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 Spay/ Neuter Process

• Our Spay/ Neuter services are available Monday- Saturday by Appointment only! Please call (813)250-3900 to set appointment.
• No food for dogs after midnight the night before surgery; water is OK! Please take them for a short walk in the morning the day of surgery.
• Dogs must arrive on a leash; if they are dog or people aggressive, please keep them in the car until you have finished all paperwork.
• Cats can have a small breakfast and water in the morning the day of surgery (cats go into surgery later in the afternoon).
• Cats must arrive in a secure carrier or you will be required to buy a box carrier for $5.00 when you arrive for your appointment.
• Surgery check-in is first thing in the morning.  You will be given the check-in time when you schedule your appointment.  Please allow approximately 30-45 minutes for the check in process, as you will be meeting personally with a technician to discuss your pet’s medical history.
• You must complete the necessary admission form when you arrive. You may stop by the clinic prior to your pets' scheduled surgery day and pick up the paperwork to save time the morning of your appointment. Admission form typically takes 10 minutes to complete.
• We must be able to talk to each client to get an accurate health history on the animal, so please be patient.
• You will be told what time to pick up your pet at the end of the day (pick-up time is subject to change).
• Please allow approximately 30 minutes for the discharge process, as well.  In addition to receiving general discharge instructions, you will meet personally with a technician to answer any of your after care questions.
• You may call us at any time to check on your pet (813) 250-3900. We are 4-legged parents ourselves, we know you worry!
• Please check the Neuter Scooter details if you have a problem with transportation.

After Surgery

What to expect when you get your pet home

Your pet has had major surgery. The surgery requires general anesthesia. The patient is completely asleep and unable to feel or move. In female dogs and cats, the uterus and ovaries are removed through a small incision in the abdominal wall. Females are unable to get pregnant. In both male dogs and cats, the scrotum is not removed, only the testicles. Removal of the testicles prevents production of sperm and the male dog or cat will no longer be able to father puppies or kittens.

Surgical Procedure

Female dogs and cats have a mid-line incision in their abdomen. Male dogs have an incision just above the scrotum and male cats have two incisions, one in each side of the scrotum. Check the incision site at least twice daily. What you see today is what we consider normal. There should be no drainage. Redness and swelling should be minimal. Male cats may appear as if they still have testicles. This is normal, the swelling should subside gradually through the recovery period. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR PET TO LICK OR CHEW AT THE INCISION. If this occurs, we recommend you purchase Bitter Apple spray to deter licking and chewing. If this does not deter them, an E-collar must be applied to prevent them from being able to reach the area. Your pet has received pain medication.

In Heat

If your female dog or cat was in heat at the time of surgery, you must keep them away from un-neutered males for at least two weeks. While they are unable to become pregnant, they will still attract intact males for a short period of time. If a male dog attempts to breed the female, it can cause serious, possibly life-threatening, damage to the female.

Sutures

Unless you are told otherwise, your pet does not have external sutures. All sutures are absorbable on the inside and the very outer layer of skin is held together with surgical glue. Do not clean or apply topical ointment to the incision site. If you are told that your pet has skin sutures or skin staples, they will need to return in 7-10 days to have those removed. Male cats do not have any sutures.

Activity

Some animals are active after surgery, while others are quiet. It is very important that you limit your pet's activity for the next 7-10 days. No running, jumping, playing, swimming, or other strenuous activity during the 7-10 day recovery period. Pets must be kept indoors where they can stay clean, dry, and warm. Do not bathe your pet during the recovery period. Dogs must be walked on a leash and cats must be kept inside. Keep your pet quiet. Dogs and female cats have internal and external sutures that provide strength to the tissue as they heal. Any strenuous activity could disrupt this healing process. The healing process takes at least 7 days.

Feeding

Your pet has had a small snack the night of surgery. Their appetite should return gradually within 24 hours of surgery. Lethargy lasting for more than 24 hours after surgery, diarrhea, or vomiting are not normal and you should contact us immediately. Do not change your pet's diet at this time and do not give junk food, table scraps, milk or any other people food for a period of one week. This could mask post-surgical complications.

Potential Complications

Spaying and neutering are very safe surgeries; however, complications can occur. Minimal redness and swelling should resolve within several days. If it persists longer, please contact us. Please contact us immediately if you notice any of the following:

• pale gums
• depression
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• discharge or bleeding from the incision
• difficulty urinating
• labored breathing

If you have any questions or concerns directly related to the surgery during the recovery period, please call this office at (813) 250-3900. If there is an emergency after hours, contact your regular veterinarian or REACH emergency hospital at (813) 265-4043.

Your regular veterinarian must address illnesses or injuries that are not a direct result of surgery. We cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-op instructions, or for contagious disease for which the animal was not previously properly vaccinated.