Spaying, or ovariohysterectomy, is a common surgical procedure which involves removing the uterus and ovaries from a female dog or cat. Spaying, performed under general anesthesia, is recommended for all females and is ideally performed prior to the first heat (estrus) cycle. This is an outpatient procedure and our patients are discharged the same afternoon.
Benefits of spaying include greatly reducing the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, avoiding a life-threatening uterine infection known as pyometra, avoiding behavioral issues related to hormone cycling, minimizing reproductive tract diseases, and reducing pet over-population. Overall, this procedure will greatly improve your pet’s quality of life. For dogs, spaying is recommended around 6-7 months of age. In cats, it is recommended around 4-6 months of age. At City Paws Veterinary Clinic, we take great care in our surgical preparation and monitoring. All patients are required to have a thorough physical exam, complete blood count, and chemistry organ function profile prior to general anesthesia. After these screening tests, a custom protocol is created for each patient, involving sedatives, gas anesthesia, anti-nausea medication, and pain management. Monitoring equipment is used to evaluate heart rate/rhythm, blood pressure, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen levels throughout the length of the procedure. IV fluids are also used to improve anesthetic recovery. Our hospital has a state-of-the art surgical suite and utilizes the highest standards in sterilization, significantly decreasing the risk of bleeding and infection. Although this is a common and routine procedure, it is still considered abdominal surgery. Most patients recover from anesthesia within 24 hours. However, we recommend restricting activity for at least 1 week after surgery in order to ensure appropriate healing. We offer a “onesie” or Medical Pet Shirt in order to protect the incision during the healing process. In some cases, an e-collar is also required. Post-operative pain medication is considered standard and is used after each procedure to ensure your pet is comfortable during their recovery period. It is our pleasure answering any questions you may have regarding the procedures performed at City Paws Veterinary Clinic. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or appointment with any concerns.
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Choosing an appropriate food for your kitten is an important decision that can maintain and improve your pet’s lifelong health. With so many options available, it may seem overwhelming to pick the best diet for your pet. Each pet’s nutritional requirements are unique based on their age, activity level, lifestyle, and any existing medical conditions. The veterinarians at City Paws Veterinary Clinic recommend completely balanced diets which are formulated by veterinary nutritionists, have undergone extensive food-trial safety testing, and verified by AAFCO (Association of Animal Feed Control Officials).
Proper nutrition is vital in supporting healthy development of growing kittens. During stages of growth, kittens require a different balance of vitamins and minerals in comparison to adult animals. In general, we recommend feeding kittens a diet made for growth for the first full year of life. However, a veterinarian can make specific suggestions based on the individual needs of your pet. Below are a few suggestions of balanced diets formulated by nutritionists and have undergone extensive safety testing: This list of recommendations does not encompass all the appropriate diets available for your pet. Each pet is unique and may require additional considerations. In some cases, home-made diets are desired. These diets should be formulated specifically for each individual pet by a certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure that they are completely balanced and meet the required standards of vitamin and mineral balance. Dog and cat foods are constantly evolving and changing. New dietary options are available weekly and choosing the proper diet may feel like a difficult decision. The staff and veterinarians at City Paws Veterinary Clinic would be happy to assist you in making the proper choice for your pet. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions and concerns. Your pet’s emergency is a scary time for all involved. Save time and stress by bookmarking this contact information for area emergency services when City Paws Veterinary Clinic is closed. Our veterinarians are here for you and your patients Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 am - 6 pm, Thursday 12 pm - 8 pm and Saturday 8-12 pm.
In the event of an emergency, we recommend the following area hospitals: Veterinary Specialty Services (VSS): VSS is a full-service, 24-hour emergency clinic in Ballwin at the corner of Manchester Road and 141. If your pet is stable enough for the drive, this is the most complete facility for your pet’s care. They have access to 24-hour ICU, surgery, x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and a full host of veterinary specialists. (636) 227-6100 www.vssstl.com 1021 Howard George Dr, Manchester, MO 63021 Animal Emergency Center: AEC is the geographically closest facility to City Paws, and offers standard emergency care and hospitalization. (314) 822-7600 http://www.stlouisanimalemergencyclinic.org/ 9937 Big Bend Road Crestwood, Missouri 63122 Associated Veterinary Specialists: Associated Veterinary Specialists is another 24-hour emergency facility in Bridgeton, MO, in addition to offering specialty care services. (314) 739-3330 https://www.avsstl.com/ 12462G Natural Bridge Road Bridgeton, MO 63044 If your pet has diarrhea, blood in their stool, possible intestinal parasites, or if your pet is having accidents in the house, our veterinarians recommend a fecal sample examination. Your pet’s fecal sample will be centrifuged and analyzed for any intestinal parasites, protozoa or excessive bacteria.
Want to drop off your patient’s sample? Download our handy Fecal Collection Sheet for instructions, helpful tips and a brief questionnaire about your pet’s signs and symptoms to make this process…well, you know, less poopy! Just remember, our veterinarians will have to have seen your patient within the last year in order to prescribe any medication, so if your pet’s feeling unwell, it’s best to have them seen! Download the City Paws Fecal Collection Tips sheet here! |