In a spay, the ovaries and most of the uterus are removed.  It is essentially an ovariohysterectomy.  It is recommended to have the surgery done before the animal has its first heat (approximately 6 months of age). 

When your pet comes in for surgery, she will have a blood test that screens liver function, kidney function, the electrolytes and a complete blood count.  We use anesthetic that is up to human standards and patients are kept overnight for monitoring.