Why we decided to spay Abby
We always knew we were going to spay Abby. The reasons were straightforward: to prevent unwanted pregnancy, to reduce the risk of certain cancers, and to avoid dealing with future heats. Spaying was also part of the contract with her breeder when we got her.
The question was when. There is a lot of advice online, and we decided to wait until after her first heat so her growth plates could close before the surgery. Our local vet also recommended waiting until after her first heat. So three months after her first heat, we booked her appointment for April 2026.
The consultation
Two days before the surgery, the vet scheduled a consultation to examine Abby. She was perfectly healthy. The vet mentioned that one common side effect of spaying is weight gain due to a slower metabolism, so we were advised to reduce her kibble intake by about 20%.
We also had a few surgical options to consider. There is the Ovariectomy which cuts from the belly, the Bilateral Flank Ovariectomy which makes smaller cuts on both sides of the abdomen, and laparoscopic surgery. We chose the bilateral flank option since the incisions would be similar in size to laparoscopic given Abby's size. It is also worth noting that in Europe, Ovariectomy is more common than Ovariohysterectomy, where the uterus is also removed. Our vet did not present the latter as an option so we did not consider it.
For pre-op preparation, Abby had to fast from 8pm the night before and no water from the morning of the surgery.
That evening when we got home, I started feeling a little sad. It was hitting me that we had made this decision for her, to remove her ovaries, a surgery she knew nothing about. Even though the pros outweigh the cons, I still felt guilty. Not only would it be painful for her, but she might also have to start eating less if she gains weight.
The last day
The day before the surgery, we went to a nearby trail and enjoyed a full two hour adventure. That day felt special. It was the last day of her being this version of Abby.
The big day
She was scheduled to be dropped off between 8 and 8:30am. Once we arrived at the clinic, she was very hesitant to go inside and clearly nervous. After checking in, a staff member came to take her in. Before she went through the door, she looked back at us. I told her it was going to be okay.
When we got home, the apartment felt incredibly quiet. Maybe this is what empty nest syndrome feels like.
The vet had told us to expect a call in the early afternoon. The call came at 6pm. The relief of hearing that everything went well and that Abby was ready to be picked up was indescribable.
Coming home and recovery
When we arrived at the clinic, there she was in a gigantic cone, and very happy to see us. We had brought a recovery suit so she could wear that instead of the e-collar. Honestly, she did not seem to be in much pain and had enough energy for a short walk. I considered that a win.
The vet advised us to keep the recovery suit on, limit activity for the next 10 days, and to disinfect the stitches and give anti-inflammatory medication for the first 5 days. Since the stitches self-dissolve, we do not need to return for a follow up unless something goes wrong.
Back home, she was probably still a little drowsy from the anaesthesia. She was slower than usual but had some appetite and drank water. By the next day she was feeling better and did not show much discomfort until we had to disinfect the stitches. By day three she was pretty much back to her usual self, though we kept walks to around 20 minutes to let her body recover.
Today is day four and her stitches are already looking less swollen. Hopefully everything continues to go well.
If you are curious about her recovery progress, you can follow her stitches recovery timeline here.
The cost
We initially asked a local vet near our apartment in Lancy who quoted around CHF 1,500 for the operation. We later found a larger clinic in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France, just across the border from Geneva. It felt professional and well equipped so we decided to go with them.
Here is the full cost breakdown:
- Surgery: €446.60
- First consultation: €56.40
- Basic blood test: €120.00
- Anti-inflammatory medication: €27.94
- Total: €650.94
The difference is significant, especially if you are based in Geneva near the French border. Worth looking into if you want quality care at a lower price.
This is our personal experience with Abby. Always consult your own vet before making any decisions about your dog's health.