Spay and Neuter Surgery From Our Veterinarians in Vancouver BC

When you think of pet surgery, you probably envision procedures that address serious health crises or injuries. Sometimes, however, operations are performed to prevent unwanted scenarios. Spay and neuter surgery is a great example for its ability to protect your pet's health and prevented unwanted pregnancies -- and your pet can receive this form of care from our veterinarians in Vancouver BC, right here at Cambie Animal Hospital.

Understanding Spay and Neuter Surgery

Spaying and neutering are two very well-understood, very safe outpatient surgical procedures. Neutering (also called castration or orchiectomy) is the simpler of the two operations. A small incision in the scrotum enables our veterinarians in Vancouver to extract a male pet's testicles. Spaying (also called ovariohysterectomy) involves making one or more small incision in a female pet's abdomen, through which we can then remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. The total time involved (minus recovery from anesthesia) may range from just a couple of minutes to over an hour, depending on the age/health of the animal and whether a female patient is in heat.

While these surgeries are considered routine, their benefits can be quite remarkable indeed. The most obvious of these, of course, is the prevention of pregnancy. Overwhelming numbers of puppies and kittens usually force owners to give these animals up for adoption -- but in millions of cases each year, the animals must regrettably be destroyed. Sterilization is therefore a humane act that benefits the entire Vancouver BC animal community.

But your pet's health can also profit greatly from spay or neuter surgery. The male and female reproductive organs are both targets of and contributors to major diseases and disorders, so removal of these organs can eliminate or drastically reduce the risk of uterine, ovarian and breast cancer (in females) as well as testicular cancer, prostrate disease and anal tumors (in males). Sterilization also prevents the hormonal storms that produce heat cycles so your pet won't feel compelled to roam strange neighborhoods for mates, or attack humans or other animals -- all behaviors that can lead to serious danger. By having your pet sterilized, you are helping to ensure that your beloved friend will enjoy a long and healthy life.

For More Questions About Spay and Neuter in Vancouver, Call Us Today!

While spaying neutering can prevent fertility and pregnancy in adult animals, the full preventative benefits of this procedure are achieved only if they're administered before puberty (by the age of 6 to 9 months at the latest). In fact, 8 weeks of age is now considered a safe, advisable time to spay and neuter in Vancouver. We can discuss the procedure with you in detail, including any pre-operative and post-operative care instructions you may need. You can also arrange to have the procedure performed in conjunction with a puppy or kitten wellness visit for greater convenience. Call Cambie Animal Hospital at (604) 321-6600 to schedule spaying or neutering services!