Spaying and neutering

Spay & Neuter

Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen, and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.

Spaying and neutering can help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets.


Spaying

Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Your Odyssey Veterinary Care veterinarians will work with you to decide the ideal age to have the procedure performed based on your pet’s breed and specific needs. 

Benefits:

  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies
  • Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
  • Remove the possibility of uterine infections

What to expect after surgery

Spaying is a major surgery and takes 7-14 days of recovery. Your pet will go home with pain medications for the first few days, specific instructions to prevent them from licking at the incision (Elizabethan collar, aka E-collar/cone), and activity restrictions. 


Neutering

Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Neutering is advised when your pet is 3-6 months old but can be performed on older animals as well.

Benefits

  • Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
  • Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
  • Neutering reduces the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic infections, and perineal herniation.

What to expect after surgery

Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection. All neuters go home on pain medication.

Contact Odyssey Veterinary Care

To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (608) 288-7838.