Neutering Flashcards
when in the oestrus cycle should a bitch spay be performed?
during anoestrus (seasons must be avoided)
at what age is a bitch spay normally performed?
at 6 months (before first season)
or 3 months after the end of any season
what is the benefit of performing a bitch spay before or after first season?
maximum benefit in terms of prevention of mammary cancer
why should a bitch spay be performed 3 months after a season?
to avoid false pregnancy
should a bitch spay occur if there is false pregnancy?
no
at what age are dogs typically castrated?
6-9 months
may leave longer for larger breeds (>1 year) if there are no behavioural issues
when are cats spayed?
4-6 months
usually advocate saying as early as possible once over 2kg
can cats be spayed in season?
yes but uterine tissue likely to be more friable
when is cat castration performed?
4-6 months as long as testicles are big enough
what are the main reasons for spaying?
population control (especially cats)
prevention or treatment of health conditions
assisting management of diseases like DM or epilepsy
control of hereditary diseases
what health conditions can be prevented by spaying?
pyometra mammary cancer false pregnancy glandular hypoplasia prolapse ovarian cysts
what are the main indications for castration?
population control management and behavioural modifications prevention/treatment of disease control of hereditory diseases infectious disease control (e.g. FIV)
what behavioural modification may be achieved by castration?
control of: roaming male aggression unwanted sexual behaviour spraying and smell in tom cats
what diseases can be prevented by castration?
testicular disease
prostatic disease (BPH)
perineal rupture
what are the possible side effects of spaying?
weight gain coat change urinary incontinence perivulvar dermatitis hypoplasia of external genitalia increased risk of orthopaedic diseases and some cancers
what are the possible side effects of castration?
weight gain
coat change
worsening of nervous behaviour
increased risk of development of bladder and prostate cancer
delayed closure of growth plates in early neutering (giant breeds especially)
what are the 2 techniques available for spay?
surgical (most common)
medical
what is an ovariectomy?
surgical removal of both ovaries (common in lap spay)
what is ovariohysterectomy?
removal of both ovaries and uterus
what are the 2 ways of performing spay?
midline laparotomy
laparoscopically
why are laparoscopic spays more costly?
equipment costs more
what are the benefits of laparoscopic spays?
smaller incisions (especially in large breeds) faster return to normal activity reduced post op discomfort
how should the animal be positioned for a bitch spay?
midline approach
dorsal recumbancy
surgeon has dog’s head to their left
what clip is needed for a bitch spay?
umbilicus included and reaches pubis
2/3 of animal width
may need to be wider in a lap spay
why is a wide clip for a midline laparotomy needed?
drapes may move and incision may need to be extended
what prep is needed for all neutering surgeries?
routine aseptic scrub prep
what instruments are needed for a bitch spay?
soft tissue kit
at least 3 large artery forceps (curved or straight)
spay hook
what suture material may be requested by the vet during a bitch spay?
Ligatures: Synthetic absorbable multifilament or monofilament, e.g. Vicryl or PDS or Catgut (less common) Linea alba (midline): Synthetic absorbable long-duration monofilament, e.g. PDS - requires extra strength due to gravity Subcutaneous layer: Synthetic absorbable short-duration monofilament, e.g. Monocryl Skin (commonly using an intradermal suture pattern): Synthetic absorbable short- duration monofilament, e.g. Monocryl
what is the most common approach for a cat spay?
flank
when is a midline approach used for a cat spay?
if pregnant or not known if already neutered
how should the animal be positioned for a cat spay?
Cat lies in right lateral recumbency, surgeon has cat’s head to their left
Hindlegs often tied back but check with surgeon
how is the incision site for cat spay found?
making a triangle between the wing of the ilium and the greater trochanter
what instruments are needed for cat spay?
Standard soft tissue kit
Must include at least 3 small artery forceps (either curved or straight)
Spay hook use can be more common in cats
what suture material is commonly used for cat spays?
Ligatures: Synthetic absorbable multifilament or monofilament, Catgut sometimes used
Muscle: Synthetic absorbable short-duration monofilament, e.g. Monocryl
Subcutaneous layer: Synthetic absorbable short-duration monofilament, e.g. Monocryl
Skin (commonly using an intradermal suture pattern): Synthetic absorbable short- duration monofilament, e.g. Monocryl
what are the possible complications due to spay surgery?
Haemorrhage
Ovarian remnant syndrome (bit of ovary left behind)
Stump granuloma/pyometra (rare)
Urinary tract injury (trauma to the ureter during resection of the uterus)
Abdominal hernia
Wound infection
what are the key areas of post op monitoring following a spay?
Standard GA monitoring and post GA care
Signs of internal haemorrhage – dropping BP, pale mms, lethargy
Problems with wound – oozing, swelling, discomfort
Ensure no patient interference with wound
what are the main areas involved in spay post op care?
pain relief stop patient interference with wound rest feeding post op checks
what pain relief is usually given to spay patients?
opioid and NSAID common on day of op
often sent home on oral NSAIDs
how can patient interference with wound be prevented?
buster collar
body suit
supervised time with it off only
how long should patients be kept rested for following spay?
10 days
short lead walks
avoid jumping etc
how should the spay patient be fed post op?
bland diet immediately post GA
back to normal food after
warn owners of need to reduce calorie intake in long term
when are post op checks for spay’s needed?
2-3 days and then 10 days post op
check recovery from GA and wound healing
what are the main techniques for castration?
surgical (orchiectomy)
medial (chemical castration)
what is scrotal ablation?
removal of testis and scrotum usually performed if there is a problem with the scrotum itself
what extension of the peritoneum covers the testis?
vaginal tunic
what is open castration?
vaginal tunic is incised
what is closed castration?
vaginal tunic left intact
how is the epididymis attached to the vaginal tunic?
via a ligament
what approach is used for dog castration?
pre-scrotal midlien
where is the dog positioned for castration?
dorsal recumbency
surgeon may stand on either side
what must be checked before GA for neutering?
presence of both testis
that the animal is definitely female (cats)
where should the clip for dog castration be placed?
Clip area between tip of penis and scrotum and several centimetres on either side
why should you take care when clipping a dog for castration?
avoid clipping too close on the scrotum itself – the skin in this whole area is very sensitive, beware clipper rash!
what is sometimes placed in castrations during prep?
LA in testicles / incision site
what instruments are needed for dog castration?
Standard soft tissue kit – at least 3 artery forceps
what are the common suture choices for dog castrates?
Ligatures: Synthetic absorbable multifilament or monofilament, e.g. Vicryl
or PDS. Catgut may still be used
Subcutaneous layer: Synthetic absorbable short-duration monofilament, e.g. Monocryl
Skin (commonly using an intradermal suture pattern): Synthetic absorbable short-duration monofilament, e.g. Monocryl
what approach is used for cat castration?
scrotal - an incision on each testicle
what position should cats be in for castration?
lateral recumbancy
where should be clipped for cat castration?
Clip just the scrotum and immediate surrounding area
are drapes usually used for cat castration?
no
what instruments are needed for cat castration?
Common to only use a scalpel blade and no kit
Some surgeons prefer to use a pair of artery forceps
when do testicles normally descend?
30-40 days
what is advised if testis have not descended by 6 months?
surgical removal
why is surgical removal of retain testicles needed?
increased risk of neoplasia
in cryptorchid castration what must be removed?
the both testicles even if one not retained
where can retained testicles be found?
anywhere along normal path of descent
what are the main classifications of location of retained testicles?
pre-scrotal
inguinal
abdominal
how should the patient be prepped for an inguinal or pre-scrotal castration?
similar to routine castration but with wider clip
what is needed to remove a retained testicle if it is abdominal?
exploratory laparotomy
what are the possible complications due to castration?
Scrotal bruising/swelling
Haemorrhage - either Scrotal haematoma or haemoabdomen
Infection
Self-trauma – very common without a buster collar
what are the key areas for peri-operative monitoring of castration patients?
Standard GA monitoring and post GA care
Signs of haemorrhage – internal (dropping BP, pale mms, lethargy) or external (swelling/bruising of scrotum)
Problems with wound – oozing, swelling, discomfort
Ensure no patient interference with wound
what causes most of the complications in castration patients?
patient interferance
what pain relief is given following castration?
opioid and NSAID injections on the day
dogs sent home with oral NSAIDs
cats often fine with just injections
how is patient interference with castration site prevented in dogs?
buster collar
suit can be used but dog may lick outside or still be able to reach incision
how is patient interference with castration site prevented in cats?
not often prevented as cats don’t tend to lick and it is of benefit for them to keep their bottom clean
how long should dogs be rested for following castration?
10 days - short lead walks, no jumping
how long should cats be rested for following castration?
~2 days
when are castration post op checks needed for dogs?
2-3 days and then 10 days post op
when are castration post op checks needed for cats?
may have on at 2-3 days but don’t usually need more
some practices don’t do any
