Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)

   Elective sterilization is most often done by ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus). It is one of the routinely surgeries performed in our hospital  The  normal reproductive cycle of the female canine is a heat (estrus) every 6 months starting from 6 months to a year of age. The reproductive cycle is absent after the surgery ( no estrus) and the female is unable to have puppies.

    The incidence of mammary gland tumor in bitches spayed before the first cycle is less than 0.5% compared with 8%  if the spaying is done after the first cycle and 26% when the spaying was done after the second cycle. Sterilization is also indicated for animals with diabetes or epilepsy to prevent hormonal influences on therapy.

    Acute uterine infections sometimes occur after giving birth. This condition called pyometra is characterized by fever, lethargy and lack of appetite. A purulent and foul-smelling vaginal discharge is usually found and can be life threatening if not treated in time. It requires surgical emergency treatment (spaying).

    It is common in bitches to see a clinical condition called false pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy. It is characterized by not only physical changes in the mammary glands with the presence of milk, but also behavioral changes like "mothering" inanimate objects and refusing to eat. This condition is due to an abnormal hormonal concentration and not to a pregnancy, but always it is better to have the pet checked by a veterinarian. This condition resolves itself spontaneously in 1 to 3 weeks. Spaying prevents recurrence of false pregnancies.

    The spay is an abdominal surgery, it is more invasive than  a male neuter surgery , there absorbable stitches placed in the abdominal muscles   and  removable stitches on the skin (normally kept  for 10 days). Home post-operatory care include daily cleaning of the incision with hydrogen peroxide, if there is excessive licking of the site, owner is adviced to place an Elizabethan  collar (E. collar) around the pet's neck to allow  proper  healing of the incision site. Sometimes, during the healing process, the incision site may appeared swollen due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, condition called seroma. some of this fluid  may drain for a few days, it is most important to keep the area clean and free of infection. If there is any signs of infection like purulent discharge, smelly fluids or not proper healing of the area, contact our hospital as soon as possible,  a recheck  and additional treatment may be needed.