Background Information
Spay or ovariohysterectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus.  The age at which doctors are willing to spay females varies.  It has been our experience that females that are spayed earlier (anytime after 8 weeks of age) have a faster recovery time with minimal post surgery pain.  Females should be spayed before their first heat cycle because it reduces the chance of developing breast cancer to less than 1%.  Females spayed after one heat cycle has an 8% chance, after two cycles the risk increases to 26%, and after 2 years, there is no protective benefit.  Spaying also eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, prevents diseases such as pyometra (infection of the uterus), eliminates unwanted pregnancies, stops messy heat cycles, and most importantly, helps control the overpopulation of cats and dogs.  Spaying DOES NOT cause laziness or hyperactivity, reduce instincts to protect your family and home, cause immature behaviors, postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity, or alter its personality. 

Our Policy
Surgeries are scheduled Monday thru Thursday.  Your pet must check in to the hospital before 8am on the scheduled surgery day.  Do not feed your pet in the morning but be sure to give water.  Taking away the water can cause her to become dehydrated and she will require subcutaneous fluids after surgery (extra cost of $34.71).  Bloodwork is required before anesthesia can be administered and ranges from a simple workup to a more extensive workup just depending on the age of the animal and other health risks.  You pet will either spend the night in the hospital (included in the surgery price) or be sent home that evening.  You will be required to administer antibiotics for 7 to 10 days following the procedure and activities should be limited during this time.  Very active dogs/cats may be crated to restrict running and jumping during recovery.  We use absorbable sutures so they will be absorbed by the body in about 10 days.  Your may notice your pet sleeping a lot upon returning home, but should return to normal by that evening or the next morning. If you notice that your pet is licking the surgery site, immediately go to any pet store and purchase an Elizabethan collar for your pet to wear until the surgery site has healed (7 to 10 days).  Check the site everyday for any signs of an infection, such as excessive swelling, heat, pain, and/or discharge.   It is not recommend that you bathe your pet until the site is completely healed.  If your pet is lethargic, not eating, not drinking, or running a fever (normal temperature 100 to 102 °F), please call our office right away.