[Ellie May]

The risk of pyometra and mammary cancer from not spaying is greater than the risk of serious anesthetic complications. Just make sure to talk to your vet about the things listed on the anesthesia sticky.

Pup is given an exam. Bloodwork is done at this time (or preferably a few days before so it can be sent out). An IV could be placed anytime now. Fluids could be started. Drugs may also be given at this time (premed) to allow the vet to use less gas anesthesia. Then if propofol or the like is given, that would be happening. Pup is intubated (to hold the airway open and give anesthesia + oxygen). Monitoring starts. Pup's feet are gently tied out of the surgery area. Area is clipped and draped. Eye dropped are put in (anesthesia dries them out). Tech is right there to monitor the pup (heart, respiration, temp, etc.). Vet makes the incision, does a series of things (pulls ovaries and uterus out, ligates, checks for bleeding, etc.) and then closes. Anesthesia is turned off (unless they need to pull baby teeth which doesn't take long uusally). Drape comes off. Area gets wiped off. Pup goes to recovery and is monitored constantly while waking up. The spay itself takes about 10 minutes plus time to close. It is an invasive abdominal surgery, but it's also a surgery that your vet probably has done many times. There is always risk from anesthesia, but it is very minimum compared to that of leaving her upspayed. My liver compromised 6 year old did just fine. Try not to worry too much.