2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

(954) 731-4228

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Spay and Neuter FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Spaying and Neutering

Understanding Pet Sterilization

We receive many questions about spaying and neutering here at Oakland Park Animal Hospital. Here are some of the basic questions and answers concerning these important pet wellness procedures.

What happens when a pet is spayed or neutered?

Spaying is an internal surgery in which the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed; the procedure is also known as an ovariohysterectomy. Neutering, or castration, is an external surgery in which the testicles and portions of the vas deferens (the tube that conveys sperm cells to the urethra) and then removed through incisions in the scrotum. General anesthesia is administered, with vital signs closely monitored at all times by our veterinary staff.

What pre-operative and post-operative considerations should I keep in mind?

We may need to make sure your pet's vaccinations are current one week before spaying or neutering. We generally advise owners to withhold food the night before and the morning of the surgery; this helps to protect against complications while under anesthesia. (Water can be administered freely.) As for medications, contact us for advice on which drugs should be withheld before surgery. The morning of the procedure you may walk your pet as usual. Neutered patients may be able to go home the day of the procedure, while spayed patients typically remain in our facility overnight. Our veterinarian will instruct you on how to give your pet any prescribed painkillers or antibiotics. Redness, swelling or oozing at the incision site may indicate an infection; if you see these signs, contact our office.

How does spaying and neutering lower animal cancer risks?

Spay and neuter surgery both remove the reproductive organs, and by doing so they also remove the threat of cancers that afflict those organs. This has the effect of lowering your pet's overall lifetime cancer risk.

How does spaying and neutering alter pet behavior?

Spaying and neutering effectively eliminate the sex drive and heat cycles that commonly cause violent swings in animal behavior. The hormonal changes that spur the mating urge also cause animals to lash out against other creatures. Pets in heat will mark their perceived territory with urine, an instinct that can ruin carpeting and upholstery in homes. Sterilization removes this marking behavior as well, making pets much more house friendly. Spay or neuter surgery can also prevent the irresistible urge to roam felt by sexually frustrated animals, an activity that may result in severe injury or a lost/stolen pet.

Why is pet population control such an urgent issue?

Surgical sterilization not only benefits the animals who receive it but also the millions of others inhabiting overworked, underfunded animal shelters. Approximately 3.7 million of these shelter inhabitants must be destroyed every year because there simply are not enough homes to take them in. Spaying or neutering your pet is an important step toward helping us control this population.

Spay and neuter benefits your pet. Ask our Oakland Park veterinarian if you have any questions about the procedures.

New patients receive $25 OFF First Exam.

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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  • "AWESOME, Dr. Spencer Ratnoff is the best he treated my cat for a fractured top k9 tooth, when He finished with him, he looked like he was born without a k9 tooth. He did that surgery so well it’s refreshing a Dr that actually cares, his team is wonderful and very attentive, I left a message and not even 10 minutes later, I got a call back. My family is forever grateful .thank you for everything."
    Maryem K.
  • "I initially had a bad experience due to the Doctor that was in on that day. I returned for a checkup for my girl 'Cali' 'Cat' and the energy Dr. Ratnoff had was much better with my girl as she can be very temperamental. I was very pleased during this visit as Dr. Ratnoff had more patience and better vibe as our pets sense negative energy. Its a shame my first experience was not pleasant but I will be back and only ensure Dr. Ratnoff with my girl. Thankyou Doc!"
    Jeff G.
  • "Probably the best Vet experience I’ve had! They listened and took great care of my dog. I felt like I understood everything that was being done, and was given an estimate beforehand."
    Joana A.
  • "Very professional, friendly and nice clean environment. I highly recommend coming here for all your pet needs!"
    CorJames S.
  • "Dr. Ratnoff has always gone above and beyond for the care of our family's pets for several years."
    John / Oakland Park, FL

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