Spaying and neutering are common procedures that can greatly reduce the risk of certain health problems. At Hôpital vétérinaire Chambly, our veterinarians perform these operations using a surgical laser, minimizing pain and post-operative recovery time.
What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
Sterilization is different depending on whether an animal is female or male, since they have different reproductive organs.
Spaying involves removing the uterus and ovaries of a female cat or dog. The procedure helps reduce the risk of cancer and infection in the reproductive organs and also reduces unwanted behaviour that occurs when an animal is in heat.
Neutering is the removal of the testes of a male cat or dog. It can help prevent behaviour like running away, marking territory, aggressiveness, as well as reduce the risk of tumours in the reproductive organs or prostate issues.
How can I prepare my pet for spaying or neutering?
Your veterinary will ask you to come to the veterinary hospital with your animal before the operation date to carry out a pre-op examination. This will ensure your pet isn’t suffering from any undiagnosed health problems. For the same reasons, we may recommend preanesthetic blood work.
During the appointment, your vet will explain the procedure to you and how to prepare your pet for the surgery. They will be more than happy to answer all of your questions during this pre-op visit.
How can I best care for my pet after the procedure?
After surgery, it’s normal for your pet to feel more tired or less playful than usual. This can last a few hours or days following the procedure. Provide your pet with a calm, comfortable environment where it can rest and swiftly recover. Your dog or cat will be able to eat and drink water as soon as it gets home, but in small amounts to avoid stomach pain or vomiting.
You must make sure that your pet does not lick the wound, as it could cause infection and prolong recovery. When you take your pet home after surgery, our team will suggest an Elizabethan collar, a cone, or a recovery suit to prevent licking. The wound should be checked at least once a day for redness, swelling or discharge. If you notice one of these symptoms of infection, make an appointment to have the wound examined by a veterinarian.