What happens when a bitch is spayed and what are the pros and cons of neutering?

A bitch spey involves removing the entire female reproductive tract: the ovaries and the uterus.

Pros: The bitch no longer has seasons and can no longer become pregnant or develop false pregnancies. The risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection, is eliminated. The risk for diabetes is reduced and if the bitch is spayed before her second season the risk for mammary cancer is reduced by 92%.

Cons: As with all surgeries there is a risk of complications during and after the procedure. These risks, however, are small. The most common post-operative complication is weight gain as neutering affects the metabolism. Some bitches also develop a change in their coat quality – it tends to become fluffier. If very unlucky, the bitch can become urinary incontinent. This incontinence can be treated and controlled medically.