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Spaying operation in bitches.
This operation is carried out in bitches that are not required for breeding or showing.
It is NOT reversible.
The operation is done by a veterinary surgeon under a general anaesthetic.
The uterus (womb) and ovaries are removed.
The abdomen is closed with sutures (stitches), which are usually removed by the vet after 10 days.
Bitches usually recover from this operation very quickly.
(Should your bitch have an umbilical hernia then this can be repaired at the same time as spaying.)
If the bitch-puppy/adult bitch is healthy there should normally be no complications.
If this has to be done in an emergency perhaps when the bitch has developed an infection of the uterus (pyometra) then this is a life-threatening situation, and recovery may be much slower depending on how ill the bitch has been before the operation.
Vets may differ in their opinions as to when a pup should be spayed but the majority of vets will spay a bitch pup at around 5 months before her first season. This avoids a great many problems that can arise in middle-aged or elderly bitches.
Contrary to rumour there is NO need for a spayed bitch to gain weight. However they may do so and therefore it is a good idea to reduce their daily food by about a quarter after the operation and weigh them regularly.
There is absolutely no truth in the old saying that one litter is good for a bitch in fact it may do positive harm.
Neutering male dogs. Castration.
This operation is done by a veterinary surgeon using a general anaesthetic.
It is not reversible and involves the removal of both testicles through one single incision, which is then sutured.
The stitches are usually removed in 10 days.
It is important to stop the dog licking at this area after the operation, or it may cause an accumulation of fluid and swelling.
It is not done routinely in male Cavaliers in the UK.
It may help with some behavioural problems associated with males but equally may NOT.
If one or both testicles do not appear in a young male then your vet should investigate this, as retained testicles can lead to complications.
Again neutered males may gain weight so be careful not to overfeed them.
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