Spaying and neutering is the single most important method of reducing pet overproduction for our community. In turn, it greatly reduces the number of homeless pets in shelters. It also allows for many health and behavioural benefits for your pet.
What is spaying or neutering?
Spaying is a surgical procedure during which the uterus and ovaries are removed from the female cat. Neutering is a surgical procedure during which the testicles of a male cat are removed.
When should I neuter/spay my cat?
The average spay or neuter operation occurs at 6 months of age.
What is the procedure to spay/neuter a cat?
A spay/neuter is a day surgery where your pet will be admitted to the hospital. Many conditions, including disorders of the kidneys and liver, cannot be detected without laboratory blood screening. For these reasons, your pet’s veterinarian will recommend having a pre-anesthetic bloodwork panel done to tailor your pet’s anesthetic and pain control for the surgery.
Once the bloodwork panel is completed, your pet will receive a pre-anesthetic examination. They will be given pre-anesthetic sedation by injection into the muscle. Once sleepy, an intravenous catheter will be placed to allow the delivery of fluids during and after the procedure. The intravenous catheter also allows the delivery of the anesthetic agent. This agent helps our team place an endotracheal tube inside, which will allow for the delivery of gas anesthetic for the surgical procedure. The surgical area is then prepared by shaving and aseptically cleaning the skin.