Spay and Neuter Surgery

The spay and neuter surgeries performed on dogs and cats offer several benefits for pets and pet owners alike. If your pet is in need of spaying or neutering, contact Veterinary Outpatient Treatment Center in Medford to make an appointment with our veterinarian for an evaluation. Read on to learn why spaying or neutering is important, what happens before surgery, and how to care for your pet after surgery is conducted.

Why Spay and Neuter Procedures Are Important

Most spay and neuter surgeries are done to keep pets from reproducing. Since there are so many unwanted kittens or puppies in the world today, this is a proactive step you can take to help reduce the number of stray animals. In addition, a pet that is spayed or neutered will stop displaying some forms of bad behavior, such as yowling, marking territory, or aggression. Pets that are spayed or neutered also benefit from having a decreased rates of reproductive cancer.

What Happens Before Your Pet Has Surgery

Before your dogs or cats can be spayed or neutered, they will require an evaluation done by a veterinarian. This ensures that your pets are healthy enough for surgery. If your pets have any health issues, our vet will tend to them as necessary before an appointment for surgery is made. Before surgery, your pets cannot have food or water for several hours. This is to prevent severe complications that anesthesia can cause during surgery. This will be discussed with you during your pets’ pre-operative evaluation.

Caring for Your Dog or Cat after Surgery

After surgery, your pet will require some special care to help him recover. Keep your pet in a room in your home where he is away from activity. This will allow him to rest without worrying about loud sounds or fast actions. Check on your pet’s incision site daily to ensure it is healing properly. If you notice any blood or discharge from the wound, contact our veterinarian to schedule an appointment for an assessment. Your pet may not be interested in eating or drinking right away after surgery. This is normal. Provide him with water and food to drink and eat after the anesthesia wears off. If your pet seems exceptionally lethargic for several days without regaining his appetite, contact our vet for a follow-up visit.

If you are ready to make an appointment to have your dog or cat spayed or neutered, contact Veterinary Outpatient Treatment Center in Medford to schedule a pre-surgical evaluation. Our vet will check your pet for medical risks and schedule surgery afterward. Call our office at (631) 730-6929 today.