Aside from controlling our stray pet population, spaying and neutering are important preventative procedures to avoid disease related to your pet's reproductive organs. Spayed and neutered pets also have lower incidences of aggression, and are much less likely to wander from home, which reduces their risk of getting lost or seriously injured. In most pets, we recommend spaying and neutering at approximately six months of age, although exceptions are made for certain large or giant breed dogs.
Benefits of Spaying
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Virtually eliminates the risk of developing mammary cancer later in life
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Eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infection (pyometra) See video below for a look at a pyometra dog.
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Eliminates risk of ovarian or uterine cancer and painful ovarian cysts
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No heat cycles, and less desire to roam during these times
Benefits of Neutering
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Reduces undesirable behaviors such as urine marking, wandering, and aggression
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Eliminates risk of testicular cancer
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Significantly reduces risk of prostate enlargement or infection
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Virtually eliminates risk of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous perianal hernias
Our spay and neuter patients are treated with the same care and attention as any other surgery. They receive the highest grade anesthetic drugs, are monitored closely during and after the procedure, and are kept comfortable with an individualized pain control protocol. We also offer the option of minimally invasive laparoscopic spay, which has been shown to cause less post-operative pain and a quicker return to normal activity.