How to spay a nursing cat? - briefly
Spaying a nursing cat should be postponed until her kittens are weaned, typically around 8-10 weeks old. After weaning, consult your veterinarian for the procedure to ensure both the mother and kittens' health and wellbeing.
How to spay a nursing cat? - in detail
Spaying a nursing cat is a delicate surgical procedure that requires meticulous planning and execution. This process involves removing the ovaries and uterus of the cat while she is still lactating. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to spay a nursing cat:
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Pre-Operative Care: Begin by ensuring the cat's overall health is stable. Conduct a thorough physical examination, including blood tests, to rule out any underlying issues that could complicate the surgery. Consult with the owner about the cat's diet and any medications she might be taking.
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Timing of Surgery: Ideally, spaying should be performed after the kittens are weaned, typically around 8-12 weeks of age. However, in cases where immediate sterilization is necessary (e.g., to prevent unwanted litters), the surgery can be done earlier. The cat's body will continue to produce milk for the kittens even after spaying, so weaning should proceed normally.
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Anesthesia: Choose an appropriate anesthetic agent that is safe for both lactating cats and their nursing kittens. Consult with a veterinary anesthesiologist if needed. Ensure the cat is fasted before surgery to minimize the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during anesthesia.
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Surgical Procedure:
- Preparation: Clip the fur around the incision site and clean it thoroughly with antiseptic solution. Drape the surgical area to maintain a sterile field.
- Incision: Make a ventral midline incision, approximately 2-3 cm long, just below the umbilicus.
- Exposure of Uterus and Ovaries: Carefully dissect through the subcutaneous tissue and body wall to expose the uterus and ovaries. Be cautious not to damage any abdominal organs or blood vessels.
- Ligation and Excision: Ligate (tie off) the uterine artery and vein using absorbable sutures. Gently lift the ovary and fallopian tube, and ligate the ovarian pedicle close to the ovary. Remove the ovary by cutting between the ligatures. Repeat this process for the other ovary.
- Uterine Removal: Ligate the cervix and cut the uterus just below the ligature. Gently pull the uterus out through the incision, ensuring all attached structures are removed.
- Closure: Close the body wall using absorbable sutures in a simple interrupted pattern. Close the subcutaneous tissue and skin with non-absorbable sutures or staples.
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Post-Operative Care:
- Pain Management: Administer appropriate pain medications to ensure the cat's comfort during recovery. Monitor for any signs of discomfort or infection.
- Monitoring Lactation: The cat will continue to produce milk for a few days after surgery. If the kittens are too young to wean, supplemental feedings may be necessary using a commercial milk replacer.
- Wound Care: Keep the incision site clean and dry. Instruct the owner to prevent the cat from licking or biting at the sutures. An Elizabethan collar may be required.
- Follow-up: Schedule a follow-up appointment to remove any non-absorbable sutures, typically 10-14 days post-surgery. Ensure that the cat is healing properly and that there are no signs of complications.
By following these detailed steps, veterinarians can safely and effectively spay a nursing cat while minimizing risks to both the mother and her kittens.