A neuter, or castration, is a surgical procedure in male pets where both testicles are removed. A spay, or ovariohysterectomy (OHE), is a surgical procedure in female pets where both ovaries and the uterus are removed. There are many benefits to having your pet spayed or neutered including both health and behavior benefits. These include: Neutered and spayed pets are less territorial and are less likely to roam. Research indicates that 80% of dogs hit by cars are non-neutered males. Spayed females typically stay healthier and live longer. They have a lower incidence of mammary tumors (breast cancer) and no uterine or ovarian cancers. Neutered pets can’t develop testicular tumors, which are the second most common cancer in males, and they also have a lower incidence of prostate cancer. Dogs spayed before their first heat cycle have a less than 1% risk of developing mammary tumors, dogs spayed after 1 heat cycle have an 8% risk (or about 1 in 10 will develop a tumor), and dogs spayed after 2 heat cycles have a 26% risk of developing mammary tumors (or about 1 in 4). Unspayed females have a 7 times higher risk of developing mammary tumors than their spayed counterparts. Mammary tumors are the most common tumors in female dogs, and are […]
Providing the best possible veterinary care for your pet.
Heritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
