Spay

Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely in order to sterilize a female dog.

It is generally recommended that all female dogs are spayed There are many health benefits and advantages to spaying your dog and spaying also helps reduce the pet overpopulation crisis; however there is emerging evidence to support delaying the surgery in large breed dogs.

• Prevention of heat or estrus.

• When in heat, the female experiences an urge to escape in order to find a mate. This unwanted and dangerous behavior is eliminated.

• Elimination of the hormone fluctuations that cause false pregnancy following the heat cycle.

• Prevention of uterine infection known as pyometra.

• Prevention of breast cancer. Dogs spayed before their first heat have less than 0.5% chance of developing breast cancer.

• Elimination of the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.

• Spayed dogs generally live longer lives than those that are unspayed.

• Reduces the likelihood of dogs having separation anxiety or fearful elimination.

The operation may be performed for several medical conditions. These include:

• Treatment of intractable false or phantom pregnancy.

• Treatment of irregular or abnormal cycles due to ovarian cysts.

• As an aid in diabetes treatment.

• Treatment of uterine infection (pyometra) or cancer.

• Dystocia (difficult birthing) or post cesarean-section surgery.

The overall consensus at this time is that spaying will increase the lifespan of a dog. There are some scientific studies that have suggested increased risks of certain health conditions. Despite these studies, spaying is considered to be the best option for the overall health and longevity of your dog. Potential disadvantages include:

• Spaying a dog will reduce her metabolism; however, obesity is the result of overfeeding and lack of physical activity. By regulating your dog's diet and caloric intake and ensuring daily exercise, you can prevent obesity in spayed (or intact) females.

• Spaying large breed dogs before bone growth is complete has been associated with increased risk of cruciate ligament tear (knee injury).

• Spaying before maturity may be associated with increased risk of certain behaviors such as noise phobia.

• Urinary incontinence, which primarily affects middle-aged and older female dogs

Spaying does not cause a change in personality, intelligence, playfulness, or affection.

There are many different factors to weigh when determining the optimal time to spay a puppy, including health factors, behavioral factors, and your pet's environment. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay your pet.

Not at the present time.

Spaying is considered a major operation and requires general anesthesia. With any anesthetic the risk of serious complications, including death, is always possible. With modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk of a complication is very low. It has been said that your pet has a greater chance of being injured in a car wreck than having an anesthetic or surgical complication.

Your pet will be examined by a veterinarian and pre-anesthetic blood tests will usually be performed. If everything is acceptable, your pet will be anesthetized. After your pet is anesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in her trachea (windpipe). This will allow the delivery of oxygen and gas anesthetic directly into the lungs. The surgery consists of making an incision just below the umbilicus (belly button) and removing both the ovaries and uterus.

Dogs need to be kept quiet in the post-operative period to encourage healing and help prevent complications. Most dogs can resume normal activity 5-10 days after surgery. Until then, leash walks, lots of rest, and no swimming, bathing, or running is advised.

There is no scientific evidence that having puppies has any calming psychological effect. This myth has no basis in fact.