CAT NEUTER (ORCHIDECTOMY)

Neutering is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known scientifically as orchidectomy or orchiectomy. Neutering is very beneficial to the health of the cat, especially if performed at an early age. Following puberty, which occurs at approximately 8 to 9 months of age, the male cat often develops a number of undesirable behavioral changes. He will become territorial and start to mark areas, even inside the house, by spraying urine. This urine has a particularly offensive odour and is difficult to remove. As the tomcat reaches sexual maturity, he will start to enlarge his territory, straying even farther from the house, particularly at night. It is for this reason that many of the cats that are hit by automobiles are non-neutered males. By increasing the size of his territory, he increases the likelihood that he will come in contact with other cats and will get into fights for territorial dominance. Inflicted fight wounds can result in severe infections and abscesses. Diseases such as FIV(Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FeLV(Feline Leukemia), which can cause AIDS-like syndromes and cancers in cats, are spread through cat bites. These cats are most commonly affected by such incurable diseases. The longer a tomcat sprays and fights, the less likely neutering will stop these behaviours. Last, but not least, neutering your cat can help prevent needless deaths of tens of millions kittens and cats each year.

In most cases, it is recommended to neuter your cat before the onset of puberty. Puberty normally begins between 6 and 10 months of age. We recommend neutering your cat at around 6 months of age. A cat neuter is considered a major surgical procedure that requires a general anaesthetic. When your cat is admitted for surgery, he will be examined by the veterinarian performing the surgery, and pre-anaesthetic blood tests will be performed if you have chosen to do so. Your cat is anaesthetized, and then both of the testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. Since the incisions are very small, and since stitches may cause irritation of the sensitive skin of the scrotum, it is rare for the incisions to be sutured. We use a skin adhesive to hold the incision closed while it heals. In general, complications are rare during the neutering of cats. With modern anaesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk is very low. However, as with all surgical procedures, there is always a small risk:

Anaesthetic Complication- It is always possible that any pet could have an adverse reaction following the administration of any drug. Such cases are impossible to predict, but fortunately are extremely rare. Pre-operative bloodwork is a useful screening test that may detect pre-existing problems which could interfere with your pets ability to handle anaesthetic drugs. It is important that you properly fast your cat prior to surgery according to our instructions. In addition, any signs of illness or previous medical history should be reported to us prior to any sedation, anaesthesia or surgery.

Post Operative Infection- This may occur internally or around the incision wound. In most cases the infection can be controlled with antibiotics. This most commonly occurs when the cat licks the site excessively or is in a damp environment. In the vast majority of cases, no adverse affects are noted following neutering. In certain cats, notably the Siamese breed, the hair that grows back over an operation site may be noticeably darker, believed to be due to a difference in the skin temperature. This darker patch may grow out with the following molt as the hair is naturally replaced.

There are many myths and rumors about neutering that are not supported by facts or research. Be sure to address any questions or concerns you may have with your veterinarian prior to surgery.

CAT SPAY (OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY)

Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known scientifically as an ovariohysterectomy. Spaying is very beneficial to the health of the cat, especially if performed at an early age. Here are several health benefits associated with spaying your cat: Spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer and uterine cancers. Breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in intact or unspayed female cats. If your cat is spayed before her first heat cycle, there is less than 1/2 to 1 % chance of developing breast cancer. With every subsequent heat cycle, the risk of developing breast cancer increases. After 2 1/2 years of age, an ovariohysterectomy gives no protective benefit against developing breast cancer. Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medications. The most obvious benefit is the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. There is no medical or scientific reason for letting your cat have a litter before she is spayed. Once a cat reaches puberty, usually around seven months of age, she will have a heat or estrus cycle every 2 to 3 weeks for most of the year, unless she becomes pregnant. She will be "in heat" or receptive to mating for approximately one week in each cycle. During "heat" she may display unsociable behavior such as loud and persistent crying and frequent rubbing and rolling on the floor. This behaviour coupled with her scent, will attract male cats from miles around. Removal of her ovaries will stop her estrus cycles. Spaying should be performed before the first estrus or "heat cycle". Most cats are spayed around 6 months of age. It is possible to spay yourcat if she is pregnant.

A cat spay is considered a major surgical procedure that requires a full general anaesthetic. When your cat is admitted for surgery, she will be examined by the veterinarian performing the surgery, and pre-anaesthetic blood tests will be performed if you have chosen to do so. After your pet is anaesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in her trachea or windpipe. This will allow the delivery of oxygen and the gas anaesthetic directly into the lungs. The operation is performed through a relatively small incision made most commonly in the midline of the abdomen, just below the umbilicus. Both ovaries are removed along with the entire uterus. The surgical incision will be closed with several layers of sutures. In many cases, skin sutures will be placed, and these will be removed in 7 to 10 days if the traditional method of surgery was used, and in 14 days if the laser was used. In general, complications are rare during the spaying of cats. With modern anaesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk is very low. However, as with all surgical procedures, there is always a small risk:

Anaesthetic Complication- It is always possible that any pet could have an adverse reaction following the administration of any drug. Such cases are impossible to predict, but fortunately are extremely rare. Pre-operative bloodwork is a useful screening test that may detect pre-existing problems which could interfere with the pets ability to handle anaesthetic drugs. It is important that you properly fast your cat prior to surgery according to our instructions. In addition, any signs of illness or previous medical history should be reported to us prior to any sedation, anaesthesia or surgery.

Internal Bleeding- This can occur if a ligature around a blood vessel breaks or slips off after the abdomen has been closed. This is very rare, and is more likely to occur if the cat is extremely active. Clinical signs include weakness, pale gums, depression, anorexia, or a distended abdomen. This is a true emerency. Please call us immediately!

Post Operative Infection- This may occur internally or around the incision wound. In most cases the infection can be controlled with antibiotics. This most commonly occurs when the cat licks the site excessively or is in a damp environment. In the vast majority of cases, there are absolutely no adverse affects following spaying. In certain cats, notably the Siamese breed, the hair that grows back over an operation site may be noticeably darker, believed to be due to a difference in the skin temperature. This darker patch may grow out with the following molt as the hair is naturally replaced.

There are many myths and rumors about spaying that are not supported by facts or research. Be sure to address any questions or concerns you may have with your veterinarian prior to surgery.

DECLAWING IN CATS (ONYCHECTOMY)

Declawing (onychectomy) consists of surgical removal of the entire nail and nail bed of the front claws under general anaesthesia. When your pet is admitted for surgery, s/he will be examined by the veterinarian performing the surgery, and pre-anaesthetic blood tests will be performed if you have chosen to do so. After your pet is anaesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in his/her trachea or windpipe. This will allow the delivery of oxygen and the gas anaesthetic directly into the lungs. The surgeon will use a C02 laser to perform the procedure. The incision sites are closed using a surgical skin adhesive or absorbable sutures. Often, the patient will be hospitalized for one night. Most cats are "back to normal" within 7 to 14 days.

To ensure a safe and speedy recovery for your cat, follow these guidelines:

Litter Box- Replace the normal granular litter with shredded strips of paper or a specially formulated dust free pelleted litter for the first 5 to 7 days. If your pet refuses to use the paper litter, you may add 1/4 cup of regular clay litter that has been shaken to remove any clay dust. NEVER USE CLUMPING LITTER during this period. This is important because small granules of litter can enter or adhere to the surgical sites and cause an infection or delay healing.

Exercise- Restricting a cats activity is difficult, at best. As much as possible, discourage your cat from jumping on furniture and counter tops for the first week after surgery by blocking the access to these areas. If you see your cat on a counter top or high furniture, help it down. Cats primarily use their back legs to jump up, but may injure the surgical sites when they jump down and land on their front paws.

Bleeding- Occasionally a cat will break open one of its incisions and a few drops of blood may ooze out. The blood should clot rapidly and form a small scab. Notify the hospital if you observe continuous bleeding from a surgical site. Do not attempt to clean the paws or administer any topical medications without consulting a veterinarian. In general, complications are rare during the declawing of cats. With modern anaesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk is very low. However, as with all surgical procedures, there is always a small risk:

Anaesthetic Complication- It is always possible that any pet could have an adverse reaction following the administration of any drug. Such cases are impossible to predict, but fortunately are extremely rare. Pre-operative bloodwork is a useful screening test that may detect pre-existing problems which could interfere with the pets ability to handle anaesthetic drugs. It is important that you properly fast your cat prior to surgery according to our instructions. In addition, any signs of illness or previous medical history should be reported to us prior to any sedation, anaesthesia or surgery.

Post Operative Infection- This may occur around the incision wound. In most cases the infection can be controlled with antibiotics. This most commonly occurs when the cat licks the site excessively or is in a damp environment.

After declawing, it is advisable to keep your cat indoors. Some 10 scientific studies have shown that declawed cats are not at greater risk of getting bitten or injured in a cat fight. However, they may have a decreased ability to defend themselves against other predators if allowed outdoors.

Please contact the veterinary clinic if any of the following occur:
Your cats feet appear very swollen or bleed frequently and profusely.
Your pet is reluctant to walk after 4 or 5 days at home.
There is a change in your cats general health, behaviour, or if your cat stops eating for two consecutive days.
If you have any questions or concerns about your cat or the surgical procedure.