Spaying and Neutering
Our office offers a number of routine surgical procedures including spay and neuter. Surgeries are performed by appointment only Monday–Friday. We require pets to be dropped off between 7:00–8:00 a.m. on the morning of the scheduled procedure. Your pet’s surgical procedure will be reviewed with you by the veterinarian and a pre surgical physical examination will be performed. Pets receiving surgery at our office should not be fed anything after 8:00 p.m. the night prior to surgery. Water does not need to be withheld. Pre anesthetic blood work is recommended for all surgical patients and is required for all adult patients. A quote for all procedures will be provided during your pre anesthetic evaluation with the veterinarian.
As an AAHA accredited hospital we provide exceptional care. A dedicated staff member monitors all patients for the duration of anesthesia and during recovery until they are fully awake. Vital signs including heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygenation are continuously monitored. Special warming pads are used on all surgical patients to maintain body temperature while under anesthesia. IV fluids are given to many of our surgical patients while under anesthesia as well. Surgical patients are kept in a separate area of the hospital and are under constant supervision. Comfort is also a top priority at Hershey Veterinary Hospital and all our surgical patients receive pain medication.
The majority of our surgical patients will be discharged the same day. You will receive a phone call from our office when your pet’s procedure has been finished. A pickup time will be provided during this phone call. All pets will receive verbal as well as written instructions at the time of pickup to care for your pet after surgery. Recheck appointments will be scheduled at no charge to monitor your pet’s recovery following surgical procedures.
Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)
This procedure is performed on female dogs, cats, and rabbits. It is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. Our veterinarian recommends this procedure be performed at 6 months of age. Pets will be discharged the same day. Rest and limited activity is recommended for two weeks following this procedure. Dogs and cats must have proof of a current rabies vaccine at the time of spay or a vaccine will be given at our office.
There are many health benefits to spaying your pet. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, spaying your dog or cat eliminates the risk of uterine infection. Spaying also greatly reduces the incidence of mammary tumors, especially if performed before the first heat cycle.
A dogs first heat cycle usually occurs between 6–12 months of age. Dogs have heat cycles approximately twice a year and each heat cycle lasts 2–3 weeks. During this time female dogs will bleed and have behavioral changes.
Cats will typically have their first heat cycle between 4–12 months of age. Unlike dogs, cats have many heat cycles throughout a year. Cats do not actively bleed when in heat but will have very noticeable behavioral changes. Cats in heat become extremely vocal and affectionate. They may also spray urine during this time to attract a mate.
Female rabbits do not come in to heat like other animals, but can become pregnant at any time once they reach 5–6 months of age. Spayed rabbits are less likely to have urinary tract infections or develop certain cancers. They also tend to be calmer and more docile to handle.
Neuter (Castration)
This procedure is performed on male dogs, cats, and rabbits. It is the surgical removal of the testicles. Our veterinarian recommends this procedure be performed at 6 months of age. Pets will be discharged the same day. Rest and limited activity is recommended for two weeks following this procedure. Dogs and cats must have proof of a current rabies vaccine at the time of neuter or a vaccine will be given at our office.
Neutering a dog eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the rate of certain prostate problems. Neutering also helps curb several behavioral issues including: running away, urine marking, digging, and barking.
Neutering a cat provides the same heath benefits as in dogs. It also causes a significant decrease in urine spraying, wondering, and aggression.
A neutered rabbit is less likely to develop certain cancers. They are also less likely to urine spray and are typically calmer and easier to handle.
Other surgical procedures offered at our hospital include:
- Lump Removals
- Cystotomy
- Urethral Hydropulsion
- Dental Cleaning
- Dental Extractions
- Gastropexy
- Eye Enucleation
- Aural Hematoma Repair
- Laceration Repair
- Caesarean Section