Atlantic Veterinary Hospital
Spay & Neuter
Spaying (female) or neutering (male) your pet can help them live a longer, healthier life by minimizing behavioural problems and helping control the population of dogs and cats.
When should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
This varies based on species, gender, and breed. Please contact us to learn more.
Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Many benefits come with spaying your female companion animal. They include helping to control the stray dog and cat population, eliminating heat cycles that attract male dogs, and preventing diseases in your pet such as pyometra (infection in the uterus) and mammary cancer. Additionally, research has shown that spayed pets live longer than pets that have not been spayed.
Many benefits come with castrating your male companion animal. These benefits include helping to control the stray dog and cat population, eliminating undesirable and embarrassing behaviour, and preventing diseases in your pet such as prostate disease and testicular cancer.
How is a spay or neutering surgery performed?
Spaying, also called an "ovariohysterectomy," is a surgical procedure in which both ovaries and uterus are completely removed from your female pet while they are under general anesthesia. Castrating refers to the surgical procedure in which both testicles are removed while your male pet is under general anesthesia.
Before the operation, we will assess your pet to minimize risk. While your pet is under anesthesia we provide individual care for the safety of each pet. Our registered veterinary technicians and doctors are trained in advanced monitoring to ensure your pet's comfort.
Your pet’s safety and comfort are our primary concerns when performing a spay or castration. We routinely use an IV catheter and fluids on canine spays and castrations, as well as feline spays. This is important for maintaining blood pressure and perfusion to the kidneys and other organs as well as allowing immediate IV access in the event of an emergency. We use advanced pain management techniques in conjunction with anesthesia to make sure your pet is as comfortable as possible during the procedure and after they are discharged. Our spay and castration patients receive various pain medications during the procedure and usually go home with oral pain medication. We also perform local anesthetic blocks at the surgical site. Proper pain management makes the procedure as comfortable as possible and allows for faster recovery.