At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs, we strive to treat each patient and their human families like our own. We understand that the idea of your precious pet going into surgery can be difficult, so we want to empower you with knowledge in order to ease as much stress as we can. The goal for surgery, of any kind, is to provide your pet with the best possible outcome to improve their livelihood. The decision to spay or neuter your pet is one of the most beneficial decisions you can make for your pet, your household, and your community.
The decision to spay or neuter your pet is incredibly important for both your pet and the pet community as a whole. This procedure produces both medical and behavioral benefits. The primary benefit of spaying or neutering your pet is to reduce pet companion overpopulation. Unfortunately, millions of pets are put down every year due to alarming overpopulation numbers.
Definition: Spaying is the surgical removal of both the ovaries and uterus
Age: Typically, between 4-6 months of age, prior to first heat cycle
Definition: Neutering is the surgical removal of the male testicles
Age: Typically, between six to nine months old
Before the surgery, your pet will be given a pre-operative physical exam to detect any underlying health concerns and ensure your pet is safe during anesthesia. This exam will feature blood work and an EKG for safety and if your pet’s vitals are not at a comfortable level then we will reschedule for a day when your pet is feeling better. Your pet’s well-being will always take precedence and is much more important to our team than earning a dollar or convenient scheduling.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with a safe anesthetic. Our experienced and caring staff utilizes sterile and skilled operating techniques for the safety and comfort of your pet. Vital signs will be closely monitored before, during, and after the procedure to ensure their safety.
When you take your pet home after they are spayed or neutered, you will be well equipped with detailed aftercare instructions as well as the confidence that you are able to reach us with any questions you may have. Fortunately, the recovery process is rather uneventful and primarily consists of a great deal of rest. Your pet should be provided a quiet, comfortable place to recover for at least 24 hours after surgery and with our thorough aftercare instructions, the entire recovery process should go smoothly for both you and your pet.
As a family-owned veterinary clinic in Colorado Springs, we understand how tough it can be to bring your furry family member in for surgery. We are here to walk you through every step and make the process as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet. If your pet is already part of the Ponderosa family, we will have a detailed history of your pet which enables us to create the best possible surgical plan for them. If not, we will work with previous veterinarians to obtain your pet’s surgical history so we may have a comprehensive understanding of your pet’s needs. We will be transparent with you during each step of the surgical process in order to put you at ease during what can feel like an uncomfortable experience.
