Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries through a midline incision in the abdomen. Neutering, or castration, is performed on male patients. A small opening is made in front of the scrotum and the testes are removed. Neutering does not require access to the abdomen and is much less complicated and expensive. For both surgeries, the pet is placed under general anesthesia. The surgery is a sterile procedure requiring sterilized instruments surgical gown, cap, and sterile gloves. Sutures are sometimes internal and dissolve over time. Surgical glue is often used to hold the skin together.
After surgery, pets are discharged from the hospital between 4 and 6 pm. Bathing, running, jumping, and vigorous play are discouraged for the following week until sutures are removed.