Essentials of Cat & Dog Spaying/Neutering Surgery: A Co

Spaying and neutering surgeries for cats and dogs encompass a variety of procedures, including:

For female dogs or cats, this involves an ovariohysterectomy, which is the removal of the ovaries and uterus, or an ovario hysterectomy, which entails the removal of the ovaries, uterus, and extends to the cervix. For male dogs or cats, the procedure is called castration, which generally includes the removal of the testicles, epididymis, and part of the vas deferens.

The ovariohysterectomy specifically removes the ovaries without the uterus or cervix, while the ovario hysterectomy removes both the ovaries and the uterus down to the cervix.

In the case of male dogs or cats, castration typically involves the removal of the testicles, epididymis, and a portion of the vas deferens.

1. Age for Sterilization

It is generally recommended to spay or neuter cats and dogs between the ages of 6 to 8 months. For female dogs, the optimal time for sterilization is during the anestrus phase, as spaying during the proestrus or estrus phases can lead to ovarian hemorrhage. Performing the surgery during the diestrus phase may cause a sudden drop in progesterone levels postop, leading to an increase in prolactin concentration and pseudopregnancy.

2. Choosing the Sterilization Method for Male Animals

Ⅰ. Closed Method

This method is suitable for dogs weighing under 20 kg. It involves using three hemostats to clamp the spermatic cord from the proximal end, then removing the closest hemostat and ligating the spermatic cord at the remaining mark. The cord is then cut between the second and third hemostats.

Ⅱ. Open Method

This method is appropriate for dogs weighing over 20 kg. The scrotal wall layer is incised longitudinally from the base of the testicle, and the spermatic cord or the testicular suspensory muscle is cut at the proximal end or after ligation (if there are large blood vessels). The cord, arteries, and vas deferens are then ligated and cut using the "closed method" with three hemostats.

3. Choosing the Sterilization Method for Female Animals

Ⅰ. Midline Abdominal Incision

This incision is made about 1.5 cm from the umbilicus along the midline. The animal is placed in a supine position during surgery, with the dog's incision typically ranging from 4 to 10 cm and the cat's from 2 to 4 cm. This method ensures the maximum removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus but has a larger incision and a longer recovery time. It is more suitable for overweight animals, those requiring induced abortion, or those with reproductive system abnormalities.

Ⅱ. Lateral Abdominal Incision

This incision is made while the animal is in a lateral recumbent position, with the side chosen being the right abdominal wall (the left side has more organs). A longitudinal incision 1 to 2 cm long is made at the midpoint of a horizontal line drawn from the greater trochanter to the last rib. This method has a smaller incision and faster recovery, but it can be more challenging to perform and is not suitable for very large or overweight animals, nor for those that are pregnant.

4. Techniques for Skin Suturing

Nodal Suturing

Also known as interrupted suturing, this is the most common technique. Each stitch is tied off individually, with no connections between the knots.

Subcuticular Suturing

This method can be either interrupted or continuous and is known for its good approximation, no need for suture removal, minimal scarring, and aesthetic appeal. It is best to choose sutures that match the skin healing time (57 days), such as shortterm absorbable monofilament sutures.

5. PostSterilization Care for Cats and Dogs

PostOperative Pain Relief: Female animals usually experience pain for 2 to 3 days after surgery. Oral liquids are often preferred over tablets or injections for ease of administration. Medications like Mefenamic Acid oral solution can provide effective pain relief.

PostOperative Antiseptic Care: Use a surgical garment and an Elizabethan collar to prevent the animal from licking the wound. Keep the wound dry and clean.

Avoiding Vigorous Exercise: The animal should avoid strenuous activity for the first week postsurgery.

Don't be alarmed, pet owners! After sterilization surgery, as long as you maintain proper wound hygiene and provide good care, the risks are minimal. In the unlikely event of adverse symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care. Generally, the issues are manageable.