Spay and Neuter in Westfield, IN

Spaying and neutering dogs and cats is an important way to keep them healthy. It’s also the most effective way to reduce stray/feral animal populations and crowding in animal shelters, leading to a healthier, happier community for everyone. At Coyne Veterinary Center in Westfield, we regularly perform spay and neuter surgeries to help pets and their families share a better life together. We want our patients to enjoy long, healthy lives, but we also want to prevent the many euthanasias that take place in shelters every year due to crowding, and increase the number of shelter pets who are able to find loving, lasting homes.

To schedule your pet’s spay or neuter procedure, call (317) 953-9944.

What are the Real Benefits of Spaying and Neutering?

Is being spayed/neutered really worth it for your pet? While the surgery will not change your pet’s personality, it could improve their health and longevity. Here are some of the benefits you might be able to expect:

Spaying (females)

Prevents dogs and cats from going into heat
Reduces risks for mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer
Prevents pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection
Can reduce or prevent roaming, vocalizing, and other undesirable behaviors

Neutering (males)

Can reduce or prevent aggressiveness
Reduces or prevents disruptive behaviors, such as roaming, mounting, and spraying urine
Prevents testicular cancer
Reduces the risk for prostate cancer

Additional Spay and Neuter Information

Appointments are always required for spay and neuter surgeries (available Monday through Friday)
Your pet should be at least 6 months old and/or the appropriate weight before having surgery
Drop-off time for surgery is between 6:30am and 8am with an appointment
Please give us at least 30 minutes to discuss your pet’s procedure and answer any questions you have, and sign all surgical authorization forms with one of our technicians

Pre-Surgical Instructions

For their safety, pets should not be allowed to eat or drink anything after 10pm the evening prior to surgery
If your pet happens to be in heat or pregnant, they can still undergo surgery, but there will be an additional charge
All pets must be current on the following vaccines and tests:
- Rabies
- Bordetella (within the last 6 months)
- Negative fecal test (within the last year)
- DHPP/DHLPP (dogs)
- Influenza (dogs)
- FVRCP (cats)

Surgical Options

IV catheter (for fluids and medications), included with procedure
Complete blood count (CBC), which allows us to detect underlying health problems that might cause surgery complications
- Pre-surgical panel - recommended for pets under 5 years of age
- Comprehensive plus panel - recommended for pets 5 years old and up
Absorbable sutures - these dissolve and fall out on their own, so no follow-up suture removal is necessary
Elizabethan collar (e-collar) - helps to prevent your pet from chewing or licking at their incision and increasing their risk of infection
Microchip
Comprehensive post-operative pain management
Electrocardiogram (ECG) - allows us to evaluate cardiac function before surgery, which helps us determine whether a patient is fit for anesthesia
Chest X-rays - strongly recommended for pets over 7 years old; can show underlying heart and lung issues
Laser therapy - our therapeutic laser enhances pain relief, reduces inflammation, and supports the healing process
Overnight care package - this includes additional pain control, extended monitoring, a complimentary overnight stay, and post-op laser therapy

After Care

Please withhold all food and water from your pet until 8am the following day (after surgery). This will help to prevent any illness or other issues while your pet recovers from the anesthesia.
Limit rigorous activity including running, jumping, and climbing for the next 2 weeks to help your pet recover fully (and safely).
Keep your pet on a leash for all outings for the next 2 weeks, even for backyard bathroom breaks.
We’ll provide personalized care and medication instructions at check-out, so you’ll know what to do to help your pet recover at home.
If you choose an e-collar for your pet, make sure they wear it for the duration of their recovery (2 weeks). If needed, however, you can remove it to make eating and drinking easier for your pet.

Common Spay and Neuter Myths

Even today, there are still a few myths surrounding spay and neuter procedures:

It’s too expensive to spay/neuter my pet.

It would be better for my pet to have at least one litter before their spay.

My pet will gain weight as a direct result of their spay/neuter.

When dogs and cats mature into adults, their metabolism will naturally slow down. Spaying and neutering does not play a part in this change. Pets tend to gain weight if they are fed a diet meant for puppies or kittens, are overfed, or are over-indulged with all kinds of high-calorie treats (and people food). Lack of activity will also contribute to weight gain. Make sure your pet is active every day and consuming a balanced, age-appropriate diet, and they should have no trouble staying in shape.

Enroll your pet in one of our wellness packages today. Just call (317) 953-9944 or stop by to talk to us in person!

Spay and Neuter in Westfield, IN

What are the Real Benefits of Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying (females)

Neutering (males)

Additional Spay and Neuter Information

Common Spay and Neuter Myths

Doctor Hours

Office Hours

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