Ovariohysterectomy-Bitch Spay

Before the procedure takes place, we ask that you, (the owner) read this information carefully as it provides you with knowledge ready for the elected procedure. All surgical procedures undertaken carry associated risks and complications. Although rare, we want you to be fully informed before you proceed.

Before the procedure we would ask that you consider lungworm treatment for your dog. We would recommend at least 2 months’ worth of treatment being given prior to the surgical procedure. We offer lungworm testing on the day of the procedure, however having the treatment prior to the surgery will ensure that the risks are reduced. If a patient undergoing surgery has lungworm then it increases the chances of haemorrhaging during the procedure. If you are unsure or would like to know more then please contact us regarding this.

Brucella is an infectious disease and is apparent in many other countries in the world. As we are seeing more and more pets purchased from abroad it is important that we rule out his disease. Therefore, if your pet has been imported from another country we will ask that a brucella test is carried out prior to the surgery taking place. Information regarding Brucella can be found on our website.

Starving is required for patients undergoing a general anaesthetic. We recommend feeding dinner as normal, but then no food to be given after midnight, and no breakfast on the morning of the surgery. Water is allowed and can be removed when you get up in the morning.

The procedure your dog will be having is called an ovariohysterectomy or commonly called a bitch spay. This surgical procedure involves removing the ovaries and the uterus or womb. Once this procedure has been performed it cannot be reversed. Benefits to your dog include:

1. No unwanted pregnancies
2. No further bleeding from seasons
3. Eliminates the risk of pyometra (womb infection)
4. Can reduce the risk of mammary cancer, although the effectiveness of this is dependent on the age at which this procedure is carried out.

Please read the following list of complications that can result from this procedure and ask a member of staff if you have any questions or concerns. This list is not exhaustive. We will discharge your dog with a buster collar to be worn at all times which can help reduce the incidence of post-operative complications. Ideally this should be worn for a full 10 days. There are surgical vests that can used instead, although these would need to be purchased by yourself as we do not stock these items. Should an accepted complication arise, owners are liable for the costs associated with the complication.

1. Anaesthetic death
2. Haemorrhage (bleeding) both during and after the procedure (inside or outside of the abdomen)
3. Wound break down partial or complete
4. Wound infection
5. Bruising and swelling
6. Seroma (pocket of fluid)
7. Damage to other internal organs
8. Pain
9. Suture site reaction
10. Clipper rash or skin reaction to surgical scrub
11. Peritonitis
12. Herniation
13. Risk of Injury on recovery post operatively.

We take precautions to minimise these risks to your dog, however on occasion complications do arise. We do offer post-operative checks at 3 and 10 days post-surgery to monitor your dogs recovery.