Elective sterilization is done primarily to prevent estrus (heat) cycles and unwanted pregnancies. This goal is accomplished by removing the ovaries and uterus.
Sterilization also prevents, or dramatically reduces, the incidence of mammary tumors.
- If sterilization is done before 6 months of age, the risk of mammary tumors is almost completely eliminated.
- Some decrease in tumor development still occurs if the surgery is done before the fourth estrus or 2.5 years of age.
Ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice for uterine diseases such as pyometra (uterine infection), metritis, cystic changes, rupture or twisting of the uterus (torsion), and tumors involving the uterus. Vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and some hormonal (endocrine) problems, such as Diabetes Mellitus may benefit from a sterilization procedure.
The term ovariohysterectomy (OHE) describes the procedure used to remove both the uterus (both uterine horns) and both ovaries. The common term used for this procedure is a "spay".
The conventional manner of performing a sterilization procedure requires an incision into the abdomen that is long enough (3"-4") to allow the reproductive organs to be located and exteriorized for removal. Typically, the procedure requires the surgeon to ligate (tie-off) both ovaries and the uterine body using suture similar to high-strength, dissolvable fishing line. Once the reproductive organ has been removed the incision into the abdomen is usually closed in 3 layers - the abdomen muscle, the subcutaneous (fat) tissue, and finally the skin. Most surgeons choose to close the skin in a subcuticular fashion in order to avoid having to place external sutures.
Pictured below are the various stages of a routine spay surgery.
- Skin incision
- Abdominal incision
- Location and exteriorization of the ovaries
- Exteriorization of the uterine horns and uterine body
- Closure of the abdomen (linea) and subcutaneous tissues
- Closure of the skin
