| What do I have to expect after my dog gets spayed? What is the recovery time like? Can she go to the park and play with other dogs? Is spaying completely necessary in the City? Is there any other way? |
| Because of their strong natures, most dogs seem almost back to their normal selves after spaying, although they may be a little quieter than usual. We must remember that they have undergone major abdominal surgery and treat them with "TLC" accordingly. Although people commonly think of a spay as "routine", in actuality it is an ovariohysterectomy...women, in general, have a hysterectomy which is removal of the uterus; in dogs and cats the surgery performed is complete removal of the uterus and ovaries. Depending on a dog's individual nature and personality, some dogs may actually act like "nothing ever happened" and we must remember to try to help them to rest for better healing, by attempting to restrict their activity as much as possible. Leash walks vs. unrestricted running around outside may be of benefit, especially in dogs that are extremely active by nature. Likewise, it is a good idea to prevent alot of jumping on and off furniture, or in and out of cars, by assisted lifting. A good length of time for restriction of activity is 10-14 days, which is also the time most veterinarians will schedule a recheck and/ or suture removal. Spaying is a necessary procedure in nonbreeding females, preferably prior to their first heat cycle. In addition to the prevention of unwanted births, which irresponsibly contributes to the overpopulation of shelter animals and euthanasias, there are serious medical advantages. Early spaying significantly lowers the risk of breast cancer, and prevents the occurence of pyometra, a potentialy life threatening and septic condition of the uterus. Pyometra requires emergency spaying in an older and often very sick animal with a much greater risk of anesthetic complications. Good medical practice philosophy recommends spaying of dogs (and cats) at an early age, ideally prior to their first heat cycle. |
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