Problems Associated With Spaying

Spaying is the process of removing a female animal's reproductive organs -- the ovaries -- to stop the heat cycle and prevent pregnancy. Because of the pet overpopulation dilemma, most veterinarians and animal welfare agencies recommend you spay your pet when they are 6 months old. Because of the constant pressure to have female pets spayed, information about the risks is rarely provided to pet owners. It is important to know the risks associated with spaying before going through with the surgery.

  1. Medical Issues

    • When spaying your pet, medical health risks depend upon several factors, including species, breed and age. Spaying a female canine increases the risk for a number of medical issues including osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, as well as splenic hemangiosarcoma and cardiac hemangiosarcoma, both common cancers in dogs. Other medical risks such as persistent urinary tract infections, vaginal dermatitis, orthopedic disorders and negative reactions to vaccines after surgery are increased. The risk for hypothyroidism is increased three times the normal rate and the risk for urinary tract tumors is doubled.

    Behavioral Problems

    • Female dogs that were aggressive prior to spaying may have an increased tendency to be aggressive after surgery. After spaying, progesterone production ceases. Progesterone is a natural body hormone that encourages calm behavior. As a result of spaying, aggressive pets may become more aggressive.

      After spaying, a feline may seek solitude and stop socializing for 1 to 3 days after surgery. Felines may also become aggressive, displaying behaviors such as growling, hissing, lunging, scratching and biting. If this behavior does not cease 3 days after surgery, contact your veterinarian.

    Common Surgery Complications

    • Surgery of any kind is capable of causing minor complications. During surgery, your pet may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. Inflammation, infection and hemorrhage are some of the most common surgery complications. According to the National Animal Interest Alliance, a study of Canadian veterinary practices reported 22 percent complication rates related to spaying female dogs.

      In felines, pain is common after surgery. Cats may pant, refuse to sit properly or tremble. Swelling at the incision site is common.

      Hernias, both minor and severe, is a possible post-surgery complication. In rare cases, the spaying surgery may fail completely and need to be redone.

    Severe Post-Surgery Complications

    • Serious problems after surgery include infection, abscess, rupture of the wound or sutures that fall out or are pulled out by your pet. According to the National Animal Interest Alliance, 1 to 4 percent of pets that have been spayed have complications. The death rate for spaying and neutering is relatively low at .1 percent.