Ovariohysterectomy
Sterilization
Uterine disease
Behavioral problems
Vaginal hyperplasia
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Mammary tumor
prevention
Nutritional Plan
Postsurgically, nutrition adequate for tissue repair
Ovariohysterectomy, commonly known as “spaying”, is the removal of the uterus and ovaries. Spaying
stops the behavior associated with heat periods and prevents diseases – including cancer, trauma, and
infections – of the ovaries, uterus, and mammary glands. This client education sheet will help you learn more
about ovariohysterectomy and will review your veterinarian’s instructions for your pet’s care at home, as well as follow-up with the veterinary health care team.
Preparation
Spaying is a routine procedure because it is performed so frequently. Nevertheless, it is major abdominal surgery and
requires general anesthesia. General anesthetics are best given when a pet has an empty stomach. Follow your
veterinarian’s instructions carefully for withholding food and water the evening before surgery.
Before surgery your pet will be given a physical examination. Your veterinarian may offer a routine blood test to identify risks that may complicate anesthesia and surgery, particularly if your pet is older or has any history of disease.
Home Care
Recovery from ovariohysterectomy is usually uneventful. However, complications may arise if your pet chews or licksthe incision excessively or exercises too vigorously. Dogs should be exercised on a leash for the first week after surgery.
Check your pet’s incision at least once a day. If the incision is red and swollen, oozes blood, or begins to separate, call your veterinarian. You should also call if your pet constantly licks or chews its incision, seems depressed, or won’t eat. Skin sutures may need to be removed by your veterinarian.
Nutritional Plan
After an ovariohysterectomy your veterinarian may suggest a dietary change based on your pet’s age and body condition, and on the presence or absence of disease in other organs and body systems. Optimal nutrition for middleaged and older pets provides for the pet’s needs, but more importantly, reduces the health risks associated with feeding excess sodium, phosphorus, protein, and calories. Foods that avoid these harmful excesses and provide proper nutrition include Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult as well as Hill’s® Science Diet® Light Adult for dogs and cats.
Transitioning Food
Unless recommended otherwise by your veterinarian, gradually introduce any new food over a seven-day period. Mix the new food with your pet’s former food, gradually increasing its proportion until only the new food is fed. If your pet is one of the few that doesn’t readily accept a new food, try warming the canned food to body temperature, hand feeding for the first few days, or mixing the dry food with warm water (wait ten minutes before serving). However, do not add water to your cat’s food. Feed only the recommended food. Do not feed additional salt or any snacks that may contain sodium. Be patient but firm with your pet. This is important because the success or failure of treatment depends to a large degree on strict adherence to the new food.
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