Spaying
Spaying refers to the surgical procedure performed on female dogs and cats to render them infertile. There are many benefits to spaying your female dog or cat. Spaying before the first heat cycle in dogs greatly reduces the likelihood of mammary tumors to less than 0.5%. If a dog is allowed to go through two heat cycles, approximately one in four will develop mammary tumors. Additionally, spaying prevents diseases such as pyometra (infection of the uterus), ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as the sometimes messy heat cycle.
Spaying involves surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus. It can be performed under a number of anesthetics and monitoring devices. If you are shopping around for a competitive price on this procedure, be sure to question what type of anesthesia and monitoring equipment are used. We monitor all vital parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygenation, blood pressure, and temperature. Although the risk of an anesthetic death in a normal healthy pet is very rare, our monitoring devices and procedures allow us to respond to an anesthetic emergency faster. Faster responses can save lives. Please call or visit our hospital to learn more about our spaying procedures.
Neutering
Neutering refers to the surgical procedure performed on male dogs and cats to render them infertile. There are many benefits to neutering your male companion. First, you will contribute to the prevention of the dog and cat overpopulation. Second, neutering decreases male aggressiveness and undesirable urination behavior. Third, and most important for the health of your male pet, you will help prevent diseases of the prostate, perianal tumors, testicular cancer, and certain types of hernias.
Neutering involves surgical removal of both testicles. It can be performed under a number of anesthetics and monitoring devices. If you are shopping around for a competitive price on this procedure, be sure to question what type of anesthesia and monitoring equipment are used. We monitor all vital parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygenation, blood pressure, and temperature. Although the risk of an anesthetic death in a normal healthy pet is very rare, our monitoring devices and procedures allow us to respond to an anesthetic emergency faster. Faster responses can save lives. Please call or visit our hospital to learn more about our neutering procedures.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery includes surgeries not associated with bone. Examples of soft tissue surgeries and their benefits are included below. Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed at our hospital is the removal of masses or ‘lumps’ on animals. Most of these masses or ‘lumps’, once removed and tested, are benign (non-harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a ‘lump’ is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.
Lacerations are also common in pets and suturing will reduce the chance of infection, improve healing time and reduce scarring. For some types of soft tissue surgery, we may recommend the use of our carbon dioxide laser. The laser, when used, takes the place of a traditional, steel surgical blade. One of the major benefits of using the laser is its excellent control of bleeding while cutting. Soft tissue procedures where this may be of benefit include spaying an animal that is currently in heat, neuters of large dogs, and skin tumor removals.
Alternative and Holistic Medicine
Alternative medicine, also known as Holistic or complimentary medicine, encompasses a wide variety of therapies including: Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Herbal medicine, Chiropractic, and Magnet Therapy to name a few. At Etowah Veterinary Hospital, we strive to provide our patients with the widest range of treatment options available. Dr. Allison Wansky, who practices at our sister clinic, Allatoona Animal Hospital, is certified in Animal Acupuncture and practices both traditional and holistic medicine. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our organization and can arrange appointments for any of our clients interested in her services.
For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (770) 926-8888!