Spaying and Neutering

Recommended Age for Surgery
*The normal range is six to nine months of age - surgery can be done earlier and of course later although with later surgeries you run the risk of an unexpected pregnancy.

Pre-Surgery 
*Your pet should be in good health prior to surgery - if not the veterinarian may re-schedule the surgery to avoid risk of complications.
*Withhold food from your pet the evening before and the day of surgery.  Water should be withheld before surgery - suggested length of time can vary so do check with your veterinarian when you make the surgery appointment.  Follow your veterinarian's instructions - it is very important for your pet's health.  A full stomach can result in vomiting and aspiration while under anesthetic.

Surgery
* Performed under general anesthetic.
* In females the uterus, tubes and ovaries are removed.
* In males the testicles are removed.

Post-Surgery
*Males usually can go home the day of surgery.
*Females can sometimes go home the day of surgery or usually the following day.
*For more difficult surgeries or if there are complications your pet may require a few days’ hospital stay.
*When your pet comes home - feed it small amounts of food and water that day and the following day.
*Keep your pet quiet for a few days after surgery to prevent tearing of sutures.
* Do not let your pet lick or chew at sutures.  Check the sutures twice a day and if there appears to be any abnormalities, check with your veterinarian.
*A re-check of your pet in about ten days may be recommended by your veterinarian. 

Health/Behavioral Advantages - Spaying
*Reduces risk of mammary cancer.
*Eliminates risk of uterine cancer.
*Eliminates the risk of pyometra - a serious disease involving production of pus in the uterus.
*Eliminates annoying behaviors associated with going into heat.

Health/Behavioral Advantages - Neutering
*Reduces risk of prostate cancer.
*Eliminates risk of testicular cancer.

*Less likely to spray in house and urine odor greatly reduced.
*Often causes pets to be less aggressive.
 

Spayed/Neutered Pets Less Likely to Wander Reducing Risks of:
*Fighting and being exposed to infectious diseases.
*Being hit by a vehicle.
*Getting lost.

Myths about Spaying and Neutering
*There is absolutely no benefit to pets physically or emotionally in having one litter prior to surgery.
*Neutering or spaying will not make pets fat and lazy - this is caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise.

Cost of Surgery
*Costs vary at different clinics - if cost is a concern check for clinics that do low cost spays/neuters.
*Many animal welfare societies will help with the cost of spays/neuters for low-income pet owners.

Information provided by the members of the Southern Alberta Calgary Cat Fanciers