procedure

Spay

Surgical de-sexing of a female pet. See "neutering / de-sexing" for the full entry.

"Spay" is the everyday English term for ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus) or ovariectomy (removal of ovaries only) in female pets.

See the full entry on **neutering / de-sexing** for benefits, timing, recovery, and what to expect.

Related terms

  • Neutering / de-sexing / spaying / castration — Surgical removal of the reproductive organs. Spaying = female (ovaries and usually uterus); castration / neutering = male (testicles). Population control + health benefits.
  • Anaesthesia — Controlled unconsciousness used for surgery and many vet procedures (such as dental scaling) in pets. Modern protocols make it routinely safe even in older animals.