The definition of neuter is 'desexing your animal, male or female.'

There are many reasons for neutering animals - most often considered is reproduction / population control. This reason, though imperative in our society due to the increasing feral and unwanted animal population, is only one aspect of animal welfare that is accounted for when we take our animals in to be 'fixed.' The other important reasons to neuter our animals are to prevent the many health and behavior related problems that can arise in the intact animal.

Many are the diseases that can in fact be prevented / treated by neutering alone. In the female, we can prevent or greatly reduce susceptibility to ovarian, mammary and uterine cancer as well as other reproductive organ diseases such as pyometra, uterine torsion or intussusception, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, uterine rupture and vaginal hyperplasia. Happily, the occurrence of red drips on the new white carpet that occur every 4 - 8 months are also avoided or eliminated. In males, testicular tumors, certain prostatic diseases, perianal gland tumors and other inflammatory conditions of the male reproductive tract can be eliminated with castration.

Systemic diseases such as diabetes, or neurological diseases like epilepsy, can be aided by decreasing the reproductive hormones that are present in intact animals.

Behavioural disorders such as spraying, aggression, roaming and fighting can be decreased or eliminated. In many cases even the embarrassing 'wild thing' on your leg will stop when company is over!

There are different veterinary protocols for neutering animals with respect to age, vaccination status, hospitalization and procedure. In general, animals should be healthy, have a current vaccination status and be approximately 6 months of age (preferably before they reach puberty or their first heat cycle). Consult your veterinarian for more specific details on this matter. Another misconception is that an animal can be too old for neutering. Better late than never! Many of the above diseases are seen in an animals geriatric years.

WE OFFER LAPAROSCOPIC SPAYS!!

Laparoscopic Ovariohysterectomy - There are two little incisions made and a scope (camera) is used to locate the ovaries.  The ovaries are cauterized and removed, resulting in very little bleeding.  The uterus is sometimes taken out depending on doctor discretion.  The incision is much smaller than the traditional ovariohysterectomy resulting in faster healing time and decreased risk of infection of the incision site.  This procedure is less painful then the traditional method and since it is less invasive there is a faster healing time.  

Some deep chested animals are at risk for developing bloat, which involves distention of the stomach usually with gas and twisting of the stomach and is a life threatening condition.  To help prevent this condition from occurring a preventative gastropexy can be performed at the time of spay or neuter.  A scope (camera) is used to locate the stomach wall and then the stomach wall is attached to the outside of the abdominal wall.  This does not allow the stomach to twist.