How are cats castrated on cats? - briefly
Castration in cats is typically performed by veterinarians using surgical methods. The procedure involves removing the testes from male cats or ovaries and uterus from female cats under general anesthesia.
How are cats castrated on cats? - in detail
Castration is a common procedure performed on male cats to prevent unwanted behaviors and health issues associated with intact males. The process involves removing both testicles, which produces hormonal changes that can lead to improved behavior and reduced risk of certain diseases. Here's a detailed look at how this procedure is typically carried out:
Firstly, the cat undergoes a pre-operative evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. This includes a physical examination and blood tests. The cat must be fasted overnight to minimize the risk of vomiting during or after the procedure.
On the day of the surgery, the veterinarian will administer anesthesia to keep the cat unconscious and pain-free throughout the operation. An endotracheal tube is often inserted to maintain a clear airway and facilitate breathing with a gas anesthetic such as isoflurane. The cat's vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, are closely monitored during the procedure.
Once the cat is under anesthesia, the veterinarian prepares the surgical site by clipping the hair around the scrotum and cleaning the area with a disinfectant solution. Sterile drapes are then placed to maintain a clean surgical field.
The surgery itself involves two main incisions. The first is made through the skin of the scrotum, typically using a scalpel blade. The second incision is made into each testicle's covering layer, called the tunica vaginalis. Using forceps and hemostats, the veterinarian carefully separates each testicle and its attached structures from the surrounding tissues.
The blood vessels and vas deferens, which carry sperm, are then clamped using small clamps or ligated with suture material to prevent bleeding. The veterinarian removes each testicle by cutting through the remaining tissue connections. In some cases, the veterinarian may also remove the epididymis, a structure attached to the testicle that stores and transports sperm.
After both testicles are removed, the incisions in the tunica vaginalis are closed using absorbable sutures. The skin incision is then closed with either sutures or surgical staples. In many cases, a small amount of local anesthetic may be injected into the incision site to provide additional pain relief during recovery.
Once the surgery is complete, the cat is moved to a recovery area where they are closely monitored until they regain consciousness. Pain medication and antibiotics may be administered to manage any discomfort or prevent infection. The cat will typically need to wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) for 10-14 days to prevent licking or chewing at the surgical site.
Following castration, cats often exhibit improved behavior, including reduced aggression, marking, and roaming tendencies. Additionally, the risk of developing certain health issues, such as testicular cancer and prostate problems, is significantly lowered. As with any surgical procedure, it's essential to follow your veterinarian's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and complication-free recovery for your cat.