Spay

Spay is also know as an ovariohysterectomy.  This is the surgical removal of the ovaries and the uterus.  This is done through a small incision (typically 2-4 inches) on your pets belly.  Spaying is mainly used to control the pet population by making the pet unable to reproduce.  There are additional health benefits such as distinct decrease in mammary cancer and eliminates the potential of a life threatening infection called Pyometra.  This is a routine procedure with minimal risk.  However, it is worth noting that long term spayed females are more prone to obesity and urinary sphincter incontinence.  Trinity Veterinary Hospital recommends performing this surgery in puppies and kittens about 5 months of age but the procedure can be done at any age.  

Neuter

The medical term for neuter is known as orchiectomy.  It is also referred to as castration.  Despite what term is used the surgical procedure is the removal of the testicles and associated structures.  We perform this surgery in dogs by making a 1-2 inch incision just in front of the scrotum.  Cats are actually even easier with two very small incisions made over each testicle.  Neutering is believed to help reduce behavioral issues and also has the health benefit of less prostate problems as your pet matures.   Long term, the reduction in testosterone can increase the potential of obesity though this is really controlled more by diet and exercise.  Still the other benefits and importance in controlling the pet population makes this a necessary procedure.  We typically recommend this procedure about 5-6 months of age in both puppies and kittens though.   There are exceptions to this and just like a spay the surgery can be performed at any age.  

Further Information

Feel free to contact us or set-up an appointment at any time if you would like to further discuss these procedures and what is best for YOUR PET (as every one is unique).  Also here are a few sites to give you more information about these procedures:
​       1.  PetMD Video 
​       2. WebMD Q&A