What Are Possible Post Spay Complications?

Spaying is the common term for ovario-hysterectomy in animals. Although mostly done for female dogs, cats and ferrets, it is also performed on smaller pets such as guinea pigs. The many benefits of spaying include the elimination of annoying behaviors of females in season, reduction in the number of unwanted baby animals, and preventing cancer of the ovaries. As with any surgery, certain risks are involved.

  1. Infection

    • Post-operative infection is a possible problem in any surgery, especially a surgery in which the abdomen is opened up. This exposes internal organs to possible pathogens. Signs of post-spay infection include bleeding or the appearance of pus at the incision site, bleeding from the vagina, fever, loss of appetite or vomiting. Spayed animals usually get their normal appetite back in 24 hours or less after surgery. Swelling at the incision site is normal in cats, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, but not normal in dogs or guinea pigs.

    Anesthesia

    • Animals can die from developing a bad reaction to anesthesia. However, the chances of this happening to healthy animals are slim because of the advances in veterinary science over the last few decades. An animals that is ill, such as a guinea pig with ovarian cysts, is more at risk because its body is already under stress. In dogs and cats, blood tests can be carried out to see if the pet is at risk for a bad reaction to anesthesia.

    Chewed Stitches

    • Spayed animals can lick, chew on or even pull out their stitches because they itch or feel uncomfortable. Discourage licking and chewing, because these behaviors can pull out the stitches or lead to infection. Dogs and cats might need to wear a cone or Elizabethan collar to prevent them from reaching their stitches. Spayed animals need their stitches checked as often as possible to spot any damage. Bring the pet to the vet immediately for re-stitching if the stitches are loosened or pulled out. Ferrets rarely chew on or pull out their stitches.

    Incontinence

    • Large dog breeds are most prone to spay incontinence.

      Twenty percent of spayed female dogs become incontinent, according to VetInfo.com. This is because hormones produced by the ovaries help to regulate the sphincter muscles. Dogs affected by this complication will urinate when they are asleep. Larger breeds such as German shepherds are more prone to developing this post-spay complication than smaller breeds. Spay incontinence in dogs is easily treated with hormone pills. Spay incontinence does not happen to other species.