Is spay surgery safe for your pet?
Spay operations are used to prevent reproduction from female canines and felines. During a spay operation, the reproductive organs of the female animal including the uterus and ovaries, are completely removed from the pet. Though it is widely recognized that spaying your pet not only prevents the birth of unwanted offspring but offers a number of other benefits as well, there are some spay operation complications that pet owners need to be aware of. According to Laura J. Sanborn, M.S., there is significant evidence that indicates spaying can have adverse health effects that should be considered.
Anesthetic Complication
As with any type of surgery that involves your pet being administered anesthesia, there is the risk that your pet will have an adverse reaction to such medication. Fortunately, blood work taken prior to the surgery will generally detect problems that could cause an anesthetic complication. Both canines and felines are susceptible to anesthetic complication.
Post-Operative Wound Infection
Post-operative infection to the incision site is a common spay complication and often occurs from improper care of the surgical site. Following your veterinarians post-operative instructions will help to reduce the risk of infection as will follow up visits with the vet to ensure the wound is healing properly. Cats spend a great deal of time grooming themselves and after surgery it is common for them to frequently attempt to cleanse their surgical site. Excessive licking to the wound may create a damp, moist environment that is open to bacterial growth and infection.
Internal Infection
Canine spay surgery increases the risk of the dog experiencing future internal infections such as vaginal dermatitis, vaginitis and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Bone Cancer
When canine spay surgery is performed before 1 year of age, the risk of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) is significantly increased. This form is cancer is often fatal and is experienced more often in larger breeds of dogs.
Urinary Incontinence
Between 4 and 20 percent of female dogs that receive a spay operation will develop urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine; however, this condition can often be treated by medication.
Obesity
After canine spay surgery, female dogs are 1.6 to 2 times more likely to become obese than those not spayed. Felines are also at an increased risk for obesity once they are spayed. Since obesity can lead to a number of other health problems, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen for your spayed pet.
Internal Bleeding
Cats and dogs that are active following a feline spay operation may be at risk for developing internal bleeding from ligatures or internal sutures slipping off of blood vessels. Though this is a rather rare occurrence, it is important to monitor your pet to ensure they allow time for internal healing before becoming highly active.
