What happens during the surgery? Your pet will be sedated and anesthetized so she won't feel any pain or be aware of what is happening. Her breathing and heart rate will be closely monitored by the veterinary staff. The surgeon makes a small incision on her abdomen (belly area) and removes the two ovaries and uterus, usually just above the cervix. All vessels and tissues are ligated (tied off) to prevent bleeding and lessen chances of post-operative bleeding or infection. Once the ovaries and uterus are removed, the surgeon begins the closure of the body wall and skin -- muscle, subcutaneous, and skin are sutured (stitched) back together. Your pet may have absorbable sutures, skin staples, or sutures visible in the skin that will need to be removed by your vet 10-14 days after surgery. Click here for a pictorial description of a dog spay surgery. Click here for a pictorial description of a cat spay surgery. (Warning - surgical photos may not be suitable for all viewers.)
My other vet let me take my pet home the same day. This vet wants to keep her overnight. Why?
For the exact answer, you will need to ask your vet, but this will vary from practice to practice, vet to vet, and even patient to patient. There isn't a "right" or "wrong" answer. It is very important to keep your pet as quiet as possible activity-wise, prevent excessive licking of the incision, and to go slow initially and monitor food and water intake. Also, if your pet experienced any surgical or anesthetic complications, your vet may want to keep her overnight for further observation. If you work or won't be home immediately after picking up your pet, you may want to ask your vet about keeping your pet for a while longer for observation and monitoring.
How soon will she be "back to normal"?
Most people are surprised at how quickly their pets recover from surgery (certainly much sooner than their human counterparts!) Most pets are up and alert shortly after surgery, and after resting quietly for a day or two, most are back to their "normal" self. It is very important to restrict activity in those pets who are very active -- too much activity can actually delay healing or cause post surgical complications, such as dehiscence (opening of sutures) or bleeding.
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
