What is it, and what are the benefits?
The most common surgical procedures performed at Zebulon Animal Hospital are spaying and neutering.
While these are terms most people are familiar with, many are not exactly sure what is actually done while their pet is with us, what is involved in the surgery, or what all of the benefits are.
Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus in female dogs and cats, while neutering is the removal of the testicles in male dogs and cats.
Spaying and neutering can help to reduce the number of unwanted animals in shelters, which can ultimately lead to euthanasia. Spaying and neutering can help to prevent certain health problems in both male and female animals, such as pyometra (a life-threatening infection of the uterus in female dogs and cats), testicular cancers, and prostate issues.
Spaying and neutering can also help to reduce unwanted behaviors, such as roaming, aggression, and marking.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, you will bring your pet in that morning and leave them in our care for most of the day. They will need to arrive on an empty stomach, having no food after 9 PM the night before.
You should allow about 10-15 minutes for check-in, as there will be a short form for you to fill out with a few questions regarding your pet’s health, as well as some additional services you may choose to have done while your pet is with us.
Upon arrival, a veterinary nurse will evaluate your pet and check their vitals. If you opted to have pre-anesthetic lab work done (this is always recommended, and sometimes required) the nurse will also draw blood at this time.
Dr. Kelly then will administer some medications that will help your pet relax as well as provide pain relief.
Shortly before surgery, a veterinary nurse will place an IV catheter in your pet’s leg.
This allows us to administer IV fluids during your pet’s surgery to keep your pet hydrated and maintain normal blood pressure. The IV catheter also allows us to have immediate access to administer emergency medication if the need arises.
When your pet is taken into the surgery suite, they are placed on a warming pad and Dr. Kelly will administer an anesthetic drug through your pet’s IV catheter. Once they are asleep Dr. Kelly will place an intubation tube which allows us to control your pet’s anesthetic level through gas anesthesia, as well as ensures your pet’s airway is protected throughout the surgery.
A heart monitor is immediately placed on your pet and IV fluids are started. The nurse prepares the surgical site, then Dr. Kelly begins surgery while the nurse closely monitors your pet throughout the entire procedure.
Once the surgery is complete your pet is given another pain injection, moved into the recovery area, and closely monitored until they are awake.
After they are alert enough to remove their intubation tube, a nurse will call you with an update and give you a pick-up time. When you arrive a nurse will discuss aftercare and answer any questions you have.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Recovery
The evening after surgery you can expect your pet to still be very groggy. We recommend allowing them to rest in a warm, quiet place in the house.
You may offer food and water in small amounts at a time the day you take your pet home from surgery, then resume their normal meal routine the following day. It is normal for them to have a decreased appetite, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, for up to 24 hours. For two weeks following surgery, your pet should be taken out on a leash, and avoid running, jumping, and rough playing.
Cats should be kept indoors for this two-week period. Absolutely NO bathing or swimming until 14 days after surgery. Your pet’s incision should remain clean and dry. Elizabethan collars are strongly advised, and if not purchased at the time of surgery and your pet begins licking its incision site, you should contact us as soon as possible about purchasing one.
This will help prevent your pet from tearing the incision site open or causing irritation/infection by licking and/or chewing. If your pet does require an e-collar, it must be worn at all times for 14 days. They must be leash-walked and absolutely cannot be left outside unattended with an e-collar on.
Your pet’s incision site should be checked daily, and we should be notified of any swelling or discharge. In most cases, absorbable sutures are placed and your pet does not need to return for a suture removal or any follow-ups unless you have concerns. Your pet may resume normal activity after 14 days.
Spaying and neutering are done by appointment after Dr. Kelly has seen your pet for an exam to establish care.
If you have any questions about spaying or neutering, or if you would like to schedule an appointment please give us a call at 770-872-8343
Serving Zebulon, Griffin, Barnesville, Thomaston, Meansville, Concord, Molena, Williamson, and the surrounding areas.
