How to remove the uterus from a cat? - briefly
Removing the uterus from a cat involves a surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. This is typically performed by a veterinarian under general anesthesia, ensuring both the safety and comfort of the animal throughout the process.
How to remove the uterus from a cat? - in detail
Removing the uterus from a cat, also known as spaying or ovariohysterectomy, is a common surgical procedure performed by veterinarians to prevent unwanted litters and reduce health risks associated with intact female cats. This procedure involves the removal of both ovaries and the uterus. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to perform this surgery:
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Preoperative Care:
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Anesthesia:
- Administer a combination of injectable anesthetics to induce unconsciousness. Commonly used drugs include propofol, ketamine, and midazolam.
- Intubate the cat to maintain a patent airway and administer oxygen and anesthetic gases (such as isoflurane) throughout the procedure.
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Surgical Preparation:
- Clip the hair from the surgical site, which is typically located along the midline of the abdomen just below the umbilicus.
- Cleanse the area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
- Drape the cat in a sterile manner to maintain a clean surgical field.
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Incision and Exposure:
- Make a ventral midline incision using a scalpel, starting just below the umbilicus and extending towards the pubis. The length of the incision should be sufficient to allow access to the uterus and ovaries.
- Use tissue forceps or retractors to gently separate the abdominal muscles and expose the underlying peritoneum.
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Peritoneal Incision:
- Make a small incision in the peritoneum, which is the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity. This will allow access to the internal organs.
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Identification and Ligation of the Ovarian Pedicles:
- Gently palpate the abdomen to locate the ovaries, which are typically found near the kidneys on either side of the spine.
- Using a hemostat or tissue forceps, carefully grasp each ovary and gently lift it upwards to expose the ovarian pedicle (the blood vessel and nerve supply to the ovary).
- Ligate (tie off) the ovarian pedicle using absorbable suture material, ensuring that both the artery and vein are securely closed. This will prevent postoperative hemorrhage.
- Cut the ovarian pedicle between the ligatures to remove each ovary.
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Removal of the Uterus:
- Once both ovaries have been removed, locate the uterine horns (the two tubular parts of the uterus that extend towards the ovaries).
- Gently grasp and lift each uterine horn to expose the uterine body, which is the central part of the uterus where the two horns meet.
- Ligate the uterine body using absorbable suture material, ensuring that both the artery and vein are securely closed.
- Cut the uterine body between the ligatures to remove the entire uterus.
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Closure:
- Inspect the surgical site for any signs of bleeding or damage to internal organs.
- Close the peritoneal incision using absorbable suture material in a simple interrupted pattern.
- Close the abdominal muscles using absorbable suture material in an interrupted or continuous pattern, depending on the preference and training of the surgeon.
- Close the skin using non-absorbable suture material, such as nylon or polypropylene, in a simple interrupted or subcuticular pattern.
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Postoperative Care:
- Monitor the cat closely during recovery to ensure there are no complications related to anesthesia or surgery.
- Administer pain medication and antibiotics as needed to manage postoperative discomfort and prevent infection.
- Keep the cat quiet and restrict activity for 10-14 days to allow proper healing of the incision.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with the veterinarian to remove sutures and ensure proper healing.