Spays and neuters are common surgical procedures that eliminate a pet’s ability to reproduce and can help with different undesirable behaviors (marking, running off, etc). At State Ave Veterinary Clinic we strongly recommend sterilization procedures especially in females, because they benefit pets in multiple ways and help reduce pet overpopulation. Most pet owners know that spay or neuter surgery is beneficial, but aren’t sure what happens during surgery. We take you behind the scenes to learn about sterilization procedures, including traditional and laparoscopic techniques offered here at State Ave Vet Clinic.

The benefits of spaying or neutering your pet

Spaying or neutering your pet reduces or eliminates the risk of serious health concerns, including:

  • Mammary cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Uterine infections (i.e., pyometra)
  • Prostate problems
  • Testicular cancers

Sterilizing pets may also benefit behavior issues, such as reducing roaming, fighting, or marking in males and relieving restlessness and vocalization for females in heat. The right time to spay or neuter a pet depends on their breed and expected adult size. We will personalize our recommendation for you during your annual exam/puppy/kitten visit to determine what is best for your pet depending on lifestyle and health goals.

Before spay or neuter surgery

Our veterinary team will conduct a thorough examination, which might include blood tests, to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. We will also discuss surgical options with you and determine the best choice for your pet. At State Ave Vet, we are able to provide Laparoscopic spays.  A “Lap spay” s is minimally invasive and is recommended for most female dogs, except those too small to accommodate the endoscope.

Pets must fast several hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of aspirating stomach contents while under anesthesia. We take many precautions during anesthesia to ensure your pet’s safety, including:

  • Placing an endotracheal tube to protect the airway and administer oxygen and gas anesthetic
  • Placing an IV catheter to establish venous access for emergency drugs and fluids
  • Administering fluids to maintain blood pressure and circulation
  • Monitoring vitals including EKG, CO2, Blood pressure, and more to detect problems and to intervene, if necessary
  • Providing supplemental heat to regulate body temperature
  • Multiple pain medication before, during and after to decrease anesthetic drug risk and improve patient comfort 

During spay or neuter surgery

Once your pet is under anesthesia, our team will perform the spay or neuter surgery. In a traditional spay, we make a long abdominal incision, remove the uterus and ovaries, and close the incision with several suture layers. Without the estrogen or progesterone the ovaries produce, females cannot go into heat or become pregnant.

Uniquely in Western North Dakota, State Ave Vet offers laparoscopic spay (i.e., lap spay).  A lap spay is another sterilization method for a female pet that avoids the large incision and tissue trauma of a traditional spay, which means less pain and fewer potential complications like dehiscence. During a lap spay, we insert a camera and surgical tools through two to three tiny incisions. Insert photo here Unlike traditional spays, lap spays usually only remove the ovaries, offer better visualization and less risk complications, further reducing recovery time and discomfort.

Neutering male pets involves removing the testicles through a small incision in or near the scrotum and then closing the incision with sutures. This procedure is not as invasive as the spay procedure for females, because cutting into the abdominal cavity is not required. However, male pets must still undergo anesthesia and require pain control for a comfortable recovery.

After your pet’s spay or neuter surgery

After surgery, our team will closely monitor your pet and ensure they wake up from anesthesia smoothly. A dedicated team member will stay with your pet until they can sit up on their own, and then will check in periodically to monitor vital signs and assess pain levels. Pain management is provided for all post-operative patients. 

At discharge, you’ll receive detailed instructions on caring for your pet at home. Aftercare includes keeping the surgical site dry, limiting activity for 10-14 days, and preventing your pet from licking the incision, which may require an Elizabethan collar (i.e., cone of shame). Contact our team if you note swelling, redness, or discharge at the incision site. Most pets can resume normal activities after 10-14 days.  

Spay and neuter procedures can provide physical and behavioral health benefits and help to reduce unwanted pet litters. State Ave Veterinary Clinic offers advanced laparoscopic procedures in addition to traditional surgery, so we can accommodate dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds. Contact us to schedule a pre-surgical consultation or to learn more about the benefits of spay and neuter surgery.