Alternative Sterilization Options
Alternative Sterilization Options at Marine and Fraser veterinary Clinic Vancouver
Why Consider Alternatives?
Recent research (including studies in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) suggests that traditional spaying and neutering, especially at young ages, may have long-term health implications for some dogs. In response, we now offer ovary-sparing spays and vasectomy procedures that preserve your dog’s natural hormones while preventing reproduction.
Female Dogs – Sterilization Options
Traditional Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)
- What it involves: Removal of both ovaries and the uterus.
- Hormonal effect: No female hormones remain.
- Benefits: Prevents pregnancy and eliminates pyometra risk.
- Recovery: Typically, 2 weeks when performed by our skilled surgical team using state-of-the-art techniques and advanced pain management.
Ovary-Sparing Spay (OSS)
- What it involves: Removal of the entire uterus and cervix, ovaries are left intact.
- Hormonal effect: Natural hormone levels remain; dog will still cycle (act in heat).
- Benefits:
- Dog cannot get pregnant.
- Very low to zero risk of pyometra.
- Hormonal benefits preserved (e.g., bone, joint, and coat health).
- Surgical notes:
- May require a longer incision for visibility and access.
- Cervix removal is essential to eliminate pyometra risk.
- Surgery time may be longer, but recovery is comparable to traditional spay.
Note: OSS is a newer procedure, and long-term studies are still ongoing.
Male Dogs – Sterilization Options
Traditional Neuter (Castration)
- What it involves: Complete removal of the testicles.
- Hormonal effect: Testosterone drops significantly.
- Benefits: Prevents pregnancy and may reduce some hormonally driven behaviors.
Vasectomy
- What it involves: Sperm ducts (vas deferens) are cut or sealed; testicles remain.
- Hormonal effect: Testosterone levels remain normal.
- Benefits:
- Dogs are sterile but hormonally intact.
- Quick procedure with short recovery time.
- Stronger bones, joint and ligaments
- Things to consider: Male behaviors influenced by hormones (e.g., marking, roaming) may persist.
Our Approach
Every dog is different. During annual wellness exams at Marine and Fraser veterinary Clinic, we tailor sterilization advice based on:
- Breed-specific risks
- Your dog’s age and health
- Your lifestyle and preferences
If you would like to opt vasectomy procedure for your male dog or ovary sparing spay for female dog please contact us at +1(604)-808-8387
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