Spaying is the surgical sterilisation of female dogs and cats through the removal of the ovaries (ovariectomy) or ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy). It prevents reproduction, eliminates heat cycles, and provides significant health benefits including complete prevention of pyometra and reduced risk of mammary gland cancer. It is the most commonly performed elective surgery in companion animals.
The traditional ovariohysterectomy (OHE) removes both ovaries and the uterus. The increasingly favoured ovariectomy (OVE) removes only the ovaries. Evidence suggests that removing the ovaries alone is sufficient — without hormonal stimulation, the remaining uterus does not develop disease — and the procedure is simpler and faster. Both approaches have excellent safety records when performed by a qualified surgeon.
Health benefits are well-established. Spaying eliminates pyometra (uterine infection) risk — a frequently life-threatening emergency in intact females over 4 years of age. Mammary gland cancer risk is reduced by approximately 91% when spaying occurs before the first heat cycle, 79% if performed after the first heat, and 74% after the second heat. The benefit diminishes beyond the second heat, though spaying at any age still eliminates pyometra risk.
For most cats and small to medium breed dogs, spaying around 5–6 months of age — before the first heat — provides maximum health benefits. For large and giant breed dogs, delaying until 12–18 months or later may reduce the risk of certain orthopaedic conditions; the evidence is breed and size-specific, and a conversation with your veterinarian about your specific dog is recommended.
📌 Key Facts
Two surgical approaches: Ovariohysterectomy (removes ovaries + uterus) or Ovariectomy (removes ovaries only)
Pyometra prevention: 100%
Mammary cancer risk reduction before first heat: ~91%
Recommended timing for cats and small dogs: ~5–6 months, before first heat
Frequently Asked Questions about Spay (Ovariohysterectomy / Ovariectomy)
Q: Will my female dog or cat still go into heat after being spayed?
No. Spaying removes the hormonal source (ovaries) that drives the heat cycle. A spayed animal will never experience another heat cycle. Occasionally, dogs or cats that have been spayed will show signs that resemble heat, which may indicate residual ovarian tissue (ovarian remnant syndrome) and should be investigated.
Q: Is spaying painful?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, so there is no pain during surgery. Post-operative pain is managed with analgesics. Most cats and small dogs are comfortable within 24–48 hours; dogs require 10–14 days of activity restriction for full wound healing. Laser or laparoscopic spaying, where available, can reduce recovery time.
Q: Should I let my dog have one litter before spaying?
There is no medical or behavioural benefit to allowing a litter before spaying. This is a common misconception. The health benefits of early spaying are maximised by spaying before the first heat — each heat cycle reduces the mammary cancer prevention benefit and carries the additional risk of pseudopregnancy and pyometra.
⚠ Medical Disclaimer: This glossary entry is for educational purposes only
and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis
and treatment of your pet's health conditions.