Identifying, Treating, & Preventing Spay & Neuter Complications

Jason Tarricone, DVM, DACVS(SA), Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists  West Palm Beach, Florida 

Kristen Deom, DVM, Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists  West Palm Beach, Florida

ArticleLast Updated June 20231 min readPeer Reviewed
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Ovariohysterectomy and castration can help prevent overpopulation and reduce the risk for reproductive neoplasias, pyometra, perianal masses, prostatic hyperplasia, and behavior problems.1-3 Overall complication rates are reportedly <2% for routine spay and neuter procedures in shelter medicine,4 and although recent data for overall complication rates in general practice are lacking, they are likely comparable. Spay and neuter procedures are vital for care of small animal patients, and efforts should be made to identify, minimize, prevent, and treat potential peri- and postoperative complications.