 Puppy season is officially in full swing, which means shelters and rescues across the country are talking about the importance of spaying and neutering pets! While the decision to spay your dog is deeply personal, we encourage pet owners to consider the health, behavioral, and community benefits of this simple procedure. In this post, we’re looking at the how and why behind spaying your dog and what to expect on procedure day.
What Is A Dog Spay Surgery? Spaying is one of the most commonly performed veterinary surgeries. In fact, in the U.S., around 70 million dogs get spayed each year! Also known as ovariohysterectomy, spaying a dog means surgically removing the female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus). This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Benefits of Spaying Your Dog In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, spaying your dog can help prevent life-threatening infections and reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. Other specific benefits include:
Spaying can also improve certain behavioral issues. Removing a female dog’s ovaries eliminates heat cycles and generally reduces mating-related behaviors that can be frustrating for owners. Traditional vs. Laparoscopic Spay Surgery A traditional spay, also known as an “open” surgical spay, is the most common type of spay procedure. This surgery generally requires a 2-4 inch long incision just below the umbilicus (belly button). This incision gives the surgical team the “window” they need to remove the reproductive organs. By comparison, a laparoscopic spay, or “keyhole” spay, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. During this procedure, the surgeon makes 2-3 small incisions (typically ⅕ inch to ⅖ inches long) into the abdomen. A camera is passed into one incision and a small instrument into the other. Then, using the camera to magnify and better visualize your pet’s organs, the surgeon will remove just the ovaries. This technique causes less surgical stress and results in lower post-op pain levels than a traditional spay. Laparoscopic spay procedures require specialized training and the use of highly specialized equipment. Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is proud to provide this service to our clients. Get in touch to discuss whether or not this is the right option for your pet! How To Prepare for a Spay Procedure Your veterinarian will help you decide when to spay your pet and provide guidance on how to prepare for their procedure. This will include performing a routine blood screening to help tailor an anesthetic plan for your pet. On the day of your fur baby’s spay, our team will perform a physical exam and ensure they are healthy and ready for the surgical procedure. Your veterinarian may ask you to withhold food and/or water to prevent vomiting during anesthesia. In some cases, your vet may prescribe medications for your pet to take at home prior to surgery. Our doctors focus on patient safety and comfort every step of the way, and we’ll always make personalized recommendations for your pet’s specific pre- and post-surgical needs! What To Expect After Your Dog’s Spay Most dogs get to go home once they’ve fully recovered from their anesthesia! In rare cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized for additional monitoring or support. For example, if your dog is at risk of bleeding or has underlying uterine disease, she may need more medical management. Once she’s back home, it’s important to keep your dog calm and quiet for 10-14 days. Leashed potty breaks, crate time, and careful monitoring can prevent complications such as reopening the surgery site. We strongly recommend either using an e-collar or a surgical recovery suit to keep your dog from licking her stitches. We can help you decide which option is right for your pup! Notify your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice swelling, persistent oozing, or bleeding from the incision site. If your pet is lethargic for more than 24 hours post-op, has diarrhea, or is vomiting, you should also contact your pet’s care team. Supporting Dog Owners Every Step of the Spay! While spaying your dog is a big decision, in most cases, it’s the right choice. At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we’re committed to educating dog owners about their options. Whether you opt for a laparoscopic or traditional spay, we go above and beyond to ensure your pet’s procedure is safe and her recovery is as comfortable as possible. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of spaying and to schedule your pup’s procedure.  Aging is a natural and inevitable part of a pet's life, and it comes with both physical and behavioral changes. Pet parents know to watch for physical signs of pain or illness, but the symptoms of cognitive decline can be harder to see. By paying attention to early signs of age-related behavior changes, dog owners can help their pets thrive throughout their golden years! What Is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is an age-related disease that affects the brain. Sometimes called "doggie dementia," it's comparable to dementia or Alzheimer's in humans. When a senior pet seems to decline more rapidly or drastically than normal, cognitive dysfunction could be a culprit. Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome are very common, affecting nearly 1 in 3 dogs over the age of 11. By the age of 16, nearly all dogs will display at least one symptom. Common Symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction CCD may start as just one sign that progresses over time, or it can have several apparent signs. The most common signs include:
Successful Aging & Dogs Veterinary behaviorist Hannah E. Salvin defines "successful aging" as a rate of cognitive deterioration that doesn't affect a pet's day-to-day function. “Age is not a disease” is a true statement however, making this transition can be made easier for our furry family members. Causes of Behavior Changes: Is It Cognitive Dysfunction? Of course, CCD is not the only cause of sudden behavior changes in senior pets. Changes in their schedule, the loss of a companion, a scary experience, pain and discomfort, or even loss of sight, hearing, and smell can all trigger a senior pet's anxiety. As another example, a sudden lapse in potty training could be related to cognitive dysfunction. But it could also be caused by incontinence, kidney or urinary disease, bladder infection, diabetes, or even joint pain that makes it hard to get outside. This is why it's so important to discuss behavioral changes with your veterinarian as soon as possible! Your pet's doctor can use routine blood tests, thyroid testing, ultrasounds, or advanced imaging to rule out other diseases that may look like cognitive dysfunction. Caring for Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction While there's no cure for CCD, treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and minimize symptoms. Early intervention is an incredibly important part of maintaining quality of life for senior dogs. Treatment options may include (but aren't limited to):
Compassionate Care for Senior & Geriatric Pets Behavioral changes associated with cognitive dysfunction can be difficult to navigate. The team at Mountainside is here to help you and your pups navigate this new stage of life. Our goal when caring for senior and geriatric patients is not only to increase the length of their lifespan, but to improve the quality of their lives. That means giving you as many pain-free, healthy years as possible to enjoy with your furry friend! Get in touch to discuss strategies to help you senior pet age successfully.  As the days get longer and warmer, more and more dogs and their people are hitting the trails and heading out on camping trips. Unfortunately, it’s also the perfect condition for ticks to emerge from dormancy looking for a tasty snack. These tiny bloodsuckers can transmit various diseases to both humans and animals through their bites, including Lyme disease. April is “Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month,” which means we’re here to educate pet owners about the dangers of this disease.
What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is caused by a specific bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by bites from infected ticks. It is incredibly prevalent in the United States. In fact, according to the Global Lyme Alliance, roughly 1 in 5 dogs routinely tested for blood parasites tested positive for Lyme disease antibodies in 2018. Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs Most dogs infected with Borrelia bacteria will appear healthy, with no signs at all. However, some infected dogs will go on to develop signs of illness—which can be quite severe. In dogs who do become ill, diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms may not show up until 2-5 months after the initial tick bite. The most common signs of Lyme disease in dogs include:
Some dogs may also develop a type of kidney disease called Lyme nephritis. Signs that Lyme disease is affecting the kidneys are often non-specific and include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), and weight loss. Treating Lyme Disease in Dogs Because Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, the infection is often widespread or even chronic before dog owners know anything is wrong. To diagnose Lyme disease in dogs, your veterinarian will use a combination of tests along with discussing your pet's recent travel history, tick exposure, and the symptoms your dog is showing. Once your dog has a Lyme disease diagnosis, the most common treatment is an antibiotic called doxycycline. Treatment typically lasts 30 days, and most symptoms clear up quickly with antibiotic treatment. Dogs with severe disease may need hospitalization for supportive care, including intravenous (IV) fluids and medications to support the kidneys. Lyme Disease Prevention Like many other illnesses, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to Lyme disease. Considering early signs of Lyme disease in dogs can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, year-round prevention is the most reliable way to safeguard your dog’s long-term health. Just one simple monthly topical or chewable preventative can reduce the risk of infection and avoid the complications and dangers of Lyme disease. Beyond that, you can limit your dog’s exposure to ticks in the first place. The most common habitats for ticks in Oregon include areas with dense vegetation, moisture, and plenty of wildlife. This includes dense, wooded forests or parks, gardens, and fields with tall grasses and shrubbery. What To Do If Your Dog Gets Bitten By A Tick If you find a live tick on your dog or suspect your dog has been bitten, contact your vet as soon as possible. Your dog’s veterinary team can either remove the tick for you or talk you through how to remove it safely and effectively. In either event, you’ll want to save the tick’s body in isopropyl alcohol or take a clear picture to document the tick. If your dog starts showing signs of tick-borne illness, your veterinarian may want to identify or test the tick. Keep Your Pup Happy & Healthy This Tick Season! Although it’s treatable, Lyme disease can cause your pet months of pain and discomfort as well as recurring, chronic symptoms. The best way to keep them happy and healthy? Talk to your veterinarian about year-round tick prevention! |
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June 2025
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Mountainside Veterinary Hospital
www.mountainsidevets.com [email protected] Office: (971) 405 - 1111 Fax: (503) 498 - 5322 |
Hospital Location
15000 SW Barrows Rd. Ste. 101, Beaverton, OR 97007
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Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00a - 6:00p
Saturday: 8:00a - 4:00p Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! (971) 405-1111 
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