Perry Veterinary Clinic - Feline Surgery

Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. Spaying is often referred to as a routine surgery and is usually performed on animals around 6 months of age. Please note that the use of the word ‘routine’ should not be mistaken for ‘quick, easy and free from complications’! Spaying plays a major role in preventing unwanted kittens and helps prevent certain disease conditions later in life.

In the female cat, this surgery, performed at 6 months of age, involves removing most of the reproductive tract. This would include the ovaries, the uterine horns and part of the uterine body. The cervix remains. Since the abdominal cavity is opened this surgery is considered a major surgery. The procedure may involve several staff as follows:

Pre-anesthetic physical examination is performed on ALL surgery patients
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork may be performed as requested by the owner

In some instances, the physical examination may dictate the need for pre-operative bloodwork

Administration of pre-operative medication that allow safer anesthesia and provide analgesia (pain relief)
Preparation of the patient including clipping, scrubbing and fluid delivery
Surgery
Post-operative recovery and pain control (as requested by the owner)

Recovering animals are closely monitored for any problems

As with any surgery, complications can arise and some of these can be very serious. Major complications are:

Anesthetic complications such as cardio-respiratory arrest
Hemorrhage (abdominal bleeding)
Dehiscence (opening) of the incision
Infection

Complications by nature are unforeseen and are dealt with as they arise. It is important that we have a way of contacting you on the day of the surgery in case emergencies occur. If we cannot contact you at the indicated number we will automatically begin emergency or corrective procedures that may appear on the bill. The incidence of complications is extremely low due to close monitoring of the patient before, during, and after the procedure. We cannot predict when they will occur and in which animal. As we are not a 24-hour care facility, some complications occur whenever the clinic is closed and the staff is no longer present. This should be made clear to you prior to admitting your pet for surgery and will be stated in writing on the consent form. Please read this form carefully and ask questions – we will be glad to address your concerns

Neutering (orchectomy, castration) involves removal of the testicles that are the organs that produce the reproductive cells or sperm. Normally, this surgery does not involve entry into the abdominal cavity and the incisions are very small. Skin sutures are usually not placed. Again the procedure may involve several staff as follows:

Pre-anesthetic physical examination on ALL patients
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork as requested by the owner or as indicated by the physical examination
Administration of pre-operative medication that allows safer anesthesia and provide analgesia (pain relief)
Preparation of the patient including clipping, scrubbing and fluid delivery
Surgery
Post-operative recovery and pain control (as requested by the owner)

Recovering animals are closely monitored for any problems

As with any surgery, complications can arise and some of these can be very serious. Major complications are:

When one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum they are known as cryptorchid. There is a genetic basis to this condition. Neutering these animals is more involved and surgery is longer. As such, normal neutering fees do not apply to these cases. This should be discussed with you prior to admitting your cat for the procedure.

Complications by nature are unforeseen and are dealt with as they arise. It is important that we have a way of contacting you on the day of the surgery incase emergencies occur. If we cannot contact you at the indicated number we will automatically begin emergency or corrective procedures that may appear on the bill. The incidence of complications is extremely low due to close monitoring of the patient before, during, and after the procedure. We cannot predict when they will occur and in which animal. As we are not a 24-hour care facility, some complications occur whenever the clinic is closed and the staff is no longer present. This should be made clear to you prior to admitting your pet for surgery and will be stated in writing on the consent form. Please read this form carefully and ask questions – we will be glad to address your concerns

Cats naturally scratch at surfaces. This helps them maintain their claws at the proper length and shape. Some cats are more motivated than others at clawing and can be very destructive to furniture and other materials. Declawing of the front claws is a way to avoid this behavior. Declawed cats have a reduced ability to climb and defend themselves and should be maintained as indoor pets.

The procedure itself consists of removing the last segment of the digit so that nails cannot grow. Removal of the claw occurs at the last joint of each digit (‘finger’). To visualize this, view any finger and trace from the tip of the nail back to the first joint. It should be noted this surgery is very painful and the use of analgesia (pain relief) is strongly recommended. Once the last segment of the digit has been removed the skin is sutured together over the cut end. This suture is absorbable and will disintegrate over time. Declawing is usually performed at the time of spaying and neutering to limit the animal to a single anesthetic period.

The procedure may involve several staff and may include some or all of the following steps:

Pre-anesthetic physical examination on ALL patients
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork as requested by the owner or as indicated by the physical examination
Adminstration of pre-operative medication that allows safer anesthesia and provides analgesia (pain relief)
Preparation of the patient including clipping, scrubbing and fluid delivery
Surgery
Wrapping of the front paws to control hemorrhage and swelling
Post-operative recovery and pain control

Recovering animals are closely monitored for problems

As with any surgery, complications can arise and some of these can be very serious. Major complications are:

A long-term complication of declawing is re-growth of the nail. This happens when all of the nail generating tissue has not been removed. It is a rare but does occur. If this happens please call us to discuss what should be done next, including repeat surgery on the affected claw.

This is not generally recommended and is extremely painful to the cat. Please feel free to discuss any issues with our veterinarians