Ovariohysterectomy is the term applied to the surgical procedure involved in the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female. The common terms used in describing this procedure are "spaying" and "neutering". The main objectives for doing this surgical procedure are to eliminate the heat period in the female cat or dog and prevent unwanted kittens or puppies from being added to the population problem. Although the ability to reproduce is eliminated by just removing the uterus, the ovaries also need to be removed in order to prevent the nuisance caused by the "heat" periods.
Although it is major surgery, the risk is minimal when the animal is young and healthy. The hospital stay is generally short and recovery is rapid, with few problems. The exception to this statement would be the older animal where surgery becomes necessary because of a diseased uterus or ovary.

The major advantages of having the surgery done are as follows:

The nuisance of the heat period is eliminated.

The heartbreak associated with disposal of unwanted kittens or puppies is eliminated.

The risks and stresses associated with repeated pregnancies is eliminated.

The chances for mammary cancer are reduced.

The possibility of uterine and ovarian disease in the older animal is eliminated.

Questions often asked concerning the procedure are:

Should she have a litter before an ovariohysterectomy is performed?
No. It makes no difference in personality, disposition, or intelligence whether she has a litter or not.

Will she become fat and lazy after the surgery?
No. Becoming fat and lazy are associated with caloric intake and inactivity. Watching what and how much you feed and keeping exercise levels up will go a long way in preventing obesity.

How old should she be before the surgery is done?
She should be at least 5-6 months old. The surgery should be done prior to the first "heat" periods. To reduce risks, surgery should not be performed while she is in heat.

Remember that the risk in either castration or ovariohysterectomy surgery in the young animal is very low and recovery is rapid. The animals should be free of intestinal parasites (worms) and all vaccinations should be current prior to the surgery.