Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) in Dogs

Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) in Dogs

By: Dr. David Diamond

Section: Overview

Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is a surgical procedure in which both ovaries and most of the uterus are removed from the body. It is most commonly performed to prevent reproduction, which consequently helps to control pet overpopulation.

Ovariohysterectomy may also be indicated for:

  • Some behavior problems
  • Uterine or ovarian tumors
  • Problems that arise while giving birth
  • Pyometra, a condition in which the uterus becomes filled with pus

    Early spaying of dogs has been found to reduce the chance for the development of mammary gland (breast) tumors significantly. Spaying before your dog's first heat cycle is the most beneficial, whereas spaying after she has been through several heat cycles will not reduce significantly the incidence of mammary gland tumors.

    Veterinary Care

    Most ovariohysterectomy procedures are performed on young healthy petsStain and Odor Remover
    Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is Guaranteed to remove pet accident stains and odors that other products fail to remove including old uri...     and extensive pre-operative work-up is not usually necessary.
    Pre-operative evaluation involves a thorough physical examination and may include blood tests.

    When the ovariohysterectomy is being performed for reasons other than to prevent reproduction, such as in older animals with tumors or pyometra, other diagnostic tests may be necessary to exclude concurrent problems that might increase the risk of anesthesia.

    The surgery is performed through an incision on the abdomen and both ovaries and the uterus are removed. Some veterinarians use sutures to close the skin incision, while others use absorbable sutures beneath the skin surface.

    Home Care

    After your pet returns from the hospital, keep her quiet and indoors for approximately two weeks to allow her to heal. Do not allow her to be excessively activeHol-ee Mol-ee Extreme
    For the more aggressive chewer and larger dogs, the JW Pet Company Hol-ee Mol-ee Extreme offers the same fun as the famous Hol-ee Roller plus added du...     and prevent her from "rough-housing."

    Monitor the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling or discharge. Do not allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision. If you find that it is impossible to stop your pet from doing this, obtain an "Elizabethan" collar that is placed around the neck to prevent her from being able to reach the incision.

    Skin sutures, if present, will be removed in 10 to 14 days.

    If the ovariohysterectomy was performed for non-reproductive reasons, further treatment and/or monitoring may be necessary.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Pyometra in Dogs

      Pyometra is the medical term used to describe an infected uterus. Since this is a disease of the uterus, spayed animals are not at risk. Dogs diagnosed with pyometra will often require emergency surgery...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Metritis in Dogs

      Metritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the uterus. Unlike pyometra, metritis most often develops just after giving birth and may be associated with a retained fetus or placenta....

      Read MoreRead More
    • Related Articles
    • 1Metritis in Dogs

      Metritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the uterus. Unlike pyometra, metritis most often develops just after giving birth and may be associated with a retained fetus or placenta....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Pyometra in Dogs

      Pyometra is the medical term used to describe an infected uterus. Since this is a disease of the uterus, spayed animals are not at risk. Dogs diagnosed with pyometra will often require emergency surgery...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Metritis in Dogs

      Metritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the uterus. Unlike pyometra, metritis most often develops just after giving birth and may be associated with a retained fetus or placenta....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Pyometra in Dogs

      Pyometra is the medical term used to describe an infected uterus. Since this is a disease of the uterus, spayed animals are not at risk. Dogs diagnosed with pyometra will often require emergency surgery...

      Read MoreRead More