Spay and Neutering FAQ

At Van Loon Animal Hospital in Holmen, we have been performing spaying and neutering procedures for many years. Following are the answers to questions our veterinarian frequently receives regarding spaying and neutering.

What is Spaying?

Spaying is to the sterilization of female pets. The fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries are removed from a female cat or dog during an ovariohysterectomy. This makes your pet unable to reproduce and curbs behaviors associated with breeding and going into heat.

What is Neutering?

Neutering means to castrate a male cat or dog. The testes are removed from a male cat or dog during an orchiectomy procedure. By doing this, he will not have the ability to reproduce and will exhibit fewer male breeding behaviors.

Is There a Certain Age That I Must Spay or Neuter My Pet?

The youngest a pet can be spayed or neutered is between 6 and 8 weeks old. However, there are greater risks associated with anesthesia at this age. Fixing female pets prevents breast cancer and uterine infection while fixing male pets prevents testicular cancer. However, there is no age limit for this procedure as long as your pet is healthy. Our veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s health to determine whether or not they are healthy enough to be spayed or neutered.

Should I Allow My Pet to Reproduce Before Spaying or Neutering it?

If breeding is an option for you or your pet, then this decision is up to you. Most vets will recommend that pets be spayed before their first heat cycle. The American animal shelter system is currently overburdened, so you should consider having your pet spayed or neutered as soon as possible if you are not prepared to care for a litter.

Pet Surgery in Holmen

Call Van Loon Animal Hospital today at (608) 526-2200 for more information on pet surgery or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.