Spay/Neutering Service

Spay/Neutering service

• Sterilization of the female is technically termed Ovariohysterectomy, where both ovaries and uterus are removed completely. A small incision is made on the underside of the abdomen, and the organs are removed. Sutures are placed underneath the skin and need not be removed.

• Sterilization of the male is technically termed Orchiectomy, where both testicles are removed completely. In dogs, a small incision is made slightly in front of the scrotal sac, and both testicles are removed. Sutures are placed underneath the skin and need not be removed. In cats, 1 incision is made on each side of the scrotal sac, the testicles are removed, and incisions are left open to heal secondarily.

Our Recommendations:
At All Creatures, we require that all pets undergoing surgery be examined by one of our staff veterinarians 1 week to 6 months prior to surgery, and must be current on all immunizations as well as feline leukemia/ feline AIDS/ heartworm/ intestinal parasite screening.  If your pet is not up-to-date on vaccines, we will gladly administer the immunizations and schedule for a surgery at a later time. Should you decide against our recommendation, you are responsible should your pet become sick due to lack of immunization or vaccination failure secondary to stress. We recommend pre-operative lab testing to evaluate our patient’s overall health status including kidney and liver function, complete blood count, electrolytes etc. Pre-operative placement of an intravenous catheter is also recommended as part of our standard of care. Administration of intravenous fluid helps to maintain blood pressure, perfuse the kidneys, and in case of emergency, provide a patent intravenous access for emergency drug administration.

What to expect after surgery?
Immediately post-operation, pets may appear drowsy/sedated, disoriented, and some even vocalize.  Food and water should be withheld until pets are conscious enough to swallow without choking. Some may vomit right after eating due to anesthetic-related nausea. Pain relief will be dispensed and may be given as instructed. All pets should be kept confined for 7-10 days (castration) to 10-14 days (spay).  E-collars are not needed but may be dispensed upon owner’s request. Owners need to monitor incision site closely for any signs of severe swelling, discharge, redness or wound dehiscence.

Will my pet gain weight after getting spayed or neutered?
Most pets tend to gain weight after spay/castration, this is due to the hormone prolactin which rises after the pet has been altered. Prolactin causes the body to conserve energy and store fat in the case of lactation.  In altered pets, it causes increase weight gain. Please make sure to reduce your pet’s feeding amount by 65-75% depending on his activity level, starting immediately after surgery. You may feed a higher protein bland diet immediately post-operation to encourage wound healing as long as this new food does not induce diarrhea secondary to dietary indiscretion.