Spay and Neuter
It is important for pet owners to understand the value of spaying and neutering your pets. There are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year due to over-population. By spaying and neutering your pet, you can be an important part of the solution. Spaying and neutering also reduces your pet’s risk of reproductive-related cancers as well as unwanted behaviors. Don’t forget your rabbits and bunnies, too!
Spaying Your Female Pet
An ovario-hysterectomy, also known as spaying, is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus.
Reduce the risk of mammary cancer. There is a direct and well-documented link between the early spaying of female dogs and a reduction in the incidence of mammary cancer. Dogs spayed before coming into their first heat have an extremely small chance of ever developing mammary cancer. Dogs spayed after their first heat but before 2.5 years are at more risk, but less risk than that of dogs who were never spayed, or spayed later in life, especially after having litters.
Remove the risk of a pyometra. A pyometra is a uterus infection of an intact female, most commonly seen in dogs, but can be present in any female with an intact uterus. For most cases, the only way to treat this condition is to remove the ovaries and uterus.
Neutering Your Male Pet
Neutering, or castrating, a male is the surgical removal of the testicles.
Reduce male behavior. Neutering can reduce or eliminate unwanted behavioral characteristics such as urine marking, territorial aggression and roaming.
Remove the risk of cancer. The neuter operation essentially removes the possibility of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostatic enlargement or prostate cancer.
Non-emergency Surgical Services
Most pets will have at least one surgical procedure done in their lifetime, usually spaying or neutering. Sometimes, other procedures are warranted.
A non-emergency situation generally means the animal’s life is not at risk, but their present situation requires medical attention. Non-emergency surgeries can also be cosmetic or preventative, which will help ensure your pet a comfortable and healthier life.
It is important to seek out veterinary attention for your pet BEFORE their condition worsens.
Below is a list of some common non-emergency surgical procedures that are performed at both Ferndale and Fortuna Veterinary.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
- Aural Hematoma
- Bite/Puncture Wound Abscess
- Cesareans (C-sections) (C-sections can be planned ahead of time, but can also be considered a true emergency if your pet is in active labor)
- Cherry Eye Correction
- Dental Cleaning and Tooth Extraction
- Entropion/Ectropion Correction
- Foreign Body Removal
- Growth/Lump Removal
- Hernia Repair
- Spay / Neuter (rabbits and rodents, too!)
- And more!