Cost of Cat & Dog Sterilization: Prices & Details
The Cost of Spaying and Neutering for Cats and Dogs
The price for spaying and neutering can vary widely, ranging from 700 to over 1000 dollars. The main expenses are typically attributed to several factors. If you've already had some preoperative checks done and are only undergoing the spaying or neutering procedure, the cost will be more manageable. Additionally, cats with poor health conditions might need to be hospitalized postsurgery, which can significantly increase the price difference.
PreOperative Examinations
What Should PreOperative Checks Include?
In common packages available today, these generally include: physical examination, blood tests, blood chemistry, electrolytes, blood gas analysis, Xrays, and ultrasounds.
Should PreOperative Checks Be Done? We won't delve into the consequences of skipping them here.
When done, they can be categorized into three types of blood tests, five types, and half or full blood chemistry panels.
What Are the Roles of Blood Tests and Blood Chemistry Checks?
Blood tests can reveal red and white blood cell counts, while blood chemistry can assess liver and kidney function. These organs play a crucial role in metabolizing anesthetics, which carry risks. Poor liver and kidney function might not make surgery advisable. Comprehensive preoperative checks can significantly reduce surgical risks but also drive up costs.
Gender of the Pet
Why is the surgery for male and female cats and dogs priced differently?
Spaying involves an abdominal surgery, while neutering for males is a simpler procedure where the testicles are removed through a cut above the scrotum. As many know, male cats can often be sutured without any need for stitches, making the surgery much quicker.
Anesthesia Methods
What's the difference between inhalation anesthesia and injection anesthesia?
Injection Anesthesia: This is administered directly into the vein, acting quickly but affecting the cardiovascular system more significantly and taking longer to metabolize.
Inhalation Anesthesia: This enters the lungs, then the bloodstream, and reaches the central nervous system for general anesthesia. Its metabolism is primarily through the respiratory system, with minimal internal metabolism, leading to quicker recovery and higher safety but also a higher price.
During Surgery
What exactly do the doctors do during surgery?
Typically, a threeperson team is involved: the surgeon, an assistant to prepare instruments, and another to monitor anesthesia. Additionally, there's a robotic assistant, such as an ECG monitor (tracking heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, systolic and diastolic pressure, etc.).
I'll spare you the technical details that might be hard to understand.
PostOperative Care
What should you do after the surgery?
After the surgery, you might find yourself at a loss, watching your pet with a tongue sticking out. Should you feed them more nutrients? Should they be given intravenous fluids? Will it be painful? Here's what you need to know:
Whether your pet needs to be hospitalized postsurgery depends on whether you have the time to care for them at home. Routine neutering for male pets is relatively straightforward, but female pets, due to the abdominal surgery, may require wound medication due to individual differences.
When you hear about "IV fluids," we're referring to three types: 1) nutritional, 2) antiinflammatory, and 3) to accelerate metabolism. These are also based on individual differences. If your pet has a strong reaction to the surgery, such as refusing to eat or wanting to avoid contact, consult with your vet to discuss the best course of action.
After anesthesia, pets may experience pain, such as crying out, becoming agitated, licking their wounds, or curling up. You can opt to use postoperative pain medication (available in shortacting and longacting forms).
Billing
Overall Surgery Cost = PreOperative Examinations + Anesthesia Method + Gender + PostOperative Medication/Pain Management
Remember, just because something is cheaper doesn't mean it's not good, and just because something is more expensive doesn't mean it's a guarantee of success. We should approach surgical risks rationally and choose based on our pet's specific situation. Moreover, if your cat or dog exhibits any adverse symptoms after the spaying or neutering procedure, it's important to seek veterinary care, which may incur additional costs.
