Feline Spay
Aproximate Cost:
What It Is
A spay, or ovariohysterectomy, is the surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus in female dogs or cats. The surgeon makes an incision into the abdomen, removes the reproductive organs, and then closes the surgical site with sutures. This procedure permanently prevents pregnancy and eliminates heat cycles.
Why It’s Performed
Spaying prevents unwanted litters and greatly reduces the risk of certain diseases, including uterine infections (pyometra) and mammary tumors, especially when performed before the first heat cycle. It also eliminates heat-related behaviors such as yowling, bleeding, and attracting male animals.
Risks Involved
Complications are uncommon but can include bleeding, infection, swelling at the incision site, or self-trauma to the sutures.
Typical Recovery Time
Most pets recover within 10–14 days, though some may act normal much sooner. Activity should be restricted during this period to prevent incision complications. A safety cone should be worn during this time to prevent self induced trauma of the incision site.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform spay surgeries 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 care.
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.