Frequently Asked Questions About Spaying and Neutering at Our Greensboro Animal Hospital

Here at West Market Veterinary Hospital, we know you're cautious about submitting your beloved pet from surgery, even when that surgery is as routine as spaying or neutering. Understanding the benefits and processes of this form of pet surgery can help you recognize its value, so here are the answers to some frequently asked spay and neuter questions at our Greensboro animal hospital.

What is spay surgery? Spay surgery, also known by its medical term of ovariohysterectomy, is a female sexual sterilization procedure. An incision in the abdomen enables us to remove the ovaries and uterus, after which the incision is closed. This procedure. This procedure takes about 20 minutes in cats and up to 90 minutes in dogs.

What is neuter surgery? Neuter surgery, or castration, is a male sexual sterilization procedure. The testes are removed from the scrotum through a small incision. Neuter surgeries can take as little as 2 minutes in cats,; dog neutering may take closer to 20 minutes.

How does sexual sterilization prevent diseases? The reproductive organs can be targeted by deadly cancers, so it's only logical that removing these organs also eliminates the risk of uterine, ovarian or testicular cancer. It also reduces the risk of other issues such as prostate disease or breast cancer.

What other health advantages do spaying and neutering provide? Removal of the organs that produce sex hormones spares your pet the frustration, agitation and potentially reckless behaviors associated with going into heat. Your pet will be calmer, more relaxed, and less likely to roam the streets or get into dangerous scrapes with humans or other animals.

How do spaying and neutering benefit the animal community? Pet overpopulation is a terrible burden on the animal community, with millions of dogs and cats having to be destroyed by shelters each year simply because there aren't enough resources for them. By spaying or neutering your pet, you're doing your part to lessen this crisis.

At what age should I schedule spay or neuter surgery? Animals as young as 8 weeks of age can be safely spayed or neutered by either Greensboro veterinarian on our team. While there's no bad time to have the procedure done, your pet is most likely to get the full range of benefits if it's done before sexual maturity.

What should I expect after this form of pet surgery? Your pet may take a few minutes to recover from the general anesthesia, at which point you can go home together. Your Greensboro veterinarian will instruct you on post-operative care/monitoring and prescribe any medications your pet may need.

Call Your Greensboro Veterinarian Today!

Either Greensboro veterinarian at West Market Veterinary Hospital will be happy to answer all your questions about spaying or neutering -- and even happier to provide this important form of preventative pet surgery for your beloved companion. Call (336) 292-4753 today to learn more! We look forward to meeting with you!