I know you have likely taken the earlier advice but just to be clear more for others reading this in the future than you necessarily Should the entire reproductive tract be removed (ovariohysterectomy) or just the ovaries (ovariectomy)?

Interestingly enough, it would appear that spaying increases the expected lifespan of a bitch ( Michel, 1999; Hoffman et al, 2013; Howe, 2015). The average lifespan of a bitch may well increase by a little over 1 year if spayed ( O'Neill et al, 2013), although this seems to depend very much on dog breed and size. It is uncertain what is responsible for the increased lifespan, although changes to telomere length (a part of the chromosome that is responsible for ageing changes) in neutered or nulliparous individuals has been postulated ( Perls et al, 2002). Disadvantages Urinary incontinence At the moment, it is difficult to recommend a universal policy on spaying. Any discussion with a client or owner must take into account the client's wishes and expectations, as well as the experiences and preferences of the practice. In general, the benefits of spaying outweigh the risks. KEY POINTS Unless you want an unwanted pregnancy on your hands, take all measures necessary to protect your bitch.Again, the general consensus among the veterinary populace and the public is that spaying can increase the risk of obesity in bitches. Although it is hard to find good evidence for this in the literature, a study by Lefebvre et al (2013) found that the risk of weight gain post spaying was only present in the first 2 years after neutering, and that age at neutering did not affect the propensity for weight gain. It would thus seem sensible to advise owners to pay particular attention to their pet's weight in the first 2 years after neutering. Increased risk of other diseases In Sweden, until 2012 it was illegal to spay a bitch (other than for a medical reason). Although that law has now been slightly relaxed, a study during that time showed that approximately 25% of bitches will have had pyometra ( Figure 1) by the time they reach 10 years of age ( Egenvall et al, 2001). Since pyometra is a potentially life-threatening illness, which can be prevented by spaying, this in itself may provide an argument for recommending spaying for all bitches. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) published a policy document in 2014 which ‘strongly supports the practice of …spaying of bitches’ ( www.bva.co.uk/News-campaigns-and-policy/policy/Companion…/Neutering/). The policy document listed the benefits of spaying as: avoiding the potential distress of pseudopregnancy, removing the risk of pyometra, reducing the risk of mammary tumours and the cessation of oestrus (thus obviating the need for seclusion of a bitch while in heat). Unfortunately, despite a wealth of literature, there is little or no conclusive evidence for risks of, e.g. urinary incontinence, or for potential advantages, e.g. reduction of mammary tumours.

While the bitch is being prepared for surgery as mentioned above, the surgeon will be “scrubbing up” and putting on sterile clothing (gown, gloves, hat & mask) just as in all television surgical drama programmes. The surgical instruments will have been sterilised in advance and are opened and laid out at the start of the operation. Despite this there is little in the way of consistency in advice regarding optimum timing of spays, and little agreement about risks or benefits. At most it could maybe have a use to allow a bitch to take a short walk on lead past a dogs house and maybe keep him from getting too excited. Figure 3. The uterus and ovaries from a 2yo Springer Spaniel following routine ovariohysterectomy. Note the cyst on the left ovary: this was an incidental finding at surgery.

Keep treated animals away from fires and other sources of heat for at least 30 minutes following spraying and until coat is totally dry. In addition to the BVA's statement, other reputable organisations (e.g. the Kennel Club, RSPCA, Dog's Trust) strongly support spaying of bitches, but all suggest that the advantages and disadvantages should be weighed up in every individual case. There are few behavioural advantages of spaying (other than avoiding pseudopregnancy), but several often-stated medical advantages. Similarly, there are no published behavioural disadvantages of spaying, but several medical disadvantages. Let us consider these in turn. Advantages Stopping pseudopregnancy Shake the Johnson’s Bitch Spray can before use. Spray the can from about 30cm (12”). Apply a half-second spray to each side of the hind quarters, also under the hind legs and base of tail. Spray twice daily, particularly before exercise. Your bitch should be kept on a lead to avoid any undue risk. If possible, commence spraying two to three days before the Season starts and continue daily until several days after termination. It would also be helpful to spray around doors and gates of the house. Performing spay surgery on a bitch is one of the most common surgeries undertaken at first opinion veterinary practices. It is also one of the most controversial surgeries, with many people (veterinary surgeons, nurses and lay people) having firm views on three main aspects: When the operation is finished, the gas anaesthetic is reduced and the bitch begins to wake up. She will be constantly monitored and the tube removed from her windpipe when she reaches the right level of wakefulness. Recovery