Spaying your female dog

Spaying is the removal of both the ovaries and uterus via a very small incision in the abdomen. Although quite a common and non-life threatening operation, it is a relatively complicated surgical procedure. Your dog may be spayed at any age although preferably between 3 and 6 months and she will usually be home the same day. The advantages include no unwanted litters of puppies, no male dogs sitting on your doorstep, elimination of mammary tumours in later life and no bloody discharge when in season.

The following images were taken of Chloe, an Alsatian during her spaying operation.

1 Chloe has a full clinical examination prior to her anaesthetic. Some owners also elect to have preanesthetic blood treating for their pet at this stage.
2 The drugs put into Chloe's intravenous line to induce anaesthesia are carefully selected appropriate to her weight and age. She is also given drugs for pain relief so she is comfortable on her way home.
3 Once asleep, Chloe has an endotracheal tube placed, and is taken through to surgery where she is linked to the anaesthetic machine.
4 Chloe has an intravenous line in place through which she receives fluids to keep her blood pressure stable during surgery. This also means we can give drugs quickly in the case of an anaesthetic problem.
5 The anaesthetic machine and infusion pump which delivers her intravenous fluids.
6 The site is clipped and prepared so it is sterile prior to surgery.
7 The veterinary surgeon scrubs and wears a hat, mask, sterile gown, and gloves. Sterile drapes are put in place and sterile equipment used for the procedure.
8 Surgery begins. The skin and subcutaneous tissues are incised, followed by the abdominal wall.
9 As well as the surgeon, a veterinary nurse is present throughout the procedure to monitor and alter the depth of the anaesthetic. In this picture, Chloe has her blood pressure measured - an important gauge of how the anaesthetic is proceeding.
10 The reproductive tract has been isolated and each ovary is surgically ligated.
11 The uterine body is now clamped...............
12 .............and ligated. In a larger breed, mature dog such as Chloe, several blood vessels in the ligaments supporting these structures have also been carefully ligated to ensure there is no bleeding after surgery.
13 After all surgery is checked, the abdominal wall, then subcutus and skin are sutured.
14 Surgery is complete.
15 Chloe has her catheter removed and, as she starts to wake up, is taken off the anaesthetic machine. The nurse will stay with her and only remove her endotracheal tube when she can swallow to prevent any chance for post-anaesthetic vomiting from entering the lungs. Chloe will then be placed back in her warm hospital bed for recovery.