Spay & Neuter

Spay & Neuter

At Mahomet Animal Hospital, our spay and neuter services for dogs and cats are an essential part of responsible pet care.

Each year, an average of one million pets are euthanized due to a lack of available homes. Spaying or neutering your pet ensures they won’t contribute to this statistic, and there are significant health benefits as well.
In males, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and significantly reduces prostate problems. It also curbs behaviors like urine marking.
In females, spaying before the first heat (typically around six months of age) can virtually eliminate the risk of mammary cancer, which may be malignant. A spay also prevents uterine infections (pyometra), a common and life-threatening condition in older unspayed females, and ends the hassle of dealing with heat cycles.

Top Notch Spay & Neuter Services

Timing Matters

Some research shows that spaying and neutering in large breed dogs may increase the risk of certain orthopedic problems as well as some cancers. This research is preliminary and ongoing and the risks vary according to the breed. These potential downsides must be weighed against many positive health benefits previously described. Some veterinarians are now recommending that neutering large breed dogs should be delayed until they are 1 – 1 ½ years old.
Our veterinarians are here to help you decide what is the best timing for your pet!

Safe, Compassionate Care—Every Step of the Way

Safety and comfort are at the heart of every procedure we perform. We follow strict anesthesia protocols that meet or exceed the monitoring guidelines set by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists – giving you peace of mind throughout the entire process.

Our pain management protocols utilize some of the most effective medications available to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. We’re here to minimize stress and maximize cuddles every step of the way.

Costs and How to Compare them

We understand that pricing can vary from clinic to clinic—and it’s not always easy to compare apples to apples. When it comes time to have your pet spayed or neutered it is important to consider what is included in the price of the procedure. The following questions will help you determine the quality of care your pet will receive.

  • Will my pet have an intravenous catheter placed? This is an important consideration since no anesthesia is without risk and if problems arise it is important to be able to give rescue medications immediately without having to search for a vein.

  • Will my pet receive intravenous fluids during the procedure? Intravenous fluids are vital in maintaining blood pressure during surgery. All anesthetic agents tend to cause a decrease in blood pressure and prolonged low blood pressure can damage the kidneys.

  • Will my pet’s blood pressure be monitored during anesthesia? For the reasons mentioned above, this is vital. If the blood pressure is low, measures must be taken to normalize it immediately. If your pet experiences low blood pressure under anesthesia that cannot be normalized by the usual interventions, does the practice have the ability to give a constant rate infusion of a medication, such as dopamine, which is extremely effective in cases of persistent low blood pressure?

  • Will my pet’s EKG, blood oxygen saturation, and exhaled carbon dioxide levels be monitored during surgery? Changes in any of these parameters can indicate a problem which can then be remedied.

  • Will a trained assistant be monitoring all of the above-mentioned parameters continuously during the entire surgery?

  • Will high potency (Schedule II) narcotics be used in the pain management protocol for my pet? Schedule II narcotics are the most potent drugs available for the control of acute pain; many practices do not use these drugs for a variety of reasons including lack of familiarity with them and having to deal with the strict regulations regarding ordering and storing them.

At Mahomet Animal Hospital the answer to all of these questions is YES, and everything is included in the price of the procedure.

Healthier Pets, Happier Lives

If your furry pal is ready for a health and happiness boost, visit us at Mahomet Animal Hospital and schedule a spay or neuter appointment. It’s a brilliant choice for your pet and a high-five to the whole pet community. Let’s join paws and tails for a thriving, joy-filled pet world!

Mahomet Animal Hospital provides cat and dog spay and neuter services for pets in Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, Monticello, Mansfield, Farmer City, and Fisher, IL.