Spay and Neuter

Expert Spay and Neuter Surgery 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 Spay and Neuter Surgery?

Is being spayed or 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
  • 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)
  • 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
  • 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:

Spay and neuter surgeries do come with costs, but these are one-time costs that can prevent equally (or more) costly situations later, including unplanned litters and reproductive cancers. Spaying or neutering your pet can actually save you money on their veterinary care for the long term!

Any claims that it is better for a pet’s health if they have at least one litter are unfounded. Even having just one heat cycle can increase your companion’s risk for cancer later in life. Spaying your dog or cat before their first heat cycle puts them at minimal risk for mammary gland tumors, which are malignant a majority of the time in cats, and about 50% of the time in dogs.

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!