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06/09/2009 07:40 AM

What happens when your pet is spayed or neutered?

By: Lisa Chelenza

Don't be intimidated by the process of spaying or neutering your pet -- it's relatively painless.

First, you check in and give your beloved pet to the vet tech. Then, they are given a full examination by a veterinarian and placed in a warm cozy cage, where each animal is given an individual ID number and chart.

In most clinics, a licensed veterinary technician runs a series of tests, including FIVs and a test for heartworms. If your pet tests positive for any disease, you would be contacted immediately.

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After their examinations, your pet is pre-medicated and prepped for surgery. They receive pain medication, anesthesia and vaccinations if necessary. Then the surgery takes place. Without complications, a neuter takes about five minutes, and a spay procedure about 25 minutes.

Once you pick up your precious patient, it's your job to follow the post-op instructions and do your best to keep them calm and comfortable.