Canine Spay

Spaying is performed in female dogs and is the procedure where the ovaries (ovariectomy) +/- uterus are removed (ovariohysterectomy). This is usually done 3 months after their most recent season. Check with a vet when the most appropriate time to spay your dog is.

Your dog will need to be checked over by a vet before to ensure they are well enough for their operation.
They will need to have been starved overnight, be up to date with worming cover and the surgery site kept clean and free from infection prior to the operation.
Your dog will be in for the day with us (dropped off between 8:30-9am) and go home the same day providing there are no complications.
Your dog will be given an anaesthetic drug through a catheter in their front leg. They will have a breathing tube down their trachea (windpipe) to deliver oxygen and anaesthetic gas. The underside of the abdomen (belly) is clipped and an incision is made. The ovaries +/- uterus are removed. The tissue and skin are closed with suture material. Most of the sutures are invisible but sometimes sutures are left on show.

Prevention of seasons and pregnancy
Prevention of false pregnancy
Prevention of ovarian and uterine cancer
Prevention of the uterus becoming filled with pus (pyometra), this is life threatening
Can reduce risk of mammary cancer if the spay is performed before the first season

Anaesthetic risks – as with any anaesthetic there is a degree of risk associated. If your dog is otherwise healthy this risk is very small. However, it is possible for your dog to develop hypotension (low blood pressure) in the procedure, have an adverse reaction to the medication used, regurgitate under the anaesthetic which can lead to oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus) aspiration pneumonia (food or liquid breathed into the airways) and even death.
Procedure risks – whilst a very common operation, there are some risks associated with a spay. This includes haemorrhage, failure to remove the entire ovary and ligature failure (breakdown of internal stitches).
Post op risks – Risks include infection at the wound site, wound breakdown, swelling, bruising, herniation and haemorrhage.
Long term risks – Occasionally some female dogs develop incontinence in response to the change in hormone levels after a spay. Spaying before they are fully grown can increase the risk of cruciate ligament injury. The calorie requirement in a neutered bitch is slightly less and therefore they are more likely to become overweight (reducing their food by 10% after the spay is a good starting place).
If you are concerned about any of the risks you are welcome to book an appointment to discuss them with a veterinary surgeon.

The recovery period after the procedure is 2 weeks. A nurse or vet will see your dog in 3-5 days after the procedure and 10-14 days to check that the wound is healing well.
It is important in this time to ensure their normal activity is restricted.