Pet neutering

Question 1

when should bitches be spayed?

Answer 1

• during anoestrus (avoid seasons)
• typically at 6 months (before first season) or 3 months after season
  
  • avoids false pregnancy
• reduces risk of mammary cancer the earlier spayed

Question 2

when should dogs be castrated?

Answer 2

• typically at 6-9 months
• common to wait longer in larger breeds (allows to mature)

Question 3

when should cats be spayed?

Answer 3

• typically at 4-6 months, before season
• but can spay any time after that

Question 4

when should cats be castrated?

Answer 4

• from 4-6 months old provided testicles are big enough

Question 5

indications to spay

Answer 5

• population control
• prevention of pyometra (infection of uterus)
• prevention of mammary cancer
• ## prevention of false pregnancy

Question 6

indications to castrate

Answer 6

• population control (key for cats)
• behaviour modification (key for dogs)
• prevention of testicular cancer, prostatic disease
• prevents for spraying and smelling in cats

Question 7

possible long term risks of spaying

Answer 7

• weight gain (reduced calorie diet)
  rare:
• coat change
• urinary incontinence

Question 8

possible long term risks of castration

Answer 8

• weight gain (due to increased appetite and decreased roaming activity)
  
  • reduced calorie diet
    rare:
• coat change
• behavioural- nervous dogs= worse

Question 9

spay techniques

Answer 9

• surgery (ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy)
  
  • midline laparotomy/laparoscopically
• medical possible (delvosteron) but temporary and uncommon

Question 10

laparoscopic spay

Answer 10

• ovariectomy only preformed
• costly due to expensive equipment
• quicker healing due to smaller incisions

Question 11

preparation for bitch spay

Answer 11

• dorsal recumbency, head usually to surgeons left
  clipping: include umbilicus to pubis, approx 2/3 width of animal

Question 12

instruments for spay

Answer 12

• standard soft tissue kit plus 3 large artery forceps
• some vets like spay hook

Question 13

preparation for cat spay

Answer 13

• flank approach most common
  
  • right lateral recumbency
• hindlimbs often tied back but check with surgeon
  clipping: uterus smaller so smaller incision site

Question 14

complications of spay surgery

Answer 14

• haemorrhage
• ovarian remnant syndrome
• urinary tract injury
• wound infection
• stump granuloma/pyometra (infection around stump)

Question 15

key areas of monitoring post spay surgery

Answer 15

• signs of internal haemorrhage (dropping BP, pale MM, lethargy)
• problems with wound (oozing, swelling)
• ensure no patient interference with wound

Question 16

post op care plan for spay

Answer 16

• opioid and NSAID injections on day of op, send oral NSAID home
• prevent patient interference
• keep quiet for 10 days
• bland diet post GA then back to normal (reduced diet long term)
• post op checks 2-3 days then 10 days

Question 17

castration techniques

Answer 17

surgical- orchiectomy (removal or testicles) or vasectomy
medical- use of suprelorin implant

Question 18

surgical technique of castration

Answer 18

• usually pre-scrotal incision in dogs, scrotal in cats
• scrotal ablation is an option but uncommon (if scrotum is damaged/diseased)

Question 19

open castration

Answer 19

vaginal tunic incised

Question 20

closed castration

Answer 20

vaginal tunic left intact

Question 21

preparation for dog castrate

Answer 21

• pre-scrotal midline approach
• dorsal recumbency
• check both testicles are present
  clipping: area between tip of penis and scrotum with space on side
• local anaesthetic sometimes used

Question 22

preparation for cat castrate

Answer 22

• scrotal approach
• lateral recumbency
• check both testicles present
  clipping: just scrotum and immediate surrounding area
• local anaesthetic sometimes used

Question 23

cryptorchid castration

Answer 23

• testicles usually descended by 30-40 days
• if they aren’t descended by 6 months, surgical removal is advised due to increased risk of neoplasia
• can be pre-scrotal, inguinal or abdominal (ex lap needed for abdom)

Question 24

surgical castration complications

Answer 24

• scrotal bruising/swelling
• haemorrhage
• infection
• self trauma