How is cat sterilization currently performed? - briefly
Cat sterilization is commonly performed through two primary methods: ovariohysterectomy (OHE) for females and orchiectomy for males. Both procedures involve surgical removal of reproductive organs under general anesthesia to prevent future pregnancies and reduce behavioral issues.
How is cat sterilization currently performed? - in detail
Cat sterilization, also known as spaying for females and neutering for males, is a common surgical procedure performed by veterinarians to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce behavioral issues such as aggression and spraying. The process involves the removal of reproductive organs and typically requires general anesthesia. Here's a detailed overview of how cat sterilization is currently performed:
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Pre-operative Care: Before the surgery, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination to ensure the cat is healthy enough for the procedure. Blood tests may be ordered to assess organ function and rule out any underlying conditions that could complicate the surgery or anesthesia. The owner should withhold food from the cat for at least 8-12 hours before the operation to minimize the risk of vomiting under anesthesia.
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Anesthesia: The cat is placed under general anesthesia to ensure it remains still and pain-free during the procedure. Modern anesthetic agents are safe and effective, but the veterinarian will monitor the cat's vital signs throughout the surgery to ensure there are no complications. An endotracheal tube may be inserted to maintain a clear airway and deliver oxygen and anesthetic gas.
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Surgical Procedure:
- For female cats (spaying): A small incision is made in the cat's abdomen, typically just below the belly button. The veterinarian then carefully removes both ovaries and the uterus through this incision. Sutures are used to close the incision, and the cat may receive stitches that dissolve on their own or require removal in 10-14 days.
- For male cats (neutering): The veterinarian makes a small incision in the scrotum, and each testicle is removed through this opening. The incision is then closed with sutures that may dissolve on their own or need to be removed later. In some cases, especially for older cats, the procedure can be performed via an incision in the abdomen.
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Post-operative Care: After the surgery, the cat is closely monitored as it recovers from the anesthesia. Pain medication and antibiotics may be administered to manage discomfort and prevent infection. The cat should be kept quiet and confined for a few days to allow the incision to heal properly. Follow-up care includes ensuring the cat does not lick or chew at the surgical site, which could lead to infection or delayed healing. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled 10-14 days after the surgery to remove any non-dissolvable stitches and check for proper healing.
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Long-term Benefits: Sterilization offers numerous long-term benefits for cats, including preventing unwanted litters, reducing the risk of certain cancers (such as mammary tumors in females), and decreasing behavioral issues like spraying and roaming. It also contributes to overall population control and reduces the burden on animal shelters.
By following these detailed steps, veterinarians ensure that cat sterilization is a safe and effective procedure with numerous benefits for both individual cats and the broader feline population.