What Happens During a Spay or Neuter Surgery?

by | Aug 18, 2025 | Pet Health

If you’re considering spaying or neutering your pet, you may have questions about what the procedure involves. At Wedgewood Pet Clinic in Oklahoma City, OK, we want you to feel informed and confident in every step of your pet’s care. Understanding the process can help ease any concerns and prepare you for what to expect.

What Is Spaying or Neutering?

Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female pets, while neutering refers to the removal of the testicles in male pets. These are routine procedures performed under general anesthesia. Both surgeries are designed to prevent reproduction and can also lead to long-term health and behavioral benefits. Visit our services page for more information.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of the procedure, your pet will be admitted in the morning after fasting overnight. Once here, our team begins with a thorough exam and may run pre-anesthetic blood work to ensure he or she is healthy enough for surgery. After these checks, your pet receives anesthesia and is carefully monitored throughout the entire operation.

During spaying, a small cut is made in the abdomen to remove the reproductive organs, while neutering involves a similar opening near the scrotum to remove the testicles. After the surgical work is complete, the wounds are closed with sutures, and your pet is moved to recovery where we monitor him or her closely.

Aftercare and Recovery

Most pets go home the same day with detailed instructions for at-home care. It’s important to limit your pet’s activity for about 10 to 14 days to ensure proper healing. You may also be given a protective collar to prevent licking or chewing at the incision site.

Follow-up appointments may be needed to check healing or remove stitches if they are not dissolvable. Keep an eye out for swelling, redness, or discharge, and contact us right away if anything seems unusual.

Visit Us for Spay or Neuter near You

To learn more about spaying and neutering, call Wedgewood Pet Clinic in Oklahoma City, OK, at (405) 848-3329. You may also contact us through our website by email. We’re happy to provide additional information and help you book your appointment. If you’re searching for a veterinarian near you, we’re dedicated to providing the care you deserve.