Spay ?

[shybird]

Is there a way to tell if a female had been spayed without opening them up? Would it be evident in an x-ray? Can it be felt by someone that knows what they are feeling for?

[BostonRott]

Xrays show solid tissues (bone, solid organs like liver).....and sometimes some soft tissues, but they are not a good way to look for soft tissue.

You could shave a section on the abdomen and look for a scar. Not sure if ultrasound would show it or not. CT probably would.

[mmgy]

Originally Posted by BostonRott

You could shave a section on the abdomen and look for a scar.

I've always heard any experienced vet can do this.

[Rott-Wiley]

A scar is a good sign that she is and yes, an experienced vet can sometimes tell by palpating her.

[Canula2000]

I thought spays now didn't leave much of a scar because they can make smaller incision. I have never had a spay done before because I have always had male dogs until recently.

[mmgy]

Usually it's not much of a scar, and it's often well hidden under fur. That's why the shaving is necessary to spot it.

[Rott-Wiley]

Originally Posted by Canula2000

I thought spays now didn't leave much of a scar because they can make smaller incision. I have never had a spay done before because I have always had male dogs until recently.

Even a "smaller incision" is still an incision. Some are real hard to find if it's done in the fold of the skin.

[shybird]

I think I will practice looking for scars on the three girls I know are spayed. Then I will look at the new foster girl. The shelter thinks she has been spayed . I don't trust their reasoning (she hasn't come in to heat while at the shelter) Duh, she was only there three months..... I was hoping the vet could tell for sure.