5 min read · December 20, 2024
Spaying or neutering protects your pet from serious health and behavioral issues. Knowing what to expect makes the day easier for everyone.
Before surgery
Most pets need to fast for 12 hours before anesthesia (water is fine). We'll run pre-anesthetic bloodwork to confirm it's safe to proceed and place an IV catheter for fluids and emergency access.
The procedure
Modern spay/neuter is performed with multimodal pain control: local anesthetic, injectable opioid, and an NSAID. A trained tech monitors heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, and temperature throughout.
After surgery
Most pets go home the same day, a little groggy but comfortable. Plan for 10–14 days of restricted activity (no running, jumping, or rough play) and an e-collar to protect the incision.
When to call us
Call right away if you see redness or discharge at the incision, swelling, vomiting, or if your pet seems painful despite medication.