Canine Spay Release Form

Spaying is an irreversible means by which a female dog is rendered sterile. The procedure involves complete removal of the uterus and ovaries, thereby eliminating the estrus (heat) cycle. Spayed females should no longer attract males. Dogs can be spayed as early as 6-12 weeks of age. We typically recommend the procedure be performed between 4-5 months of age, when the puppy’s series of vaccines is complete. Dogs that are in heat or pregnant are at greater risk of hemorrhage during surgery; therefore, we do not recommend spaying dogs while they are in heat.

All animals undergoing general anesthesia require an overnight fast and a full day of hospitalization. Postoperative care includes restricted exercise for 14 days, daily visual checks of the incision for inflammation or discharge, and protection of the incision from contaminants such as dirt, saliva, and water. The incision must stay dry, i.e., no bathing or swimming. If external sutures are used, suture removal is usually scheduled for 10-14 days from the surgery date. Often absorbable internal sutures or surgical "glue" is used so suture removal is not needed. An e-collar is provided to prevent your pet from licking his or her incision, and it must be worn for 14 days.

Postsurgical complications are rare and may include, but are not limited to, hemorrhage, uterine stump infections, ectopic/residual ovarian tissue which may lead to future signs of estrus, tissue reactions to ligature material, and urinary incontinence. Weight gains of up to 25% can be expected if the dog is allowed to become sedentary and to overeat.

Before performing any procedure requiring anesthesia, blood work will be run to confirm your pet’s overall health. This will also reveal certain health conditions that could put your pet at risk. If the results are abnormal, the doctor will contact you to discuss treatment options. The test results will then become part of your pet’s medical record for future reference.

A leg is shaved for an intravenous catheter that is placed prior to surgery for direct access to the vein in the event of any complications. Intravenous fluids are also given during surgery to support normal physiologic functions. Our doctors routinely provide an injection of a 24-hour pain reliever at the time of surgery. A therapeutic laser is often used after the procedure is finished to decrease pain and inflammation and aid in healing. Additional pain medication is given post-operatively for your pet to take at home.

I, the undersigned owner or agent of the pet named above, certify that I am 18 years of age or older and authorize the veterinarians of Cranston Animal Hospital to treat or perform needed procedures on my animal. You are to use all reasonable precautions against pain, injury, or escape of my animal. You will not be held liable or responsible in any manner for unforeseen incidents or accidents caused by the care, treatment, or safekeeping of my pet. It is thoroughly understood that I assume all risks, and that some risks always exist with anesthesia. As with any general anesthetic procedure, there is a slight risk of an Idiopathic (unknown cause) Anesthetic Reaction (IAR), in rare situations may be serious and result in death. IAR is thought to be a cardiac hypersensitivity when given the anesthetic at its accepted and standard dosage. IAR has no predisposing factors, does not appear to favor one breed or species over the other. It is not revealed in standard screening tests and thus making it impossible to predict in advance.