Spays & Neuters

If you’re not planning to breed your dog or cat, it’s highly recommended to consider spaying or neutering. Here’s more information about each procedure and why they are recommended:

Spaying: This procedure involves removing the ovaries and usually the uterus from a female animal. Spaying helps prevent unwanted litters of puppies or kittens, reduces the risk of certain reproductive cancers, eliminates the heat cycle, and can also help curb certain behavioral issues like roaming or aggression.

Neutering: Neutering refers to the surgical removal of the testicles in male animals. This procedure helps control the pet population by preventing unplanned pregnancies, reduces the risk of certain reproductive cancers, decreases the likelihood of roaming and aggressive behavior, and can also help prevent marking territory with urine.

Overall, spaying and neutering are essential for promoting the health and well-being of your pet, as well as contributing to population control efforts and reducing the number of animals in shelters. If you have any questions or concerns about these procedures, your veterinarian can provide more personalized guidance based on your pet’s individual needs.

spay

SPAYS

 

A spay, technically known as an ovariohysterectomy, involves the surgical removal of a female dog or cat’s ovaries and uterus.

Some veterinary practices provide alternative types of spaying procedures, such as ovariectomy (where only the ovaries are removed, often referred to as laparoscopic spays) or laser surgeries. Both of these methods are considered safe and effective.

It’s important to note that our clinic currently only offers traditional spaying, which involves the removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. If you have any questions or would like further information about the spaying options available, please feel free to reach out to us.

Canine (dog) spays

Indeed, spaying your dog offers numerous benefits and is highly recommended by veterinarians as a cornerstone of ensuring a healthier, longer life for your pet. Spayed dogs experience a significantly reduced risk of diseases related to their reproductive organs, including mammary gland tumors, mammary cancers, and pyometras (uterine infections). By opting for spaying, you’re taking proactive steps to safeguard your dog’s well-being and improve their overall quality of life.

Spaying procedures are typically recommended for puppies after they reach 6 months of age, ideally before their first heat cycle. This timing is crucial because with each heat cycle, the risk of mammary (breast) cancer increases. The onset of a female dog’s first heat cycle can vary, with smaller breeds often experiencing it earlier than larger breeds. On average, medium-sized breeds may go into their first heat around 8-9 months of age. Therefore, there’s usually a recommended window between 6-8 months of age for dogs to undergo their spaying procedure to mitigate the risk of reproductive-related health issues like mammary cancer.

Dog with hernias can have them repaired during spay procedures.

Feline (cat) spays

Spaying cats plays a crucial role in population control, as queens can potentially have up to three litters in a single year. Additionally, unspayed cats go into heat, which may result in various behaviors that can be undesirable in a household setting. Beyond population control, spaying cats also offers significant health benefits, including a decreased risk of pyometra (uterine infection), as well as mammary tumors and cancers.

To maximize these health benefits, it’s recommended that cats undergo spaying before experiencing their first heat cycle, or estrous cycle. Ideally, cats should be spayed before they reach sexual maturity, which typically occurs before 6 months of age. Female cats usually enter their first estrous cycle around 7 months of age. By spaying cats early, we can help prevent reproductive-related health issues and contribute to their overall well-being.

NEUTERS

 

Neutering, also known as castration, is the surgical procedure involving the removal of a dog or cat’s testes. This surgery typically entails a small incision through which the testicles are removed and then ligated. In cases of cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles have not descended properly, the neutering procedure will also involve locating and removing the undescended testicle(s), whether they are located abdominally or inguinally.

Canine (dog) neuters

Neutering your dog is strongly recommended for several reasons. Beyond preventing unwanted puppies, there’s substantial evidence indicating that neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer and diseases related to the prostate in dogs. Additionally, neutering can help diminish or even eliminate undesirable behaviors exhibited in the household, such as marking, mounting, or aggression. By opting for neutering, you’re not only promoting your dog’s health but also enhancing their behavior and overall quality of life.

Neutering procedures can be performed after your puppy reaches 6 months of age, particularly for smaller breeds. However, for medium to large breeds, it’s advisable to delay neutering by a few months to allow for more testosterone circulation, which supports healthy muscle growth. We typically recommend neutering medium breeds at 8-10 months of age and larger breeds at 10-12 months or later. This timing helps ensure optimal physical development while still reaping the health and behavioral benefits of neutering.

Feline (cat) neuters

Neutering male cats offers numerous benefits, both behaviorally and health-wise. Neutered male cats tend to exhibit less aggression and are less likely to roam outdoors, reducing the risks associated with fighting, disease transmission, and mating encounters. Cat fights are common sources of infectious diseases such as feline AIDS and feline leukemia, which are transmitted through cat bites. Additionally, neutered male cats are less prone to spraying and marking their territory around the home, resulting in a cleaner living environment with reduced odors. Overall, neutering male cats not only promotes their well-being but also contributes to a safer and more pleasant home environment for both cats and their owners.

Feline neuters are typically conducted after a cat reaches 6 months of age, although some veterinary practices may perform them as early as 4 months of age or even sooner. This procedure is relatively straightforward and involves a small incision site that usually does not require sutures.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Booking spays/neuters

Feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email to inquire about our availability! Presently, we’re scheduling spays and neuter surgeries on Mondays and Fridays.

Surgery appointments typically span the entire day. Drop-off is at 9:00 am, and pick-up is typically after 5:00 pm on the same day. Throughout the day, we’ll keep you updated on your pet’s progress with a courtesy call.

To secure your spot, we recommend reaching out to us at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability. We’re here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have!

Pricing & Quotes

Our surgery pricing is typically based on factors such as weight and age, particularly for spays. For specific pricing inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email!

Our pricing encompasses the entire procedure, including preanesthetic bloodwork, anesthesia, and the surgery itself. Medication costs are additional and are determined based on weight and the specific procedure required.

If you’d like a comprehensive breakdown of the pricing or a personalized quote, please let us know. We’re more than happy to provide you with detailed information via email. Your pet’s health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Pre-operative and Post-operative instructions

The night before your pet’s surgery, please refrain from feeding them after midnight (no breakfast). However, water is perfectly fine and can be provided at any time!

After the surgery, we recommend feeding your pet half of their normal diet for the first two days. Additionally, it’s essential to limit their exercise and activity levels for at least 7 days following the procedure. Dogs will be sent home with e-collars (cones) to wear for at least 7-10 days to prevent them from interfering with the surgical site. In most cases, sutures are dissolvable, so there’s no need to return for suture removal.

More detailed instructions will be provided and thoroughly explained when you come to pick up your furry friend after their surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask—we’re here to help ensure a smooth recovery for your pet.

Dental Procedures

Dental surgeries are recommended based on your dog or cat’s oral hygiene and overall dental health. Our clinic provides comprehensive dental procedures, which include full-mouth digital dental x-rays (the world’s first veterinary specialized panoramic dental x-ray system, actual scan times 15 seconds for full mouth. Panoramic images provide more coverage for bone defect and jaw lesions), thorough dental cleaning, and any required or suggested extractions.

For dogs or cats over 2 years of age, we strongly advise pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure their safety during the procedure and to identify any underlying health concerns.

Ensuring good oral health is crucial for your pet’s overall well-being. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a dental procedure for your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help maintain your furry friend’s dental health!

Eye Consultations & Surgeries

Our clinic specializes in ophthalmic cases, driven by Dr. Matt’s passion and expertise in the field. We’re equipped with specialized ophthalmology equipment to conduct thorough examinations and provide top-notch care for your pet’s eyes.

Our services include a range of ophthalmic procedures, such as cherry eye surgery, enucleation (eye removal) surgery, diamond burr keratotomy, corneal debridement, and cryotherapy.

Whether your pet requires routine eye care or more specialized treatment, you can trust our team to deliver compassionate and skilled care to ensure your pet’s visual health. If you have any concerns about your pet’s eyes or would like to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us. We’re here to help keep your pet’s eyes healthy and vibrant!

norval animal hospital

Other Surgical Procedures

In addition to our specialized services, our clinic provides a wide array of other surgical procedures to meet the diverse needs of our patients. These include laparotomies, aural (ear) hematoma surgeries, pyometra surgeries, lumpectomies, laceration repairs, and much more.

If you have any questions or inquiries about a specific surgical procedure, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to address your concerns and provide the best possible care for your pet. Your pet’s health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re dedicated to ensuring they receive the highest standard of surgical care.