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Sudbury Veterinary Clinic Discusses why Spaying and Neutering is Best for Your Furry Friend!

At the Barrydowne Animal Hospital, a Sudbury Veterinary Clinic, we promote spaying or neutering of your kitten or puppy at a young age, before reaching sexual maturity.  We have all seen the numerous news reports on unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that do not have loving homes and we all remember Bob Barker’s advice to help control the pet population by having your pets spayed or neutered!!  Our Sudbury Veterinary Clinic knows that by spaying and neutering all young cats and dogs we prevent unplanned pregnancies, thereby alleviating the problem of pet overpopulation.

Our Sudbury Veterinary Clinic wants you to know that a spay is the term that relates to female cats and dogs, and is properly known as an ovariohysterectomy. This procedure entails the complete removal of both ovaries and the uterus while your furry friend is under general anesthesia.  Neuter, on the other hand, refers to the male orchidectomy, which means the complete removal of both testicles while under general anesthesia.  For all the guys out there, trust us, it is not as bad as you may think!!!

Who wants a smelly house?  Our Sudbury Veterinary Clinic knows that no one enjoys the strong smell of dog or cat urine!! Even if the area is cleaned well, you may find that there is a lingering aroma that is never flattering.  In male neutered animals, the smell of the urine is milder, and the pet is less likely to mark furniture and walls than if he was left unfixed. Therefore, you may find that your cuddly companion will not “christen” everything they see. Additionally, neutered male animals are typically less aggressive, thereby reducing the risk of dog and cat fights and bites or going on their own adventure and straying from home.  It can also reduce those embarrassing moments when your dog gets the urge to hump everything and everyone he comes into contact with!!  Our Sudbury Veterinary Clinic knows that neutering reduces the risk of prostate disease and testicular cancer.

Females that are not fixed can develop a disease called pyometra, a potentially fatal disease starting in the uterus.  Removing the uterus is the recommended treatment, but at this point the animal may be suffering toxic effects from the severe inflammatory condition thus contributing to risk of complications.  Our Sudbury Veterinary Clinic knows that cancers of the mammary glands and reproductive organs are also minimized with spaying.  And, without a uterus, regular estrous cycles (bleeding) and the risk of pregnancy are eliminated.  Reducing or eliminating these risks can contribute to a healthy and happy life for your furry friend.

At our Sudbury Veterinary Clinic, the Barrydowne Animal Hospital, we advise this surgery at 5 to 6 months of age, prior to sexual maturity.  With the advent of in house bloodwork, new anesthetic agents, intravenous fluids, and multiple types of pet monitors, the risk of anesthesia is minimized.  Pain medications are also used to achieve the highest level of comfort for your pet prior, during and in the days following surgery.  Our goal is to make this procedure as comfortable and pain free for both pets and pet parents!!  Our staff will take the time to go through the procedure with you and answer any questions at check in or discharge that you may have.

If you have any questions or would like more information on spaying and neutering your furry family member please feel free to contact Our Sudbury Veterinary Clinic, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital, at 705-566-4243.  For other valuable information feel free to visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com and make sure to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital.

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