Neutering

Question 1

at what point in the oestrus cycle should a bitch spay be performed?

Answer 1

anoestrus - avoid seasons

Question 2

what age should a bitch spay be performed?

Answer 2

typically at 6 months (before first season) OR 3 months after end of first season (or any season after that)

Question 3

what is the clinical benefit of spaying a bitch before/after its FIRST season?

Answer 3

most benefit in terms of prevention of mammary cancer

Question 4

why should we wait 3 months after a season to perform a bitch spay?

Answer 4

to avoid false pregnancy (prolactin usually settled 3 months after season)

Question 5

what age are dog castrates performed?

Answer 5

frequently castrate at 6-9 months

common to consider waiting longer in large breeds (>20kg) provided there are no behavioural issues

Question 6

what age are cat spays performed?

Answer 6

usually at 4-6 months (before coming into first season)

Question 7

can cats be spayed in season?

Answer 7

yes, but the uterus is more friable if in season at time of surgery

Question 8

what age are cat castrates performed?

Answer 8

from 4-6 months provided testicles are large enough

Question 9

what are the common indications to spay?

Answer 9

population control

prevention/treatment of health conditions (pyometra, mammary cancer, false pregnancy)

assist management of other diseases (diabetes, epilepsy)

control of hereditary diseases

Question 10

what are the indications to castrate?

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

what are the possible side-effects of spaying?

Answer 11

weight gain, coat change

urinary incontinence

perivulvular dermatitis

hypoplasia of external genitalia

increased risk of orthopaedic diseases and some cancers (? evidence unclear)

Question 12

what are the possible side-effects of castration?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

how can bitches/queens be medically spayed?

Answer 13

use of drug Delvosteron - temporary, uncommon

Question 14

what are the benefits of a laparoscopic spay?

Answer 14

faster return to normal activity

reduced post-op discomfort

Question 15

where should the margins of the clip for a bitch spay be?

Answer 15

xiphoid to pubis

2/3rd width of animal

Question 16

what are the possible surgical complications of a spay?

Answer 16

haemorrhage

wound infection

abdominal hernia

ovarian remnant syndrome

stump granuloma/pyo (rare)

urinary tract injury

Question 17

what should be involved in the post-op care plan after a spay?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

what are the 2 surgical options for castration?

Answer 18

orchiectomy (most common)

vasectomy

Question 19

what are the medical castration options?

Answer 19

chemical castration, e.g. Suprelorin implant (temporary) in dogs
no medical options in cats

Question 20

what type of incision is common in cat/dog castration?

Answer 20

pre-scrotal in dogs

scrotal in cats

Question 21

why might scrotal ablation be performed?

Answer 21

usually due to an issue with scrotum itself

old dogs, scrotal trauma, neoplasia

Question 22

what is the difference between open and closed castration?

Answer 22

open = vaginal tunic incised
closed = vaginal tunic left intact
choice usually determined by patient size

Question 23

how is the epididymis attached to the vaginal tunic?

Answer 23

by a ligament

Question 24

where should a dog be clipped for castration?

Answer 24

area between tip of penis and scrotum and several cm on either side - beware clipper rash

Question 25

what approach/position is used for cat castrates?

Answer 25

scrotal approach - one incision on each testicle

lateral recumbency

Question 26

who should cats be clipped for castrate?

Answer 26

clip just scrotum and immediate surrounding area

Question 27

are cat castrates sutured?

Answer 27

usually none used - cords are often tied onto themselves rather than using ligatures, and incisions left to heal on their own

Question 28

what are cryptorchids?

Answer 28

an undescended testicle (by 6 months)

Question 29

why is surgical removal of cryptorchids recommended?

Answer 29

due to increased risk of neoplasia

Question 30

what are the 3 classes of retained testicles?

Answer 30

pre-scrotal
inguinal
abdominal

Question 31

how are abdominal retained testicles removed?

Answer 31

via exploratory laparotomy/laparoscopy

Question 32

how are pre-scrotal inguinal retained testicles removed?

Answer 32

similar to routine castration

will require a wider clip

Question 33

what are the possible surgical complications of castration?

Answer 33

scrotal bruising/swelling
haemorrhage (scrotal haematoma, haemoabdomen)
infection
self-trauma (very common if no buster collar)

Question 34

what are the key areas for peri-/post-operative monitoring during castration?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

what should be involved in the post-op care plan after castration?

Answer 35

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