Neutering Flashcards
at what point in the oestrus cycle should a bitch spay be performed?
anoestrus - avoid seasons
what age should a bitch spay be performed?
typically at 6 months (before first season) OR 3 months after end of first season (or any season after that)
what is the clinical benefit of spaying a bitch before/after its FIRST season?
most benefit in terms of prevention of mammary cancer
why should we wait 3 months after a season to perform a bitch spay?
to avoid false pregnancy (prolactin usually settled 3 months after season)
what age are dog castrates performed?
frequently castrate at 6-9 months
common to consider waiting longer in large breeds (>20kg) provided there are no behavioural issues
what age are cat spays performed?
usually at 4-6 months (before coming into first season)
can cats be spayed in season?
yes, but the uterus is more friable if in season at time of surgery
what age are cat castrates performed?
from 4-6 months provided testicles are large enough
what are the common indications to spay?
population control
prevention/treatment of health conditions (pyometra, mammary cancer, false pregnancy)
assist management of other diseases (diabetes, epilepsy)
control of hereditary diseases
what are the indications to castrate?
population control
management/behavioural modification (roaming, male aggression, unwanted sexual behaviour)
spraying and smell in tom cats
prevention/treatment of diseases (testicular disease, perineal rupture, perianal adenoma, prostatic diseases)
control of hereditary diseases
infectious disease control (FIV, TVT)
what are the possible side-effects of spaying?
weight gain, coat change
urinary incontinence
perivulvular dermatitis
hypoplasia of external genitalia
increased risk of orthopaedic diseases and some cancers (? evidence unclear)
what are the possible side-effects of castration?
weight gain, increased appetite, decreased activity
coat change
behavioural changes (nervous dogs –> more nervous)
increased risk of bladder/prostate cancer (rare)
delayed closure of growth plates - issue in larger breeds
how can bitches/queens be medically spayed?
use of drug Delvosteron - temporary, uncommon
what are the benefits of a laparoscopic spay?
faster return to normal activity
reduced post-op discomfort
where should the margins of the clip for a bitch spay be?
xiphoid to pubis
2/3rd width of animal
what are the possible surgical complications of a spay?
haemorrhage
wound infection
abdominal hernia
ovarian remnant syndrome
stump granuloma/pyo (rare)
urinary tract injury
what should be involved in the post-op care plan after a spay?
pain relief (usually NSAIDs)
buster collar/petshirt to stop patient interference with wound
rest - quiet for 10 days, short lead walk only, avoid jumping/playing
feeding - reduce calorie intake
post-op checks at 2-3 days and 10 days post-op to check recovery and wound healing
what are the 2 surgical options for castration?
orchiectomy (most common)
vasectomy
what are the medical castration options?
chemical castration, e.g. Suprelorin implant (temporary) in dogs
no medical options in cats
what type of incision is common in cat/dog castration?
pre-scrotal in dogs
scrotal in cats
why might scrotal ablation be performed?
usually due to an issue with scrotum itself
old dogs, scrotal trauma, neoplasia
what is the difference between open and closed castration?
open = vaginal tunic incised
closed = vaginal tunic left intact
choice usually determined by patient size
how is the epididymis attached to the vaginal tunic?
by a ligament
where should a dog be clipped for castration?
area between tip of penis and scrotum and several cm on either side - beware clipper rash
what approach/position is used for cat castrates?
scrotal approach - one incision on each testicle
lateral recumbency
who should cats be clipped for castrate?
clip just scrotum and immediate surrounding area
are cat castrates sutured?
usually none used - cords are often tied onto themselves rather than using ligatures, and incisions left to heal on their own
what are cryptorchids?
an undescended testicle (by 6 months)
why is surgical removal of cryptorchids recommended?
due to increased risk of neoplasia
what are the 3 classes of retained testicles?
pre-scrotal
inguinal
abdominal
how are abdominal retained testicles removed?
via exploratory laparotomy/laparoscopy
how are pre-scrotal inguinal retained testicles removed?
similar to routine castration
will require a wider clip
what are the possible surgical complications of castration?
scrotal bruising/swelling
haemorrhage (scrotal haematoma, haemoabdomen)
infection
self-trauma (very common if no buster collar)
what are the key areas for peri-/post-operative monitoring during castration?
standard GA monitoring and post-GA care
signs of internal haemorrhage (dropping BP, pale MMs, lethargy)
problems with wound - oozing, swelling, discomfort
ensuring no patient interference with wound
what should be involved in the post-op care plan after castration?
pain relief (dog castrates sent home with NSAIDs but usually none for cats)
avoiding patient interference with wound via buster collar/bodysuit (dogs), cats do not need collar unless licking is excessive
rest - cats inside 2 days, dogs rest for 10 days (short lead walks, no jumping)
reduced caloric intake required
post-op check 2-3 days and 10 days for dogs, cats 2-3 days
