Spay and Neuter Surgery Protects Your Pet's Health

As a pet owner, one of the biggest decisions you will make is whether to spay or neuter your pet. While this is a personal choice, spaying or neutering can protect your pet's health and also help control the unwanted animal population.

Spaying or neutering a pet involves the surgical removal of the ovaries or testicles, respectively. Here at Hunt Valley Animal Hospital, our veterinarians recognize that any surgical procedure, no matter how routine, can be stressful for both pets and pet owners. Prior to administering anesthesia, we conduct routine blood work to check blood sugar, kidney health and red blood cell count. This blood work ensures there are no underlying conditions that may be complicated by the anesthesia.

Minimally Invasive Spay Surgery

Our Hunt Valley vet clinic is one of the only veterinary hospitals to offer minimally invasive spay surgery. Dr. Allan Frank and the veterinarians at Hunt Valley are proud to offer laparoscopic spay surgery for dogs over 25 pounds. Laparoscopic ovariectomy only removes the ovaries, rather than traditional spay surgery that removes both the ovaries and uterus. The incision length is reduced from several inches to only 11mm. This greatly reduces post-operation pain, lowers the risk for complications and speeds the healing process. We’re proud to be one of the only veterinary hospitals in our area to offer this minimally invasive surgery.

When deciding whether to spay or neuter your pet, keep in mind that this surgery offers a number of important health benefits, in addition to reducing aggressive behavior. Spaying prior to the first heat dramatically lowers the risk of mammary cancer, which is fatal in 50% of cats and 90% of dogs. Spayed females no longer go into heat, so pet owners don’t need to worry about doggy diapers, keeping the neighbor’s dog away from your dog, or providing expensive veterinary care for an unexpected pregnancy. Neutered males focus their attention on the family, rather than constantly escaping to seek a mate. This lowers the risk for fights and emergency vet bills.

Spay and neuter operations also help reduce the unwanted animal population. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that over 3 million animals are euthanized in shelters every year – many of which are the offspring of purebred animals and beloved family pets. With so many animals in need of a forever home, the decision to spay or neuter your pet gives other animals a chance at finding that home.

Did you choose to spay or neuter your pet? Share your story below!