If you are interested in spaying your female dog/cat or if you have recently scheduled the procedure with our hospital, please read the following information. We want you to be informed about the surgical procedure, post-operative recovery period and associated charges to facilitate a smooth and speedy drop-off.

There is NO reason NOT to spay your dog or cat if their value to you is as a family pet. People who make the decision to breed their dog are willing to accept the risks and expenses associated with breeding, pregnancy, delivery and care of the puppies. This is typically more risk than someone is willing to accept for a "member of the family". Ask yourself what amount of risk you are willing to accept for your pet.

THE SPAYING PROCESS
Spaying a dog or cat starts with a physical exam. We must feel comfortable that the pet is a candidate for a surgical procedure. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork confirms that the major organ systems involved in elimination of the anesthetic drugs are capable of doing so. Poor nutrition, intestinal or external parasites and chronic diseases affect a pet's ability to tolerate anesthesia. The exam and laboratory testing can be completed in advance or on the day of the scheduled procedure.

After the pet is admitted, an injection is given for relaxation. This helps prepare your dog or cat for general anesthesia. Another injection is given for complete sedation so the airway can be maintained throughout the procedure. A small abdominal incision facilitates the removal of the entire female reproductive tract (ovaries and uterus). We use a surgical laser which cauterizes blood vessels and nerve endings. This translates to less bleeding (sometimes no bleeding!) and less pain for your pet. Our hope is that pet owners will educate themselves before scheduling a spay and understand how to make the procedure and recovery easier for their dog or cat.

Please note that when admitted you may need to discuss the cost of additional items such as vaccinations, ResQ microchip, fecal testing, heartworm testing, feline leukemia and FIV testing. These are not included in the price of the spay and may not have been included in the price that you were quoted. All canine vaccinations or feline vaccinations must be up-to-date before being admitted for surgery.

If you would like an EXACT quote, please call our office at (816) 761-5071. We are here to answer any questions regarding your pet's upcoming surgery. Please ask! Also, please view the helpful surgery information section for additional questions/answers.

Please allow 5-15 minutes for the check-in process when your pet is dropped off. You may have a quicker check-in if you have filled out and brought with you the Hospital Authorization Form.