NEUTERING OF FEMALE CATS AND DOGS

Purpose of operation

Ovariectomy is called the removal of only ovaries to prevent mating in older cats and it is also performed to treat ovarian cysts and tumours.It is not a much-preferred operation. Removing only the ovaries and leaving the uterus increases the likelihood of problems with the uterus in later periods.

It is usually performed when the patient owner asks especially for it.The process of removal of the uterus along with the ovaries is called Ovariohysterectomy which aims to neuter female cats and dogs.

It can be performed in the females is with sexual maturity However, it is also generally preferred for the ones physically developed.

Female animals are neutered to prevent mating desire and pregnancy. It is also performed for the treatment of ovarian cysts, metritis and pyometra.

It can also be used as a preventive measure in older animals in order to prevent occurring of breast tumors, which may root to ovary cystic formations in female cats and dogs, due to the disruption of hormonal metabolism.

Pre-operation Considerations:

After the decision is made on the neutering operation, it is necessary to be checked the general health condition of the patient for the operation. This will be useful to determine the general condition of the patient and not to risk the patient who will receive anaesthesia. For this purpose, it is necessary to check the patient’s blood values and perform other tests.

If the operation is performed for treatment (inflammation of the uterus etc.) The drugs which given by the physician in advance should be used regularly until the day of the operation.

If the patient is allergic to any medication, the physician must be informed about it. Food and drink should not be given to the patient within 12-24 hours before the operation. This will provide a more comfortable operation for the patient who will receive anaesthesia.

Operation Technique:

Sterilization procedures are performed in the patient’s preparation room where sedatives are given to the patient for the operation. For this purpose, first of all, the feathers in the operation spot are shaved and then this spot is disinfected by using an antiseptic solution. After these procedures, Physician decided the level of anaesthesia and the area is covered with a sterile drape and the patient is made ready for surgical intervention.

The operation can start to be performed from the area called Fossa paralumbalis or the middle abdominal line called linea alba under the abdomen, according to the physician’s preference. After the abdominal cavity is opened and the right and left ovary are detected, ligatures are placed and the uterus and ovaries are removed by cutting. Muscles and skin are stitched and the operation line is closed.

Among the methods used in the operation, the most preferred method is Overohisterectomie.

In addition to this method, there is another method which is called Hysterectomy. The female animal is neutered by only removing the uterus. With this method, one or two of the ovaries are left. So the female animal can continue her sexual activities. However, as hormone metabolism continues its function especially the cats are constantly in heat. But even if female pet mateS, pregnancy is not possible. In later periods, the possibility of cyst formation in the ovaries is quite high because of that It is not a preferred method.

Post-operative Considerations:

Antibiotic should be given to the patient after the operation. Does and time of antibiotic must be arranged according to the recommendation of the physician. After the operation, WinPet must be used because the patient will damage the operation area by licking and threading. Sudden movements, such as jumping, which may put a risk of healing process of the patient should be prevented. Painkillers can be used if it is necessary.

Full recovery is completed in about 10-12 days and then stitches can be removed.

Under normal circumstances, the patient will start eating 24 to 36 hours after the operation and continue its life as it used to be.

In the during of this period, In case of the patient has got bloating, redness, inflammation etc, the patient must be controlled by a doctor without wasting any time.

Possible Postoperative Complications

As long as the proper sterilization, proper material usage and regular antibiotic usage and serum treatment are managed properly during the operation, the risk of complications is very low.

However, the patient should avoid excessive and inappropriate exercise. Stitches should be protected after the operation. WinPet must not be taken off from the patient during the healing process. Otherwise, there is the risk of the eventration (opening of the sutures and coming out of the internal organs)

Since there may be a tendency to gain weight due to changing hormone metabolism after the operation, the nutrition of the neutered patient should be reorganized.

As an exception in some patients, there could be a reaction to the operation. Disorder in eating habit and high fever can be observed as the reactions. This reaction lasts 7-10 days but this ratio is 1% to 2%.