Spaying, Canine - contd.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia so that the dog is completely unconscious. An incision is made into the abdominal cavity to allow access to the entire reproductive tract. Each ovary is loosened from its attachment near the kidney and double-ligated, or tied off with two separate sutures. The tissue is transected or cut with a scalpel blade and observed for bleeding. The ligaments of the uterus are detached and the uterus is double-ligated just above the cervix. This tissue is cut and examined for bleeding. Before closing the surgery site, all ligatures or sutures are checked again to ensure that there is no bleeding. The abdominal incision is then closed in three layers. The internal muscle layer, the subcutaneous tissue, and outer skin are all sutured separately. Absorbable sutures are used internally and dissolve on their own.
Some veterinarians select skin sutures that are nonabsorbable, requiring a suture removal appointment seven to 14 days following the surgery so that they will be able to evaluate the incision. Other veterinarians elect to close the skin with absorbable suture and skin glue, which does not require a return visit to the veterinarian unless there are complications.
