Posted on 2011-12-21 13:45:32

A Veterinarian Explains Spaying and Neutering

Here at Charlotte Street Animal Hospital in Asheville, we recommend pet owners spay or neuter Asheville veterinarians recommend spay or neuter procedures for all pets their pets for a number of reasons. These common, low-risk surgical procedures are a great kindness in many ways. Because your pet can no longer reproduce, you are helping control the animal population and reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats. Your pet will also stop going into heat and neutering often serves to eliminate an intact male’s tendency to mark territory through urination. Spaying and neutering also help prevent certain cancers and other diseases common to both dogs and cats.

Procedures for Asheville Pets

Neutering is a fairly straightforward veterinary surgery. The vet makes a small incision near the scrotum, extracts the testicles through the incision, and then closes the incision with sutures. The sutures may be dissolving, in which case no return veterinary visit is necessary, or nylon sutures that require removal at around the 10-day mark. Some swelling or bruising in the area is normal, but most dogs experience little pain and are ready to run and play. You may want to restrict a very active dog’s activity level for a few days, however, to prevent a re-injury at the incision site.

Spaying is a somewhat more involved veterinary surgery than neutering, but still a common, low-risk surgery. The veterinarian makes an incision into the female animal’s abdomen and removes the uterus and ovaries, using sutures or surgical staples to close the incision. Your dog can usually come home the day following the procedure. We will prescribe pain medication for the recovery period. Watch out for redness, swelling, bleeding or other possible trouble signs, and by all means keep your dog from licking at the incision site.

If your pet is at least 8 weeks old, bring him or her to our animal clinic as soon as possible for spaying or neutering. Your pet will be happier and healthier — not to mention litter-free!

What other benefits have you noticed after spaying or neutering your pet?

Bailey said:

I think a HUGE benefit is the prevention of cancers that you mentioned. Vet offices see quite a few prostate and mammary tumors in unfixed animals.

2011-12-21 16:00:27

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Companion Animal Food and Supplies Drive

Charlotte Street Animal Hospital is proud to sponsor a chilly weather pet food and supplies drive for the needy animals of our region!
From November 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012, Charlotte Street Animal Hospital will be collecting donations for six local animal rescue organizations including Animal Compassion Network, Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Catman2, Meals on Wheels for Pets, and Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue.

Each organization's wishlists are outlined below. Please make donations at our hospital or via phone. And thank you! for helping ensure that the furry members of our community stay nourished, cozy, and happy this cold season!

Animal Compassion Network:
-Scoopable kitty litter
-Dog & Cat food (our dogs & cats LOVE Chicken Soup for the Soul!)
-Blankets & towels
-Nutrical
-Mother's Milk Replacer (puppies and kittens)
-Stamps (1st class & higher)
-Long-distance calling cards
-Collars & leashes
-Printer toner and ink (call 274-3647 for specifics!)
-Cleaning supplies
-Gas cards for transport program
-Kongs and other interactive toys for dogs and cats

Asheville Humane Society:
  -Towels/blankets
  -Canned dog & cat food (please, no fish)
  -Clay kitty litter
  -Latex exam gloves (size small & medium)
  -Hot dogs
  -Bleach
  -55-gallon trash bags
  -White copy paper
  -Beef and chicken bullion
  -Hard plastic toys (Nylabones are awesome!)
  -Peanut butter
  -Cat toys that dangle
  -Cardboard scratching posts (only the ones that lay on the ground)
  -Rawhides and pig ears
  -Kong/interactive toys
  -Rope toys
  -Paper towels
  -Chewy dog treats/dried liver
  -Monetary donations

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue:
  -Blankets/towels
  -Dry & canned puppy, kitten, dog and cat food (Pedigree is preferred, but any is welcome)
  -Dog treats
-Peanut butter
  -Dog toys (Kongs, Nylabones, squeaky toys, etc)
  -Leashes
  -Non-slip collars
  -Scoopable (clumping) kitty litter
  -Cat treats
  -Cat toys (including disposable catnip scratch pads and teaser toys)
  -Thundershirts for anxious/scared doggies
  -Bleach & Pine Sol
  -Laundry detergent
  -Gift cards to Petsmart & Petco
  -Gas cards for the Northern Transport program
  -Office supplies & 1st class stamps
  -Universal Microchip scanner
  -Monetary donations

Catman2:
  -Friskies canned food
  -Purina/Meow Mix/Iams/Friskies dry food
  -Old pillow cases/blankets/towels/crib sheets
  -Litter deodorizer
  -New or gently used crib mattresses
  -Laundry detergent
  -Gift cards to purchase supplies (Lowe's & Wal-Mart)
  -Non-toxic cleaners (ex. Simple Green, Greenworks, etc)
  -Paper towels
  -Litter scoops
  -Sterilite/Rubbermaid tubs (we use them as litter boxes)
  -White vinegar
  -Office supplies (printer paper, binders, tape, etc)
  -Air fresheners (citrus blocks, sprays, etc)

Meals on Wheels for Pets:
  -Dog and cat food of any kind

Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue:
*Any perishable items will be picked up by a volunteer upon donation
  -Clean, unused bird toys
  -Raw, unsalted nuts (our birds LOVE walnuts!!)
  -Grains (quinoa, millet, kamut, etc)
  -Fold-down carriers (for transport)
  -Grocery store gift cards
  -Fresh fruits & vegetables
  -Monetary donations for vet bills