Common Veterinary Surgical Procedures
Surgical competence is central to veterinary practice. Unlike human surgery (which is almost entirely a specialty), most veterinarians in general practice perform a range of surgical procedures routinely. The two most commonly performed veterinary surgeries globally are ovariohysterectomy (spay) and orchiectomy (neuter).
Ovariohysterectomy (OHE or 'spay') removes both the ovaries and uterus under general anesthesia. Indications include: population control, elimination of estrus (heat cycles) and associated behavioral changes, prevention of pyometra (potentially fatal uterine infection — affects approximately 25% of intact females before age 10), and reduction of mammary tumor risk (spaying before first heat reduces mammary tumor risk in dogs by ~99.5%; after first heat by ~92%; after second heat by ~74%). In cats, spaying virtually eliminates the risk of pyometra and mammary cancer.
Orchiectomy (castration) removes both testicles under general anesthesia. Indications include: population control, elimination of testosterone-driven behaviors (roaming, inter-male aggression, urine marking), prevention of testicular tumors and prostatic disease (benign prostatic hyperplasia is nearly universal in intact male dogs over age 8 and can cause urinary obstruction), and treatment of testicular tumors or injury.
The timing of spay/neuter has been an area of active research and evolving guidelines, particularly for dogs. Traditional early neutering (6–8 months) prevents unintended breeding and has clear benefits outlined above. However, research in large-breed dogs — particularly Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds — suggests that early neutering (before growth plate closure at 12–18 months) increases risk of orthopaedic diseases (cranial cruciate ligament rupture, hip dysplasia) and certain cancers. This has led many veterinarians to now recommend delayed neutering for large breeds, weighing population control benefits against these risks on a case-by-case basis.
Anesthesia management is a critical skill — veterinary patients cannot consent or cooperate, and fasting, premedication, induction, and monitoring protocols must ensure patient safety across a wide range of sizes and species. Injectable anesthetics (propofol, ketamine, alfaxalone) are used for induction; gas anesthetics (isoflurane, sevoflurane) maintain anesthesia. Monitoring includes pulse oximetry, capnography (CO₂ measurement confirming ventilation), blood pressure, ECG, and temperature — because hypothermia is a significant risk in small patients during surgery.