Bitch Spay Surgery

WHEN TO SPAY:   There is firm medical research indicating that if a dog spay surgery is performed before the dog's first estrus cycle (heat) the chances for developing mammary gland cancer later in life is nearly zero.If a dog goes through one heat cycle and then is spayed, the chances of mammary cancer later in life are slightly reduced.  And if a dog has three or more estrus cycles and then is spayed there is no protective influence against developing mammary cancer.  In addition, any dog that is spayed will have no chance of developing a potentially fatal uterus infection called Pyometra( see the  page named pyometra )   Many veterinarians recommend spaying dogs at about six months of age, which is generally prior to a dog's first heat cycle.  Some veterinarians will suggest that the surgery be done at four or five months of age.  Be sure to have a discussion with your veterinarian about the "whens" and "whys" of spaying.  There is no particularly convincing reason to let a dog "have one heat cycle" or "just one litter" prior to spaying.

THE SPAY SURGERY:   The surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia and employ sterile instruments and a sterile surgical field.  Medical emergencies can arise if a pet becomes infected during these procedures.  No surgeon approaches any surgery as if it were "routine" because every animal is unique, each surgery is different from every other, and while neutering might be deemed a minor surgery a spay certainly qualifies as a major procedure. Essentially, the structures and techniques are the same for each dog spay.  As you can imagine, though, there are some real differences between working on a 180 pound Saint Bernard or a 4 pound Yorkie!  And an overweight patient makes the surgery more difficult and time consuming.

There are no medical, emotional or sociological reasons for a female dog to "have just one litter". If you do choose to allow your dog or cat to have a litter, please be certain that there are committed pet caretakers waiting and wanting to provide a home for them.  You do have the power and intelligence to make a difference in the population of unwanted dogs and cats.

The Spay Surgery (Ovariohysterectomy)

The incision is made in the  middle, lower abdomen.		The abdomen is entered.	The uterus is located and brought  through the incision.
The ovary is isolated and the Ovarian Ligament and blood vessels are securely tied.			The opposite structures are located and inspected.
The body of the uterus below the uterine horns is isolated and a number of sutures are placed around the blood vessels and the uterus itself.			The midline abdominal tissues are sutured securely back together in layers.
The tissue beneath the skin and above the abdominal wall are sutured so that these subcutaneous sutures are buried beneath the skin.  No external sutures are needed.		View of both ovaries and uterine horns.	close up of dog ovary

The material in this site is provided for personal, non-commercial, educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company or product. About makes no representations and specifically disclaims all warranties, express, implied or statutory, regarding the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose of any material contained in this site. You should seek the advice of a professional regarding your particular situation