ovarian, mammary) and an increased risk of a life-threatening uterine infection as they get older.
Why does my vet want to do pre-surgery blood work on my pet?
Many veterinarians offer pre-anesthesia screening to their patients, and may have you sign a waiver if you decline these blood tests. Why is this so important? It provides a way to assess kidney and liver function prior to undergoing anesthesia among other things. The liver and kidneys are the primary routes that the anesthetics are broken down and removed from the body. If they aren't working well, then anesthesia may be more of a risk. There are many anesthetic agents available, and your veterinarian may also use the blood screening information to determine the best anesthetic protocol for your pet.
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