The decision of spaying or neutering a pet can be tough, taking into account the procedure, cost, and recovery, as well as pros and cons to the surgery. Without the proper education on both procedures, it’s easier to forgo them. McAfee Animal Hospital prides itself on providing this information to the families of possible patients.
Dr. Anna Sacco of McAfee Animal Hospital explains the difference between the surgeries quite simply.
“Spaying is usually referred to female animals and includes opening the abdomen to remove the ovaries and uterus. Neutering usually refers to males and includes removing the testicles,” she said.
Animals that are normally spayed or neutered include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets. Sacco says that the procedure completed at McAfee is very similar to local animal hospitals in the area.
The process begins the night before, where the pet cannot have anything to eat or drink prior to the surgery because the anesthesia can make them nauseous. Then, the pet is dropped off the next morning. At the time of the procedure, the pet is induced with pain medications on board. Afterward, the pet is closely monitored by staff and, in most cases, gets to go home the same day.
According to the hospital’s site, if breeding a pet is not on your to-do list, spaying or neutering is a great option. The benefits of the procedure go far beyond just reproduction.
“Female dogs and cats that are not spayed are prone to infections in the uterus called Pyometra. This infection can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated in a timely manner. Intact females are more likely to develop mammary tumors. Male dogs and cats that are not neutered have higher risks for cancer and prostate cancer,” she said.
According to the hospital's website, “without neutering, your male cat may also have a tendency of ‘marking’ or ‘spraying’ its territory, which will include furniture, walls, and carpeting."
Spaying or neutering a pet can also result in the exhibition of better behavior.
“The incidence of certain behavioral problems has also been shown to be reduced when dogs are spayed or neutered,” the website said.
After surgery, cats and dogs are more likely to gain weight.
The cost for spaying or neutering depends on the type and species of the animal, with a special note that dogs are more expensive than cats. Because they are two different surgeries, Sacco says they are two different prices.
“Spaying is more expensive because it is a more invasive procedure by going into the abdomen to remove the ovaries and uterus while neuters are less invasive and usually do not require the abdomen to be opened,” she said.
For those who are interested in McAfee Animal Hospital and want more information on spaying or neutering, visit https://mcafeeah.com/pet-medical-surgical-care/.