ABSTRACT: Neutering animals is a routine procedure in veterinary practice with female dogs and cats being admitted for an ovariohysterectomy on a daily basis. Bitches are spayed for a variety of reasons, including:
•Control of reproduction – preventing unwanted litters
•Mammary tumours – the most common type of malignant tumour in female dogs; the risk of mammary tumours increases with age and number of seasons (0.5% if spayed before the first oestrus, 8% after the first oestrus and after the second oestrus a 26% risk) (Battisti, 2012).
• Pyometras – an infection which infiltrates through the cervix (which opens during season and after pregnancy) where the uterus becomes infected and pus-filled and can be life-threatening
•Behavioural reasons – increased urination (to attract a male), nervousness during ovulation and avoidance of false pregnancy.
Author
Cathy Woodlands BSc(Hons) VNPA GradDipVN RVN
Cathy graduated from Bristol University in 2009 after studying the Veterinary Nursing and Practice Administration degree. She then completed the RVC Diploma in Professional and Clinical Veterinary Nursing. Cathy works at Bath Veterinary Referrals as deputy head referral nurse and is on the nurse committee for Independent Vet Care. Email: cathywoodlands@bathvetreferrals.co.uk
Keywords: Clinical, Neutering, SprayÂ
To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 33 (02) • February 2018 pp56-60
To gain access to this article, select one of the links below: