Reducing your pet’s health risks, promoting their safety and happiness with spaying and neutering

Name: Bloomfield Animal Hospital
Address: 20927 Norwalk Blvd, Lakewood, CA, 90715, US
Telephone: (562) 383-7788
Price range: 0

As among the ~12,000 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, Bloomfield Animal Hospital abides by the most rigorous safety and quality standards in all that we do. We take great pride in our skill and experience with supporting everything from personalized recommendations for preventative care to the surgical management of progressive disease. And some of the most common surgical procedures that we perform are also essential and important parts of our preventative care/wellness programs in Lakewood, CA. These procedures include spaying and neutering. Such treatments support the healthiest relationships between your pet and other members of your household, as well as the broader health of our community.

What is spaying?

The medical term for spaying is “ovariohysterectomy.” This procedure involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, so female dogs and cats cannot get pregnant. An alternative to this routine procedure, “hysterectomy” refers to the removal of the uterus and some of the fallopian tubes. Your pet cannot reproduce; however, unwanted behaviors and urges may still persist.

What do you mean by “unwanted behaviors and urges”?

One of the benefits of spaying is how it reduces the inappropriate and excessive vocalization and elimination associated with the heat cycle. When your female dog or cat no longer has the urge to reproduce, she is less likely to escape the house to find a male mating partner. She is also a happier pet; the anxiety and hyperactivity associated with these mating instincts are avoided.

What is neutering?

The “orchiectomy” removes the testicles to prevent your dog’s or cat’s ability to reproduce. An alternative to the routine orchiectomy, “vasectomy” involves the removal of the vas deferens and also prevents reproduction. However, your male dog or tomcat may still exhibit highly undesirable and aggressive mating behavior.

What harmful behaviors are avoided with neutering?

As your kitten or puppy matures, he may begin to mount or display inappropriate and dominant mating behaviors. He may also have a strong desire to escape the home (the mating instinct). Your pet may suddenly “mark” around the house and display aggressiveness towards other male dogs or cats. By reducing the level of sex hormones, your pet’s good-natured personality and the safety of all members of your household is supported.

Are there other benefits associated with spaying and neutering?

Yes – the benefits are numerous. In addition to avoiding potentially harmful and distressing behaviors, these procedures support the long and healthy life of your pets. Intact males are more likely to develop testicular tumors. Unspayed females are more likely to develop tumors of the mammary glands and uterine infections. These potentially life-threatening conditions are preventable with routine, straightforward, and predictable spaying and neutering. We also see the spay and neuter as a moral imperative and societal obligation. It is heartbreaking to see the consequences of roaming or “stray” animals in our community. All animals deserve to be wanted, and to have a loving and safe home.

Spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your young and growing pet. If you have any questions about this procedure, contact Bloomfield Animal Hospital today at (562) 383-7788. Our team in Lakewood, CA welcomes your call and also looks forward to meeting you and your pet.

Dr. Jose Arambulo

Dr. Jose Arambulo, owner and chief veterinarian, is experienced in treating eye, ear, and skin disorders and is especially interested in internal medicine, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. He earned his BS in Medical Technology from the University of Santo Tomas and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of the Philippines. He completed clinical evaluation for veterinary medicine at Purdue University in Indiana and was a veterinarian at Banfield and California before acquiring Bloomfield Animal Hospital.

Dr. Zachery Smith

Our Traveling Surgeon, Dr. Zachery Smith, is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He specializes in complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. While training, he worked with some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country. He has lectured both locally and internationally. Dr. Smith plays a leading role at Veterinary Orthopedics of California, which is dedicated to providing high-level surgical services to pets.

Dr. Fred Brewer

Our visiting physician, Dr. Fred Brewer, is a veterinary cardiologist board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology at UCLA and earned his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2009. Later, he completed a one-year general rotating internship at the California Animal Hospital Veterinary Specialty Group in West Los Angeles and a three-year cardiology residency at Cornell University.