Generally, there are few complications following this operation but there are still things you must do for your pet during this recovery period. Pain control is very important. Your pet will receive pain medication at the hospital, and it is your job to continue pain medication at home. Give medication as instructed; it is easier to keep pain under control than to get it under control if you miss a dose.
1. Exercise restriction for 14 days following surgery. This is to ensure that your pet has the best possible opportunity to heal post-surgery without complications. Too much activity can cause the body to have suture reactions, puts strain on sutures/incision and possibly lead to infection. This means no swimming (or bathing), no big hikes (shorter leashed walks only) and you may need to keep your pet from excessive jumping up or down. Kitties that spend time outside should be kept inside during this recovery period. If your pet is high energy and you know you are going to have challenges keeping them quiet, we will happily send home some medications to help.
2. Have a quiet, warm and comfortable place ready for them to recover. Expect them to be tired and quiet for 24 hours; this is actually preferable as calm, quiet pets will heal faster. If you know your pet is “sensitive” and may take longer to recover you may want to consider taking a day or two off work or have someone around to monitor them. Keep cats inside for at least 24 hours.
3. If your pet doesn’t want to eat once they get home from the hospital that is OK. They should be drinking water and want to eat the next day.
4. Animals are different from humans in that they may chew at sutures or surgical incisions. They don’t understand what can happen and why they shouldn’t do that. This is where the cone of shame comes in. Love it, use it and it will aid in quick healing and prevent complications. Pets do not love e-collars but they usually get used to them. Only take the collar off when you can closely watch them. DO NOT take it off at night! Ask us about the different types of collars we carry in the hospital so you can make the best choice for you and your pet.
5. A mild cough is also normal following anesthesia; this is due to irritation from the endotracheal (breathing) tube used to deliver oxygen and gas anesthetic, as well as protect the airway, during the procedure. This is usually a dry, nonproductive cough that should decrease over time and dissipate within 3-4 days. If, however, a cough does not resolve within 3-4 days, is increasing in frequency or severity, or if it begins to cause any difficulty breathing, this is not normal and your pet should be examined as soon as possible to determine any other issue which could be occurring
6. Be aware, male dogs are still capable of breeding for 2-3 weeks after neuter surgery. Please keep them separated from intact females during this time to avoid unwanted litters. More serious complications or side effects may occur post procedure that require a phone call or a recheck appointment. If you notice any of these signs, please contact us immediately (970) 963-2371 or visit Valley Emergency Pet Care if it is after hours.
– Extreme lethargy or listlessness (especially after the first 24 hours)
– Excessive redness or irritation around the suture line
– Swelling or a lump around the incision site
– Discharge from the site
– Vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence or blood in the stool
– Broken sutures or odor from the wound
– Urinary incontinence (leaking of urine)
– No stools for more than 2 days after coming home
Visit our Wellness Plans page to learn more about our packages, and how these plans can benefit your cat today!
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Cats are beloved companions that add joy and love to our lives, so it’s only natural for pet owners to want to protect their cats’ health and well-being. This is why spaying and neutering cats is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Spaying and neutering cats can have many benefits for both the cat and the pet owner, so it’s important to understand the procedure and the benefits.
At Alpine Animal Hospital, we understand how important your cat’s health is to you. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners, and we are here to help you make informed decisions about your cat’s health. In this article, we will explain what cat spaying and neutering are, the health and behavioral benefits, and how to properly care for your cat before and after the procedure.
What is Cat Neutering?
Cat neutering is the surgical procedure in which a male cat’s testicles are removed, making him sterile and unable to reproduce. This procedure also results in decreased testosterone levels, which can reduce or eliminate certain unwanted behaviors and health issues. Neutering is a crucial step in responsible pet ownership, as it offers numerous benefits to both the cat and its owner.
What is Spaying a Cat?
Spaying a cat is a sterilization procedure that eliminates a female cat’s ability to reproduce. There are two primary sterilization techniques used by veterinarians: ovariectomy (removal of the cat’s ovaries) and ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and the uterus). This procedure is performed under anesthesia, and the cat can usually return home the same day, making a quick recovery.
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How Does Spaying or Neutering Impact the Health and Well-being of My Cat?
Spaying and neutering cats offer numerous health and well-being benefits. Spayed cats have a lower risk of mammary cancer, ovarian and uterine cancer, and uterine infection, while neutered cats have a lower risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease. In addition, spaying or neutering can reduce or eliminate behaviors such as spraying or marking territory, aggression toward other animals, roaming, yowling, and fighting.
How Soon Should I Bring My Cat In for Surgery?
The optimal timeline for spaying or neutering depends on the procedure and the cat’s health. To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to ensure that your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, medications, and grooming prior to surgery. Fasting is also an essential part of preparing a cat for surgery, as it helps prevent vomiting and aspiration while under anesthesia. Previously, 12 hours of fasting was recommended, but recent guidelines now advise 6-8 hours of fasting for adult cats. For very young kittens, food should only be withheld for 1-2 hours before surgery.
Elective surgeries such as spaying and neutering are typically performed when the cat is healthy, so it’s best to bring your cat in as soon as possible. The Humane Society of the United States recommends spaying or neutering kittens at 6-8 weeks of age, while other guidelines suggest performing these procedures at 5-6 months of age.
What are the Medical Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Cats?
Spaying and neutering cats can lead to a range of medical and behavioral benefits for both male and female animals. Spaying female pets can prevent uterine infections and decrease the incidence of breast tumors. In male pets, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate problems. Additionally, spaying a female pet eliminates her heat cycles, reducing the associated behaviors such as yowling and frequent urination. Neutered male pets are also less likely to roam away from home in search of a mate, reducing the risk of injury and accidents.
How Will Spaying or Neutering Affect My Cat’s Behavior?
Spaying and neutering cats can have a positive impact on their behavior. Neutering male cats can reduce aggression, especially towards other males. It can also prevent the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as penile barbs, large jowls, and glands at the dorsal part of the cat’s tail. Spayed females are calmer and more affectionate due to the elimination of their heat cycle and breeding instinct-related behaviors. Additionally, neutering can reduce or eliminate spraying in around 85% of male cats.
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What are Some Possible Conditions that can be Helped or Prevented by Spaying or Neutering My Cat?
Spaying and neutering are important surgical procedures that can help prevent or treat various conditions in cats. These include reproductive system-related diseases, trauma-related injuries, viral diseases transmitted via sexual contact, strongly malodorous urine in male cats, and certain types of cancer. By spaying and neutering your cat, you can reduce the risk of these conditions and ensure they have a healthier and happier life.
How Should I Care for My Cat Before and After Spaying or Neutering Surgery?
Pre and post-operative care is essential for a successful outcome and a safe recovery for your pet. Before surgery, make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/tick preventative treatments. On the day of the procedure, do not feed your pet after 10 p.m. the night before surgery, but water is allowed. For puppies and kittens under three months old, a small breakfast no later than 6 a.m. should be offered, and then food removed. Always ask your veterinarian about their recommended fasting protocol. Bring proof of current rabies vaccination, or be prepared for your pet to receive one during the visit.
After surgery, allow your pet to recover in a quiet, safe, and warm indoor place away from other animals and children for at least 12 hours. Offer small amounts of food and water in the evening after the surgery, as it can take up to 48 hours for their appetite to return to normal. Keep activity levels limited for 10-14 days, monitor the incision site twice daily, keep it clean and dry, don’t let them lick or scratch it, separate male cats from unsterilized females, and do not bathe or apply ointments until healing is complete (usually around 10 days). Cats will typically need to wear an E-collar or surgical suit following surgery to prevent licking and scratching at the incision. Cats must be kept indoors while wearing an E-collar to prevent entrapment or injury while climbing.
By understanding the importance of proper care before and after spaying or neutering surgery, pet owners can ensure their pets experience a safe and comfortable recovery while also contributing to the overall health and well-being of their pets.
Conclusion
Spaying and neutering cats is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. This procedure offers numerous health and well-being benefits to both male and female cats, including a lower risk of cancer, reproductive system-related diseases, trauma-related injuries, and cancer. It can also reduce or eliminate behaviors such as spraying or marking territory, aggression towards other animals, roaming, yowling, and fighting. It also obviously helps control the pet population!
At Alpine Animal Hospital, our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners, and we understand how important your cat’s health is to you. If you live in or near Carbondale, CO, contact us today at (970) 963-2371 to set an appointment or if you have any questions about cat spaying and neutering.