What is spay/neuter (gonadectomy)?
Gonadectomy is the surgical removal of reproductive glands: ovariohysterectomy (spay) in females or orchiectomy (neuter) in males, performed to prevent breeding and reduce certain health conditions.
Gonadectomy refers to the surgical removal of reproductive glands and is the clinical term encompassing both spay and neuter procedures. In female animals, a spay (ovariohysterectomy) removes the ovaries and uterus. In male animals, a neuter (orchiectomy) removes the testicles. Both procedures are permanent sterilization methods that prevent reproduction.
The distinction between the two surgeries matters clinically. A spay requires abdominal surgery to access and remove the ovaries and uterus, while a neuter is generally less invasive, typically performed through small incisions in the scrotum or lower abdomen to remove the testicles. Recovery timelines and post-operative care differ between the procedures.
Veterinarians recommend gonadectomy for several reasons beyond population control. Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infection (pyometra) and reduces the likelihood of mammary tumors if performed before the first heat cycle. Neutering removes the risk of testicular cancer and can reduce certain behavioral issues. These procedures are considered routine surgical services at most veterinary clinics and are typically recommended during adolescence, though timing varies by breed and individual health status.