SPAY & NEUTER

At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs, we strive to treat each patient as if they’re our own pet. 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 possible. 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.

WHY SHOULD I SPAY OR NEUTER MY PET?

The decision to spay or neuter your pet is incredibly important for both your pet and the pet community as a whole, as the procedure produces both medical and behavioral benefits. The primary benefit of spaying or neutering your pet is reducing pet companion overpopulation. Unfortunately, millions of pets are put down every year due to alarming overpopulation numbers.

SPAY & NEUTER STATISTICS

Pet overpopulation is responsible for the death of nearly 3 million pets in the U.S. every year
85% of dogs that are hit by vehicles are animals that aren’t spayed or neutered
Only 10% of pets in the U.S. will find a loving home that will last their entire lives
Even though 90% of cats are spayed or neutered each year, there are still 10 million cats that are able to produce
Only 10% of the animals taken to animal shelters in the U.S. have been spayed or neutered

SPAYING FEMALES

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

BENEFITS OF SPAYING

Helps prevent uterine infections
Helps prevent breast tumors, which may be cancerous
Discourages false pregnancies
Prevents certain cancers
Prevents marking or spraying indoors
Less inclination to roam for a mate
No bleeding or frustration which come with heat cycles
Reduces risk of sexually transmitted diseases
Avoids any behavioral or medical complications which arise with your pet experiencing heat every six to nine months

Neutering males

Definition: Neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles

Age: Typically, between six to nine months old

BENEFITS OF NEUTERING

Less inclination to roam, or runaway, to find a mate
Prevents testicular cancer
Helps prevent prostate problems
Mounting behavior is reduced or eliminated
Reduces risk of sexually transmitted diseases

WHAT TO EXPECT

At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic in Colorado Springs, your pet will be given a preoperative physical exam to detect any underlying health concerns, and ensure your pet is safe during anesthesia. The exam includes blood work and an EKG for safety. If your pet’s vitals are not at a comfortable level then, we will reschedule for a day when your pet is feeling better. Our team will always make sure that your pet is in tip top shape before continuing with the procedure.

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, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. Fortunately, the recovery process is rather uneventful and primarily consists of a great deal of rest. Your pet should be provided with a quiet, comfortable place to recover for at least 24 hours after surgery. With our thorough aftercare instructions, the entire recovery process should go smoothly for both you and your pet.

WHY PONDEROSA

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. If not, we will work with previous veterinarians to obtain your pet’s surgical history so that we can 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.