How does surgery proceed during spaying of a cat? - briefly
Spaying surgery for cats typically involves making an incision in the abdomen, locating the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and then carefully removing them. Afterwards, the incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples. The entire procedure is usually quick, taking around 20-30 minutes under general anesthesia.
How does surgery proceed during spaying of a cat? - in detail
Surgery for spaying a cat, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a common and routine procedure performed by veterinarians. The primary goal is to remove the reproductive organs—the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus—to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of certain health issues such as pyometra and mammary tumors. Here is a detailed step-by-step process of how surgery proceeds during spaying of a cat:
The procedure typically begins with preoperative preparation, which includes a thorough physical examination to ensure the cat is healthy enough for surgery. Blood tests may also be conducted to assess organ function and rule out any underlying health issues. The cat is usually fasted overnight to prevent vomiting during anesthesia.
On the day of surgery, the cat is administered pre-anesthetic medications to calm her and reduce anxiety. This often includes a sedative and a pain medication. Once the cat is sufficiently relaxed, general anesthesia is induced using an injectable agent or gas anesthesia via a mask. The cat is then intubated to maintain a secure airway throughout the procedure.
Once the cat is under anesthesia, she is positioned on her back for access to the abdomen. The area around the incision site is carefully clipped and disinfected to minimize the risk of infection. A sterile surgical drape is placed over the cat to maintain a clean environment.
The veterinary surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen, typically just below the umbilicus. The length of the incision can vary depending on the size and age of the cat, but it is usually several centimeters long. Careful dissection through the subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and peritoneum allows access to the abdominal cavity.
Within the abdomen, the veterinarian locates the uterus and ovaries, which are attached by ligaments to the body wall. The surgeon carefully ties off each ovarian pedicle using absorbable sutures, ensuring that there is no bleeding from these vessels. This step is crucial as it prevents potential hemorrhage post-surgery.
After the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, the veterinarian focuses on the uterus. The uterine horns are ligated close to the cervix using sutures, and then the uterus is carefully separated from its attachments to the body wall. This process involves meticulous dissection to avoid damage to nearby structures such as the ureters and intestines.
Once the entire reproductive tract has been removed, the incision in the abdominal muscles is closed using absorbable sutures. The subcutaneous tissue and skin are then closed with sutures or staples. In some cases, a three-layer closure technique may be employed to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of hernia formation.
Throughout the procedure, the surgical site is kept clean and free from contamination by using sterile instruments and maintaining aseptic techniques. After the incision is closed, the cat is extubated and allowed to recover from anesthesia under close monitoring. Pain management is continued post-operatively with additional pain medications as needed.
The cat is typically kept in the veterinary clinic for observation until she is fully awake and able to walk. She may be given a cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent her from licking or biting at the sutures. Instructions are provided to the owner regarding post-operative care, including monitoring for signs of infection, ensuring proper healing, and restricting activity for a specified period.
Overall, spaying surgery is a standard procedure that offers numerous health benefits to female cats. Proper surgical technique and careful attention to detail ensure a successful outcome with minimal complications.