Ovariohysterectomy / Ovariectomy (Spay)
The surgical removal of a female animal’s ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or ovaries alone (ovariectomy) to prevent reproduction, heat cycles, and reproductive diseases.
💬 In Plain English
A spay is the surgical sterilization of a female dog or cat. In traditional ovariohysterectomy (OVH), the surgeon removes both the ovaries and the entire uterus. In ovariectomy (OVE, widely practiced in Europe and laparoscopic surgery), only the ovaries are removed. Spaying completely eliminates estrus (heat cycles), eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra), and dramatically reduces the lifetime risk of malignant mammary (breast) cancer when performed at an appropriate age.
🔬 Clinical & Technical Depth
For Vets & TechniciansFormal Clinical Definition
Elective surgical sterilization involving celiotomy and excision of both ovaries and uterine horns down to the uterine body (ovariohysterectomy) or bilateral excision of ovaries alone (ovariectomy), eliminating endogenous estrogen and progesterone secretion.
Why Veterinarians Use It
Veterinarians perform spay surgeries for population control and lifetime medical prevention of pyometra and hormone-driven mammary neoplasia.
Clinical Context Encountered
One of the most routine surgical procedures performed in small animal veterinary hospitals.
Clinical Reference Guide (Surgical Procedure)
- •Do not allow a newly spayed pet to run, jump, or play for 10 to 14 days: excessive activity can rupture internal ovarian or uterine pedicle sutures, causing fatal internal abdominal hemorrhage.
❓ Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
Take these actionable questions with you to your next clinic visit or appointment:
- 1At what age do you recommend spaying my dog based on breed and expected adult size (e.g., waiting for growth plate closure in large breeds)?
- 2Can the procedure be performed minimally invasively using laparoscopic ovariectomy?
- 3Can an elective gastropexy (stomach tacking) be performed concurrently during the spay to prevent bloat?
- 4How long must my pet wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) during recovery?
Academic & Clinical References
- AAHA Canine and Feline Life Stage and Sterilization GuidelinesOrganization: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) • Accessed: 2026-01-10https://www.aaha.org