Cold Lake Veterinary Clinic - Spay and Neuter Information

There are many reasons to spay or neuter your pet and your veterinarian would be happy to discuss the pros and cons in more detail! 

Spays: Spaying is removal of the ovaries +/- the uterus in a female dog or cat.  Spaying a female dog or cat before she goes through her first cycle helps to drastically reduce her risk of breast cancer later in life to below 1%.  If she is spayed after her first heat cycle, her risk of breast cancer goes up to 8% and then up to 26% if she is spayed after her second heat cycle.  Spaying your pet also eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer, uterine cancers, unwanted pregnancy, and life-threatening uterine infections.

Neuters: Neutering is removal of the testicles and spermatic cord in a male dog or cat.  Neutering helps to reduce behavioral issues such as roaming, fighting, aggression, spraying (in cats) and marking (in dogs) especially if they are neutered before the onset of these behaviors.  It also eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, reduces the risk of prostate enlargement and prostatitis.  It is a common myth that male dogs will lose their personality after neutering but this is not true.

If you have any questions regarding the procedure, booking an appointment or costs, please feel free to call our clinic during our open business hours and our staff will be happy to assist you!

General Anesthesia/Surgical Discharge Instructions

Image source: https://www.tricountyvetservice.com/services/spay-neuter/