WHY SHOULD I NEUTER MY PET?
Neutering has medical benefits, such as, reducing prostate problems, and has behavioral advantages as well. A city environment severely limits the territory that dogs and cats innately desire. This causes frustration that frequently leads to aggression and/or destructive behavior. Neutering alleviates these frustrations and frees your pet to enjoy time spent with you. It reduces the urge to roam that in turn reduces the risk of diseases, fights, injury and death in traffic. In dogs, it inhibits the embarrassing behavior of mounting. It discourages cats from “marking” their territory by spraying urine in the house. It lowers aggressive tendencies in all species.
Neutering saves lives. Each year in the United States, over 10 million pets are destroyed because no one adopts them.

WHEN SHOULD IT BE DONE?
The best time is at 5 – 6 months of age—before bad habits develop.

WHAT IS DONE DURING THE OPERATION?
The testicles are removed through a small incision. A vasectomy can prevent impregnation of females but has no behavioral or medical benefits since the source of male hormones has not been removed.

IS THE OPERATION SAFE?
It is very safe. Today’s anesthetics are extremely safe and we use the latest in electronic equipment to monitor your pet’s ECG and respiration. Laboratory and ECG screening for potential problems with anesthesia recovery, blood clotting, and tissue healing can reduce risks even further. Our laboratory is equipped to run a complete series of blood chemistries within a matter of minutes and we routinely perform a group of presurgery tests on all pets over 2 years of age. To increase your comfort level, these tests are available as an option for pets less than 2 years.
Dogs must have a negative heartworm status and cats must have a current negative Leukemia Virus test prior to surgery.

WILL MY PET BE IN PAIN AFTERWARDS?
As pet owners ourselves, we place a high priority on pain control. All surgery patients begin receiving pain medication before they even wake up from anesthesia. You will continue oral medication at home.

Another effective means of pain control is the use of a CO2 laser which cuts with a beam of light instead of a scalpel. This seals nerve endings, seals vessels and seals lymphatic vessels. The result is less pain, less bleeding, less swelling and faster recovery.

HOW LONG WILL HE BE IN THE HOSPITAL?
He can be admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery and go home later the same day.

WON’T HE GET FAT AND LAZY?
No. Neutered animals require fewer calories, but obesity is caused be overfeeding and lack of exercise. Cut down on the meals and make time for walks and play.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO AFTER SURGERY?
1. Only small amounts of food and water the evening of surgery-too much will cause vomiting.
2. Give medication as directed.
3. Limit exercise. No running or jumping for at least 3 days.
4. Check the incision daily. Slight swelling is normal.
5. No suture removal is necessary.
6. CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.