Canine Spay - Ovarian Sparing
Aproximate Cost:
*+$200
What It Is
An ovarian-sparing spay (OSS) is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed, but the ovaries are left intact. By preserving the ovaries, the pet continues to produce normal hormones while being rendered sterile, meaning she cannot become pregnant but will still have hormonal cycles.
Why It’s Performed
OSS is performed for owners who want to prevent pregnancy while maintaining the natural hormonal benefits provided by the ovaries, such as support for bone density, muscle tone, metabolism, and potentially reduced risk of certain joint conditions or cancers. It may also help preserve normal behavior and coat quality in some dogs.
Risks Involved
As with any abdominal surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, and wound complications. Because ovarian tissue remains, the pet may still show signs of heat (such as swelling or behavioral changes), and there is a small risk of ovarian remnant tissue causing a stump pyometra(infected uterine tissue) or hormone-related disease later in life, like increased risk for mammary cancer.
Typical Recovery Time
Recovery is similar to a traditional spay. Most pets are comfortable within a few days and fully healed in about 10–14 days. Activity should be restricted during this period to allow proper healing of the incision site, as well as the wearing of a safety cone to prevent self trauma.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we offer ovarian-sparing spay procedures with precision and care. Our goal is to make high-quality surgical care accessible and affordable for local pet owners, and we provide clear, upfront estimates so families can plan for the cost of this procedure.
*Add $200 to low and high end of spay weight.
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
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All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
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Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
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Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
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All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
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IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
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Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
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Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
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All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
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Pre-anesthetic blood work
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Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
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Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
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Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
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If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.