Peele Stanton (sunvan5)
An article on Ovariohysterectomy (spaying) for female cats. Learn about the surgical procedure, preparation, recovery steps, and health outcomes. Understanding Ovariohysterectomy The Standard Spaying Surgery for Cats Schedule the reproductive neutralization of your female feline before her first estrous cycle, ideally between four and six months of age. This timing reduces the likelihood of mammary neoplasms by more than 90% compared to waiting until after multiple heat periods. The intervention is less complex on a juvenile animal, often resulting in a quicker recovery. This preventative health measure completely eliminates the risk of pyometra, a severe and often fatal uterine infection common in intact adult queens. Beyond preventing grave medical conditions, the procedure halts the demanding behaviors associated with estrus, including persistent vocalization and attempts to escape. The change brings a more stable and peaceful temperament to the household companion. Prior to the scheduled intervention, a pre-anesthetic blood screening is advisable to confirm liver and kidney function are normal, ensuring the animal can safely process the anesthesia. Withhold food for at least eight hours before the appointment, though water can typically be offered until a couple of hours prior. This fasting protocol is a standard safety precaution to prevent aspiration during the procedure. Feline Ovariohysterectomy (Spay) Procedure Pre-operative blood screening, including a complete blood count and chemistry panel, is standard for queens older than six years to assess organ function. Anesthesia is typically induced with an injectable agent like propofol or alfaxalone, followed by maintenance with isoflurane or sevoflurane gas. The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency, and the ventral abdomen is clipped and aseptically prepared for the intervention. The technical steps of the reproductive organ removal follow a precise sequence to ensure safety and minimize tissue trauma. The approach through the linea alba is preferred as it is an avascular structure, reducing hemorrhage. Step Action Key Anatomical Structures <br />
1. Incision A 2-3 cm incision is made on the ventral midline, caudal to the umbilicus. Skin, subcutaneous tissue, linea alba. <br />
2. Uterine Horn Location A spay hook is used to retrieve a uterine horn, which is then followed to the ovary. Uterine horn, broad ligament. <br />
3. Ovarian Pedicle Ligation The three-clamp technique is applied. Double ligation with absorbable suture (e.g., Polydioxanone) is performed before transecting the ovarian pedicle. Suspensory ligament, ovarian artery and vein. <br />
4. Uterine Body Ligation The uterine body is ligated cranial to the cervix using a circumferential or transfixing ligature. Uterine body, uterine arteries, cervix. <br />
5. Tract Removal The entire reproductive tract is excised and inspected to confirm complete removal of both ovaries. The stumps are checked for bleeding. Ovaries, uterus. <br />
Closure is performed in three distinct layers. The linea alba is closed with a simple interrupted or continuous pattern using absorbable suture material. The subcutaneous tissue is then closed to reduce dead space. Skin closure is achieved with intradermal sutures, eliminating the n
