An ovariohysterectomy, commonly referred to as a spay, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus. This procedure is permanent and irreversible.
Do not feed your pet the day of the procedure. Remove all food from the night before. Water may remain available at all times.
What to Expect:
Preparation:
Hair will be clipped from your dog’s front leg to allow for intravenous anaesthesia to be administered.
The area around the surgical site (abdomen) will also be clipped and cleaned to ensure a sterile environment.
Procedure:
Once your dog is under general anaesthesia, the veterinarian will surgically remove the ovaries, uterus or both together.
Your dog will be closely monitored throughout the procedure and during recovery to ensure their safety.
Aftercare:
Your dog will be sent home with a buster collar and/or pet shirt to prevent them from licking or scratching the surgical site, which could lead to complications.
Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Benefits of Spaying:
Spaying provides several long-term health and behavioural benefits for your dog, including:
Prevention of unwanted pregnancies: Spaying removes the possibility of your dog becoming pregnant.
No further bleeding from seasons: Your dog will no longer experience heat cycles.
Elimination of the risk of uterine infections (pyometra): Spaying eliminates this potentially life-threatening condition.
Reduction in the risk of mammary cancer: While spaying can lower the risk of this cancer, the level of effectiveness depends on the age at which the procedure is performed.
Potential Risks and Complications:
While spaying is a routine and generally safe procedure, complications can occur. Please review the following list carefully, and do not hesitate to ask our staff if you have any questions.
Possible Complications Include:
Haemorrhage (bleeding): Can occur during or after surgery, either internally or externally.
Wound breakdown: Partial or complete failure of the surgical site to heal.
Wound infection: The incision site may become infected.
Bruising and swelling: Mild to moderate swelling or bruising around the surgical site is possible.
Seroma: A fluid-filled pocket may develop at the surgical site.
Damage to internal organs: Rare but possible due to the location of the surgical site.
Pain: Pain relief will be provided, but mild discomfort may persist temporarily.
Suture site reaction: Some dogs may experience a reaction to the suture material used.
Peritonitis: Inflammation of the lining around the abdominal organs, which is rare but serious.
Clipper rash or skin reaction: A reaction to the clippers or the surgical scrub may occur.
Recovery injuries: Your dog may injure themselves while waking from anaesthesia or during recovery.
Anaesthetic risks: These include rare but serious complications such as respiratory or cardiac issues, and in extremely rare cases, death.
Our Commitment to Safety:
We take every precaution to minimise risks to your dog. This includes:
Using sterile surgical techniques.
Providing comprehensive monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery.
Administering appropriate pain relief and post-operative care.
Owner Responsibility:
Please be aware that you, as the owner, are responsible for any costs related to post-operative complications. Following the aftercare instructions and ensuring your dog wears the provided buster collar and/or pet shirt will help reduce the likelihood of complications.
If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure or aftercare, please speak with our team. We are here to ensure the best possible outcome for your dog.