Dear Mama

       I have become quite popular in my neighborhood because I have the cutest puppies in the world. The problem is everyone in the neighborhood has given homes to the puppies I’ve had. I am due to have another litter in a matter of weeks. My owners and I worry so much about all of my babies finding good homes. Do you have any suggestion that may help keep the puppy population down in our neighborhood?

                   Beautiful Mom to Be.

Dear Beauty.

I would suggest to your owner that they take you in to have an ovariohysterectomy, commonly called a Spay. There are many reasons for having this done. Not only do you stop the over-population of unwanted pets, you can reduce the amount of visitors to your house due to your heat cycles. But, the health benefits are the best. You reduce your chances of getting mammary cancer and pyometra (infection of the uterus), both of which can be fatal. Even though you enjoy all the attention and wandering the neighborhood, it is not in your best interest. It can be quite dangerous; other dogs may want to fight with you or each other to win your attention. Also, more than one dog in the pursuit of love has been run over by an automobile.

          Best of Luck..........Mamma

    Should you choose to spay or neuter your pet at Mountain View Veterinary Hospital, your pet will receive a cage or run with a towel or blanket to keep them comfortable. Cats will receive a litter pan and dogs get frequent walks out side. We double leash all walked pets when our caring staff member take them out. A brief physical exam will be done by his or her Doctor on the day of surgery, before any anesthesia. They will get a dose of pain medication according to Doctor’s recommendation. They will also get a dose of antibiotics to help avoid any infection. They will be anesthetized by one of our Licensed Veterinary Technicians with a Doctor supervising. While they are under anesthesia their Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, and Temperature will be monitored. We use mechanical devices such as Ultrasonic Doppler, Pulse Oximeter, or Electrocardiogram. We monitor and record this information every 10 minutes. The surgery will be performed on a circulating hot water heating pad and supplemental heat is provided with warm towels and hot water bottles to prevent loss of body heat during surgery. Spays and dog neuters are performed in a sterile surgical suite where the doctor will ligate (tie-off) the blood vessels with single use sterile suture material. Cat neuters are performed in our outpatient surgical area. We will monitor your pet throughout the day making sure they are staying warm and that they are comfortable. When the procedure is finished one of our technicians will call you and let you know how your pet did while under anesthesia and let you know when you can come and get your furry friend. We keep all spays over night and most neuters are allowed to go home the same day of surgery. At MVVH, your pet receives the individual attention you expect, not a place on an assembly line. We care about your pet’s health and comfort during its surgery and stay in our hospital because we know They’re not just pets….they’re family.