Canine Spay - Dog Spay | Veterinarian Rochester MN

We recommend this surgical procedure for the following reasons:

1. According to the ASPCA, 5 to 7 million unwanted companion animals are brought to shelters each year. Approximately 3 to 4 million of them end up euthanized as a result. Spaying and neutering helps prevent overpopulation.
2. Spaying eliminates the blood-staining of carpets and floors associated with the vaginal discharge produced during the “heat” cycle. A dog usually goes into heat soon after six months of age, and repeats a heat cycle every six months.
3. Spaying significantly reduces the chances of mammary (breast) cancer if done at a young age, and eliminates the chances of developing uterine infections (pyometra) at any age.
4. Spaying avoids attracting annoying or menacing suitors to your property (and they will come from miles around, breaking through windows and climbing over six foot fences).
5. Humanely prevents unnecessary sexual frustrations associated with puberty, and eliminates the desire to find a male dog during heat cycles. This search can cause female dogs to run away and face dangers better avoided (automobiles, gunshots, poisons).
   

Before surgery our hospital recommends certain blood tests to assess anesthetic risk. This optional blood screen does add an additional cost of the spay surgery.

An ovariohysterectomy (spay) involves sterile surgical removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus under monitored general anesthesia. We recommend one overnight stay at our hospital. A full ovariohysterectomy is done since the ovaries produce the female hormone estrogen, which causes the vaginal discharge and odor associated with heat, and can stimulate growth of mammary cancer.

Exercise should be restricted to leash walking only after surgery. No swimming, bathing, running, or jumping for ten to fourteen days after surgery.

Spaying does lower an animal’s metabolic rate. Careful regulation of the diet of every dog is always recommended, particularly after spaying, to prevent excess weight gain.

The surgical procedure will not change your pet’s intelligence or general disposition. It is not necessary for a female dog to come into heat or to raise a litter of puppies to become a good pet. Most spayed females tend to be more gentle and affectionate.

If you are interested in having your pet spayed, please feel free to call upon us to set up an appointment or to ask any questions of our staff.