Canine and Feline Neutering

Question 1

What are the indications for a bitch spay?

Answer 1

Prevent misalliance / seasons
Prevention of disease
Treatment of Disease

Question 2

Which diseases can be prevented using a bitch spay?

Answer 2

• No risk of ovarian or uterine neoplasia or pyometra (if performed correctly…)
• Reduce risk of mammary neoplasia (if performed before 4th season)
• Pseudopregnancy

Question 3

Which diseases can be treated using a bitch spay?

Answer 3

Pyometra
Neoplasia
Following caesarean section
May aid control of diabetes mellitus and idiopathic epilepsy

Question 4

Describe the correct timing of a bitch spay

Answer 4

Traditionally >6m or after first oestrus
During anoestrus (approx. 3 months after season)
Early in pregnancy or very soon after season OK
Do not neuter 1-3 months post-season
At the time of caesarean section

Question 5

Why might a spay before the first season be wanted?

Answer 5

Procedure reported to be simpler with fewer complications
Reduced chance of mammary neoplasia
May have some behavioural benefits

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of spaying before the first season?

Answer 6

• Avoid if congenital USMI or juvenile vaginitis (These conditions require hormones from first season to resolve)
• May increase chance of joint disease
• May be detrimental to behavioural development
• Consider anaesthetic risk (hypoglycaemia, hypothermia etc.)

Question 7

Before performing the bitch spay what should you check for?

Answer 7

Check female and not lactating / signs of false pregnancy

Question 8

Describe prepping a patient for a bitch spay

Answer 8

Dorsal recumbency
Clip from xiphoid to cranial pubic brim
Aseptic preparation

Question 9

Describe the bitch spay procedure

Answer 9

• Midline coeliotomy from umbilicus 5-15cm caudally
• Identify uterine horns and exteriorise
• Stretch or break the suspensory ligament
• Ligate ovarian blood vessels

Question 10

List some complications of the bitch spay

Answer 10

• Haemorrhage
• Ureteral entrapment
• Ovarian remnant syndrome
• Wound related complications
• Anaesthesia-related complications
• Adhesions

Question 11

What should you do if the bitch spay starts bleeding?

Answer 11

Don’t panic! You have more time than you may think!
Compress site and call for help!
Extend surgical excision to increase exposure
Find the bleeder
- To find left kidney retract colon to the right
- To find right kidney retract duodenum to the left
- Pedicle stump is just caudal to the caudal pole of the kidney – apply pressure with swabs while you wait for assistance or place a haemostat across the vessel

Question 12

Describe the feline cat spay procedure

Answer 12

• Right lateral recumbency
• Don’t be stingy with your clip patch
• Landmarks – bony triangle
• Some vets tie legs back
• Vertical incision
• Scissors through sub-cut fat then muscle
• Thumb forceps to grab uterus
• Ligatures around ovarian vessels and then uterus
• Closure

Question 13

List the indications for a dog castrate

Answer 13

• Population control
• Management of aggression / behavioral issues***
• Reduce risk of testicular neoplasia or benign prostatic hyperplasia

Question 14

A dog castrate may increase the incidence of…?

Answer 14

Prostatic neoplasia

Question 15

Castration can be used to treat which 3 diseases?

Answer 15

Perianal adenomas
Perineal hernia
Testicular torsion, neoplasia etc.

Question 16

What should be done before anaesthetising a pateint for a dog castrate

Answer 16

Check for two descended testicles

Question 17

Compare the open and closed castration techniques

Answer 17

Open – incise through vaginal tunic
Closed – vaginal tunic remains in tact

Question 18

Describe the castration procedure

Answer 18

• Dorsal recumbency and prep pre-scrotal area
• Push one testicle cranially to pre-scrotal area
• Incise over the testicle and exteriorise
• Open or closed technique
• Three-clamp technique, double ligate if desired
• Repeat procedure for other side, use same skin incision
• Closure (tunic if incised, sub-cut and skin)

Question 19

List the complications of a dog castrate

Answer 19

• Peri-incisional bruising
• Seroma/wound complications
• Intra-abdominal haemorrhage
• Iatrogenic urethral damage
• Infection or scrotal abscessation

Question 20

Describe the cat castrate procedure

Answer 20

• Check it’s male!
• Lateral recumbency, clip or pluck hair
• Lower testicle first
• Incise over testicle, through all layers to testicle (include tunica vaginalis)
• Hand-tie ductus to the vessels
• Do not close skin
• Repeat for upper testicle

Question 21

What are the post-op considerations of spaying/neutering?

Answer 21

Buster collar or baby-grow
Restricted exercise
Monitor wound for signs of inflammation/infection
ANALGESIA!!!