A Spay is Not Just a Spay.

A spay is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by veterinarians. But what exactly is a spay? The term spay is a generic term that means surgical removal of the female reproductive organs. This can mean one of two things. The term spay can refer to ovariohysterectomy, which is the removal of the ovaries and the uterus. Alternatively, spay can refer to ovariectomy, which is removal of only the ovaries. So why do most veterinarians recommend spaying dogs and cats? There are numerous healthy benefits that come from spaying your pet. Spaying female dogs and cats helps prevent accidental pregnancy, reduces the risk for mammary cancer, and eliminates other possible health conditions such as uterine infection (pyometra), ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. 

 Both ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy are equally effective, and research has shown no difference in health benefits between the two procedures. So regardless of whether the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or just the ovaries (ovariectomy) are removed, spaying your pet can ultimately lead to your pet living a longer and healthier life. So what is new to learn about the common spay?

Historically, in veterinary medicine, the only way a spay could be performed was by open abdominal surgery. This surgery involves making an incision in the muscles of the abdominal wall, opening the abdominal cavity, and removing the reproductive organs through the abdominal incision. While there is nothing wrong with that method, advances in veterinary medicine and technology have given veterinarians a second way to perform a spay procedure through minimally invasive techniques. This minimally invasive procedure is called laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery uses high-definition cameras, fiber optic lights, and high tech small instruments that are inserted into the abdominal cavity through two tiny incisions. The high-definition cameras allow for superior visualization of your pet’s internal organs – much better than the naked eye. The superior visualization allows the surgeon to see more precisely and this greater detail makes a big difference for your pets’ safety.

Better visualization allows surgeons to be more precise with their surgical techniques as well as detect and address things such as small amounts of hemorrhage present during the procedure. Additionally, the entire surgical procedure can be documented through high definition pictures and videos and the minimally invasive approach, through two tiny incisions, means less pain after surgery and a quicker recovery for your pet.

With the ability to perform minimally invasive surgery, a spay is no longer just a spay. Now pet owners have options when it comes to spaying their pets. And you and your veterinarian can choose how to best serve your pet – either the traditional method, or minimally invasively.

Dr. Andrea Clark, DACVS-SA

Veterinary Surgeon

What you need to know about your new puppy or kitten!!!

Do you have a new puppy or kitten? 

One of the first things you should do when you bring your new pet home is to introduce them to your local veterinarian. Puppy and kitten visits offer a unique opportunity to start you and your new pet off on the right paw! Even if you are a very experienced pet owner and have had puppies or kittens before, each pet is unique and offers an opportunity to learn something new. The more educated you are about your pet, the better you will be able to care for them. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Spaying and Neutering:

We recommend that all dogs and cats not intended for breeding be spayed/neutered, as these procedures can provide a number of medical and behavioral benefits for your pet. Pet neutering can prevent pet testicular cancer, marking, and aggression. Pet spaying can prevent uterine infections, heat cycles, and breast tumors. We can discuss the best age to spay/neuter your pet during their visit!

Puppy & Kitten Vaccinations

Young pets typically require a series of vaccinations within their first year to equip the immune system with antibodies. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital can develop a vaccination schedule for your pet after the initial wellness exam.

Parasite Testing & Prevention

Many puppies and kittens are born with intestinal worms (contracted by their mothers), which can cause a number of health problems if not treated. This is why deworming should be included with your pet’s first visit as well. To protect your pet from parasites (heartworms, fleas, ticks, etc.) in the future, we also recommend that you keep them on a year-round preventive.

We understand that having a pet can get expensive at times. Luckily there is pet insurance! We have witnessed first hand how Trupanion has helped clients from something as minor as an ear infection to something as major as a foreign body surgery!  Click here to find out more information.

Have more questions? Visit our website and schedule an appointment today!!!!