Spay Procedure & Aftercare

The Procedure:

 

Your pet has just received major abdominal surgery. Remember, a "spay" is an ovariohysterectomy. Both ovaries and the uterus have been removed. A ventral midline incision was used and your pet will have a faint scar along its tummy. Every effort will be made to make sure she looks good for bikini season!

 

Keeping your pet's activity restricted and preventing self trauma from licking are key factors in ensuring a successful surgery. All pets will be given pain medication to ensure a comfortable recovery.

 

Considerations:

Some people think that their pets won't be "the same" after becoming spayed. In actuality, your female dog or cat will likely be better behaved and will DEFINITELY be healthier. Spaying eliminates messy and annoying heat cycles and can prevent dangerous health problems such as ovarian cancer and pyometra (a life-threatening infection of the uterus). Altered pets are cleaner, somewhat calmer, and most importantly, healthier!

Food & Water:

• Feed 1/2 the normal diet after 8:00 pm, on the evening of the surgery
  
• May resume normal diet by the next morning
• Limit excessive water intake

 

Exercise & Activity:

• Limit exercise & activity for 7 days following surgery
• Confine to indoors except to go outside on a leash for eliminations for 7 days
• Gradual return to normal activity

 

Signs to Monitor:

• Loss of appetite for over 2 days
  
• Refusal to drink water for 24 hours
  
• Weakness
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Depression

 

Eliminations:

 

Your pet may NOT have a normal bowel
movement for 24-36 hours after surgery.
This is normal and not cause for alarm.
Remember that your pet has been fasting
and has been under anesthesia.