Where is the suture made during cat spaying? - briefly
During cat spaying, the sutures are typically made in the abdominal wall muscles and skin following the removal of the ovaries and uterus through an incision. This closure helps ensure proper healing and prevents internal organs from protruding.
Where is the suture made during cat spaying? - in detail
During cat spaying, the suture is typically made in the abdominal wall after the ovaries and uterus have been removed. The procedure involves several steps:
Firstly, the veterinarian makes an incision in the lower abdomen of the cat to access the reproductive organs. This incision is usually about 1-2 inches long and is made on the midline of the abdomen, just below the umbilicus (navel).
Next, the veterinarian carefully removes the ovaries and uterus from their attachments within the abdominal cavity. This step is crucial as it prevents future heat cycles and pregnancy.
After the reproductive organs have been removed, the veterinarian closes the incision in the abdominal wall using absorbable sutures. The type of suture used may vary depending on the veterinarian's preference, but common choices include polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl). These sutures are designed to dissolve over time as the cat's body heals.
The suture is made in a simple interrupted pattern or a continuous pattern, depending on the veterinarian's preference and the size of the incision. The goal of the suture is to bring the edges of the incision together securely and to prevent any internal organs from protruding through the incision.
In addition to the abdominal wall suture, some veterinarians may also place a suture in the skin above the incision to provide extra support and reduce the risk of dehiscence (the incision opening up). This skin suture is typically made using non-absorbable material such as nylon or polypropylene.
Once the sutures have been placed, the veterinarian may apply a bandage or an Elizabethan collar to prevent the cat from licking or chewing at the incision site while it heals. The cat is then monitored closely during the post-operative period to ensure that the incision remains clean and dry, and that there are no signs of infection or other complications.