Spays/Ovariohysterectomies
Spays are the removal of the female reproductive organs. This is generally done to prevent any offspring, but it is also done to prevent estrus (female heat cycles), mammary tumors, and to correct congenital anomalies. It is also needed in the treatment of pyometras, metritis, neoplasia, cysts, trauma, vaginal prolapse, etc.
Neuters/Castrations
Neuters are done to prevent overpopulation. They can also help decrease aggressiveness and territorial urinating patterns, as well as helping lower the possibility of some diseases like perineal adenomas and perineal hernias, and prostatic disease.
Cryptorchid Castration
This sort of castration is necessary when the male reproductive organs are not visible in the scrotum because they never descended. Retained testes are predisposed to neoplasia and are believed to be the product of a sex-linked autosomal recessive gene.
Cesarean Section
C-sections are the opening of the uterine horns to expose and remove the fetuses of an animal that could not give birth on her own. C-sections are most commonly done on brachycephalic breeds (like pugs, boston terriers, and bulldogs) because of malunion of the pelvic growth plates, and for animals with a history of dystocia.
Mastectomy
Removal of mammary glands are usually done to remove mammary tumors.
Pyometra
This is a condition that is potentially life-threatening. It is, essentially, an infection or sterile abscess of the uterus. The infection can be caused by an accumulation of bacteria, which could come from a number of sources. It is caused by fecal matter that ascends into the uterus. If the uterus ruptures, the infection can spread from the infectious fluid.
