Spaying and neutering are the most common surgical procedures performed by Veterinarians. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia posing minimal risk to relatively young and healthy animals. Post operative care usually involves a short course of pain medication and monitoring the surgical site by making sure it is clean to avoid infection and that the suture material remains in tact. Animals are usually fully recovered in just a few days. The minimal risk associated with the surgery far outweighs the health benefits to the animal, especially in their later years.