Features of caring for a cat after castration and sterilization. Rehabilitation of a cat after intestinal surgery How to care for a cat after abdominal surgery

During castration, an animal's testes are removed. Sterilization can be performed regardless of gender. But mostly sterilization is indicated for cats. After the procedure, the animal will no longer be able to give birth. How long does it take for a cat to recover from anesthesia after sterilization? rehabilitation period– described in this article.

Description of sterilization and its types

This operation is done to limit the work of the genital organs responsible for reproduction or their complete removal. There are many ways to sterilize an animal:

• In an ovariohysterectomy, the ovaries are removed through an incision in the abdomen or side.
• During laparoscopy, organs for reproduction and bearing offspring are cut out through small punctures in the belly.
• In an oophorectomy, the ovaries are removed through an incision abdominal cavity. In this case, the uterus is not affected and turns into a useless organ.
• Using a chemical (radiation) method, the animal is irradiated. The functions of the ovaries are impaired.
• During medical sterilization, sexual functions are suppressed through medications.
• In case of tubal occlusion, the reproductive organs are not removed, only ligation is done fallopian tubes. At the same time sexual desire and the cycle are preserved.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is 20-40 minutes. The sutures heal within a week, and the rehabilitation period can last up to 14 days.

What needs to be done before surgery?

To alleviate the condition of the operated cat, it is necessary to prepare in advance. It is necessary to place the bedding in a warm place on the floor to avoid falling from heights. It is necessary to isolate the room from drafts.

The animal must be taken to surgery in a carrier, with a warm blanket or towel placed on the bottom. When the cat begins to recover from anesthesia, it will begin to feel very cold.. The animal will feel better on a warm blanket.

The first days after anesthesia

When a cat recovers from anesthesia after sterilization... it can take a lot of time. It all depends on individual characteristics body, proper care and good nutrition. After completing the procedure, the fluffy beauty becomes adequate in approximately three hours. Symptoms:

• weak movements of the limbs and tail begin;
• periodically the animal will fall asleep again;
• it will try to raise its paws, make attempts to stand up;
• will begin to stand up with effort;
• all movements at first will be clumsy, uncoordinated, shaky;
• after a few steps the cat will lie down;
• the fluffy beauty will begin to bump into corners and walls and waddle;
• after anesthesia, the cat will make plaintive and uterine sounds that are unusual for it;
• Repeated sudden urination often occurs.

This behavior of a cat after anesthesia is observed within 24 hours after the anesthesia wears off. It is very difficult for the animal at this time, so the owners must help their pet survive the difficult period. You should carefully monitor your ward, do not let him poke into corners or sharp objects, and do not lift him to heights.

It is best to keep the animal on its right side to reduce the load on the internal organs.

Since the cat is under anesthesia with its eyes open, their mucous membranes dry out greatly. Therefore, you need to periodically instill moisturizing drops and close your eyelids with your fingers. These procedures are performed until the animal closes its eyes on its own. It will not be able to drink water on its own during the day, so you need to drop it into your mouth a few drops at a time or constantly moisten your pet’s lips with a wet cloth.

Animals often feel sick and vomit after anesthesia.. This can be predicted by their behavior. Before vomiting, pets begin to lick themselves intensively. In the first 24 hours after surgery, cats are not fed, but they must be given water. They need help to stand on their feet.

Until the cat begins to drink on its own, it must be held in a standing position near a bowl of water. To make it easier for the animal to go to the toilet, the tray is placed not far from the bed. If it is difficult for a pet to stand on its own, its owners should support it.

Rehabilitation period

Caring for a cat after sterilization continues after it has recovered from anesthesia. In a day you need:

• start treating stitches with antiseptics daily (once every 24 hours);
• control the holding of a special blanket or collar;
• Sprinkle bleeding sutures with bactericidal agents.

The fluffy beauty recovers completely from the operation, most often on the fourth or fifth day after surgery. During this period, the cat returns to activity. She begins to get out of the lounger, jump, and run. On the street he can easily climb a tree.

Due to such violent activity, the seams come apart, so you should try to limit your pet’s movements. Postoperative wounds usually lasts for ten days. If the sutures were protected with absorbable threads, they are not removed. Otherwise, you need to contact a veterinary clinic. Sutures should only be removed by a doctor so as not to harm the animal.

Complications after sterilization

If the cat passes away without any problems after the operation, that’s good. But it happens, although extremely rarely, that sterilization is accompanied by complications. The animal's work may be disrupted cardiovascular system during surgery or after recovery from anesthesia. Inflammations most often occur due to the surgeon’s oversight or as a result of the negligence of the animal owners.

For example, lack of treatment of sutures, antibiotics or other medications prescribed by a doctor. A cat may also have an acute allergic reaction to anesthesia.

If there are any signs of illness in the animal, it is necessary to take it to the veterinary clinic for an examination, without waiting until the pet is in a deplorable condition.

In order for the sterilization to proceed normally and the animal to quickly rehabilitate, a preliminary examination is carried out before the operation. In cats, the recovery period is faster, in 3-4 days. They do not need to wear a blanket, unlike the opposite sex. Cats recover within two weeks. If complications arise, the animal’s rehabilitation can last up to two months.

Literate veterinary surgeon will carry out castration, sterilization, cats without complications and provide the necessary recommendations so that the animal’s recovery takes place with the least discomfort. Correct implementation of the recommendations will eliminate the occurrence of complications after castration.

Conventionally, rehabilitation is divided into periods, depending on the time since completion of the operation. Over time, the processes in the cat’s body, the stages of the wound process, and so on, change.

Our story about the behavior of the “average” cat. It is impossible to give the same care instructions for every case. The particularities of castration performed by different surgeons will influence the recommendations. For example, with some types of anesthesia first 12 hours after surgery It is not recommended to feed the animal due to problems with swallowing; other anesthetic drugs eliminate problems with swallowing. It is best to obtain complete care recommendations and explanations from your doctor.

Content:

Cat after sterilization in a veterinary clinic

Day of surgery

After sterilization in veterinary clinic You are given a choice: leave the animal in the hospital for 2-10 days, or take the cat straight home.

We leave the cat after sterilization in the clinic’s hospital

Advantages of keeping a cat in a hospital:

1. The animal remains in warm conditions, this is important in the cold season. It is not advisable to take an anesthetized animal straight home if you are traveling far and using public transport.
2. There is no need to care for yourself, give injections, give pills, or treat stitches. The animal is aggressive or has a temper, there is no free time or skills to care for it. When sterilizing stray cats, when keeping such animals at home is impossible.
3. There are no errors in care or in the correct execution of procedures. The owner is not responsible for complications.
4. After surgery, medical monitoring is carried out for cats with health problems, heart problems, aged cats, and other cases.

Thus, sterilization is turnkey.

Disadvantages of keeping a cat in a hospital:

1. The animal experiences severe stress due to being in new conditions in the vicinity of foreign animals.
2. Check reviews about the clinic and staff to ensure that the cat will actually undergo the procedures on schedule, and not when they remember. Therefore, it is important to take into account the rating of the veterinary clinic based on reviews from other owners.
3. Upon returning home, it will take time to establish a “wet” relationship with the cat; animals are touchy.
4. Danger of contracting a viral infection. In the right clinics, hospitals for infectious and non-infectious patients are separated; you should not rely on vaccinations, since they only protect against 4-5 infections.
5. Make sure that the animal will be kept at a comfortable temperature of 20-24 degrees Celsius, without drafts or overheating, ask about feeding and inform about the cat’s characteristics, allergies, and so on.
6. Inpatient services at a veterinary clinic require additional costs based on the time spent there.

So, if you have firmly decided to leave the cat after sterilization in the hospital, then further reading is not relevant.

You do without a hospital

The animal is usually delivered in a state of anesthesia or with the first movements. The cat is wearing a post-operative blanket, or maybe a protective collar that will protect the stitches from licking. For aggressive animals, it is better to use a collar and the obstinate cat will not be able to bite the owner during treatment. Protective blanket aggressive cats Difficult to put on and take off. If the animal is wayward, trim its nails yourself while it sleeps or ask a doctor. Protect your hands against scratches.

Ask about pain relief for 3-5 days. If pain relief is not prescribed, this is not correct. Below is a list for pain relief.
It is advisable to sit in the clinic for another 30 minutes to make sure that there is no bleeding from the suture.

To protect the cornea as it dries, close your eyelids and secure them in this position with pieces of adhesive tape.

Try to get home faster, especially in the cold season with a smooth-haired or hairless cat. Place the animal on its side; air should flow freely to the animal's nose. On the side there is no danger of aspiration and vomit getting into the respiratory tract when vomiting. Wrap up the cat. If you drive for more than 10 minutes, take a heating pad. Use a carrier that is free for air access and control over the cat, with a soft backing. In the car, it is important to carry the cat in a carrier so that the animal does not crawl under the pedals towards the driver if it wakes up in the car. Carrying a cat in your arms down the street is fraught with danger; the animal, still in an inadequate state, is able to escape from your hands and this ends with the search for the cat in the gateways.

At home, it is better to leave the cat in a loose carrier at a temperature of 20-24 degrees Celsius. While sleeping, turn over every 20-30 minutes from side to side.

Do not place the animal in a draft or near heating devices; there is a danger of the cat getting too cold or overheating; it will not be able to change its place. Cover the animal, if necessary, with a warm heating pad under the wrapping material.
It's time for the cat to get painkillers, provided they haven't been given at the veterinary clinic, you can inject them. Painkillers cannot be given orally - the animal will not be able to swallow normally.
Blood from the stitch. Small streaks of blood are acceptable. Blood from a suture is rare; ichor is more often visible - normal phenomenon. The ichor looks like diluted blood with a yellowish color.

After 1-2 hours the animal begins to recover from anesthesia. The cat begins to move. It's time to free the eyelids from the adhesive plaster; he can blink on his own. There is no need to help with movements. Let yourself move. And be careful with affection, aggression is possible. The main thing is to make sure that the cat doesn’t accidentally get stuck somewhere where it will be brought to enough for now. strong spirit Morphea.
Important: windows and vents must be closed and protected from falling from the window! Exclude possible reasons for an accident involving injury. If the carrier is spacious, leave the cat inside until full recovery in an adequate state or give the cat a separate quiet room.
Some cats experience a period of restlessness and agitation. It manifests itself in the fact that the animal begins to react sharply to noises and attention to itself, and like a rocket, it circles around the apartment, colliding with what comes in its way. No need to worry. This is a temporary phenomenon, you need peace and a separate room, or leave it in a carrier. Running after him in order to pity and calm him down, will increase the cat’s anxiety, and therefore increase the speed of movement.
Cats, as soon as consciousness gradually returns to them, methodically get rid of the blanket or collar, performing acrobatic acts and moving unnaturally. These are not the effects of anesthesia on the brain, but a persistent desire to throw off the imposed accessories. There is no need to feel sorry for the animal and you cannot remove the protection.
If the cat licks the stitches, inflammation will occur; you will have to wear protective devices for 2-3 weeks, supplemented by a course of antibiotics. She will get used to the blanket or collar in 1-2 days and will feel natural. Feeding a cat wearing a collar is done from a bowl with a diameter smaller than the collar. Place the bowl on a stand 3-6 cm high. In this case, the collar will not rest on the floor, and the cat will reach the food or water. We’ll talk about the nuances of wearing a collar and blanket a little later.
Full coordination of movements will return to the cat in 4 - 12 hours. If the animal still sleeps, it will be beneficial.
Restrictions in movements for fear of stitches are not necessary.
The start of feeding will be indicated in the surgeon's recommendations. In our practice, the cat is allowed to be fed in small portions 3-4 hours after waking up. In small portions, provided that swallowing is normal and there is no vomiting. If vomiting occurs after feeding, wait 3-4 hours to feed.

Pain relief for cats after sterilization

Attention! The statement about the denial of pain relief after sterilization of cats is NOT SOUNDED.

Pain relief required!!! And in a protective blanket and after surgery, cats are not too active anyway. After a correctly performed operation, movements do not cause harm.

First 2 days after sterilization the most severe ones, and painkillers will make kitty’s life a lot easier. We are categorically against giving up painkillers. Just because a cat is silent does not mean that it does not suffer and does not endure; cats suffer in silence.

Signs of pain are : the cat’s aggression when you try to contact, refusal to eat, motionless position on the stomach, paws tucked under itself, pupils dilated, pained expression in the eyes, does not move, looks intently and intensely at one point. Ears are hot.

Painkillers will provide comfortable rehabilitation for the cat, early appearance of appetite, important for cats in prevention . Pain relief normalizes metabolism, suppresses the increase in temperature and intensity of inflammation from surgical trauma, reduces the pathological effect of pain on the functioning of the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas and heart. Pain relief prevents the development of negative associations with people.

Now there is an arsenal of painkillers. It is not difficult to choose a drug for any animal, even those with health restrictions.

Forget it about analgin and nosh-pu, some cats are intolerant to analgin. Many human pain medications are not suitable for cats. Requires specialized medications.

Do not give paracetamol!

Here are the consequences of using paracetamol in cats.

Paracetamol is poison for cats in any quantity.

Proven effective and safe painkillers for cats are “Ketofen” (ketoprofen) in tablets and solution for subcutaneous administration(1% solution), “Ainil” 1% solution (ketoprofen), “Previcox” tablets and solution for parenteral administration, “Loxicom” (meloxicam) oral suspension and others (in the instructions there must be an indication that the drug helps with postoperative pain). Consult your veterinarian for dosage or use as directed. You can give “human” “Ketonal”(composition: Ketoprofen). “Ketonal” at a dose of 0.2 ml per 5 kg of live weight, mixed with 1 ml of sterile saline or water for injection, injected subcutaneously, 3-5 days, once a day. The same solution can be drunk, reduce the dosage by 2 times.

For some drugs, the instructions recommend a regimen of once a day. From experience, such pain relief once a day lasts no more than 10-12 hours. Especially in the first days. If signs of pain return after 10-12 hours, we allow re-administration of painkillers at a full dose or half the dose. There is no need to endure pain. The general course of analgesic therapy is 3-5 days.

Begin use immediately after surgery, then after 10-24 hours.

All procedures for treating sutures should be carried out against the background of painkillers.

There are exceptions and there are cats who, judging by their absolutely relaxed behavior and normal appetite, do not require painkillers. These cats have a high pain threshold, so they do not feel pain or it is insignificant. Such animals are found among Persian breed And British breed cats.

Appetite, thirst and natural functions

Appetite will appear in the first 2 days. This is facilitated by painkillers. Fasting for more than 3 days is a sign of ill health, consult a doctor.

In the first days, urination decreases or remains unchanged; increased urination and its absence is a reason to consult a doctor.

In cats, reflex constipation is possible, because sterilization is a abdominal operation. Constipation makes you feel worse. The cat is lethargic, does not eat, becomes weaker, and sleeps more. Everything goes away after bowel movement.

If there is no bowel movement for 3 days, Vaseline oil from a regular pharmacy ( veterinary drug"Bimin") at a dose of 5 ml per 5 kg of weight, inside (through the mouth), every 8 hours until effective. Vaseline oil is a popular veterinary laxative. An alternative is Microlax, which is sold in a regular pharmacy in the form of pipettes for rectal administration. The tip of the pipette is lubricated with cream, inserted into the rectum and the contents are squeezed out. Effect in 5-10 minutes. The advantage of Microlax is the result without oil stains on the coat and its fast action.

Using a protective blanket and collar

Let us remind you that for aggressive animals it is better to use a collar; the cat will not be able to bite you during treatment, and access to the seam is easier.

It is mandatory to wear protective equipment.

You can refuse them at your own peril and risk; the blame for any complications that arise will fall on you.

Keep the protection clean and intact. If the collar or blanket is damaged, restore or replace it.

A blanket or collar is placed on a stationary animal; adjust them later. Somewhere the ties are tied too tightly or vice versa, do as necessary. Pay special attention to the axillary and groin areas.

There are protective blankets different sizes. Only dog ​​blankets are suitable for Maine Coons. We will not give a size scale; there is no size standard for cats; manufacturers sew at their own discretion. When purchasing, check the size by laying out the blanket.

How to tie a blanket. We count all 5 pairs of ties from the head, connecting one to the same opposite side. There are 2 more ties in the groin, right and left, and on the sides above the pelvis there are 2 ties left, right and left. Of these four we connect the right ones with each other and the left ones too, we get a strap for the hind legs. We tie these straps together above the cat's sacrum.

When processing, untie the right and left straps between each other and the next pair of ties on the back. Roll up the blanket, finish the seam, put on the blanket.

The blanket must be dry. Ideal cleanliness for blankets in an ordinary clean apartment is not so important. The blanket protects not from dirt, but from the tongue.

The collar is cleaned of dirt every other day.

The cat removes the collar - reduce the diameter of the collar, to which the collar is attached. The diameter of the collar is sufficient and safe if there is a free passage between the collar and the cat’s neck. index finger average person.

Wearing protective equipment is required for 7-10 days. Many surgeons allow 7 days. Occasionally, cases of delayed tissue fusion are detected and on the 7th day the edges of the suture are not yet sufficiently set. We recommend 10 days.

Increase in overall temperature

Let us remind you that the norm is up to 39 degrees Celsius. During the first 5 days, body temperature may rise above 39.0 degrees. The value depends on reactivity, that is, on the sensitivity, swiftness and strength of the cat’s body’s reaction to tissue damage.

An increase in temperature in the first 5 days may not only be due to the development of an infection in the cat.

Castration is tissue injury from a cut in the skin, an incision abdominal wall, removal of the ovaries, and sometimes the uterus. Trauma leads to the release of substances that trigger inflammatory reaction. It is important to know that inflammation comes first defensive reaction body, aimed at healing. An increase in temperature to 39.5 degrees is normal. Of course, the animal looks suffering, but pain relief makes all the difference. A temperature above normal after 5 days is a reason to consult a doctor.

Healing of a suture in a cat after sterilization. Seam processing.

In the first hours after surgery, 1-3 drops of blood or ichor may come out of the suture. The ichor looks like diluted yellowish blood. If the blood drains slowly, applying an ice pack is sufficient. If bleeding is active, consult a doctor.

It’s not a problem if the seam turns red after surgery, small bruises appear, and the skin looks glossy, plump and thickened.

The health of the suture is assessed on the 5th day. 5 days— deadline manifestations of signs of surgical infection.

Signs purulent inflammation suture - the skin at the incision line is moist, small amounts of pus. This is not good, consult a doctor or lubricate antibacterial ointment Levomekol, Levosin ointment can cause irritation in cats. Antibiotics may be required.

If the seam is dry, everything is fine.

Discrepancy of the edges of the incision up to 1 mm does not play a role in healing.

If the internal sutures are self-absorbing and the ends of the suture material protrude from the suture, they will then disappear on their own.

In the first 2-3 days, the suture may swell and a dense formation will appear under the skin, this normal reaction body on suture material. Everything will disappear without your participation in 1-3 weeks. If the roller remains for more than 10 days, the cat can lick it. The difference from a hernia is that with a hernia the volume of the swelling changes, but this formation remains the same size.

Seam processing begins on the 2-3rd day after sterilization and consists of daily or every other day cleansing the seam and adjacent skin from adhered hairs and wound discharge and wiping with a swab with an aqueous 0.05% solution of chlorhexidine or Miramistin.

Let us remind you that after wiping the seam, you can lubricate it with Levomekol ointment. It is important to treat all seam folds, if any. In the folds there is a danger from the accumulation of bacteria.

A comfortable cat position for processing a seam is to place the cat on hind legs, the first assistant does. The second assistant rolls the blanket up up to half the body quickly processes the seam and puts the blanket back on. Placing a cat on its back can cause pain and panic.

Use of other drugs after sterilization of a cat

Antibiotics. A sterile operation on a healthy animal does not require a course of antibiotics. One prophylactic injection after surgery is enough. In other cases, the veterinary surgeon must decide. Absence Deposit purulent complications maintaining sterility and avoiding suture licking in the first 10 days after surgery.

Vitamins and stimulants. Required by weakened animals , for example, stray cats, and during castration with therapeutic purpose. The veterinary drug “Gamavit” has proven itself to be excellent in this regard.

Serum against infections. Veterinary clinics actively offer injections of protective hyperimmune serum against viral infections of cats. This is justified. There is a risk of infection in a veterinary clinic viral infection cats. This is not required for home sterilization.

Hemostatic drugs can be used once or in a course for bleeding disorders. If immediately after surgery your cat does not ooze blood from the suture, and there are no large bruises under the skin around the suture, then a course of such drugs is not required.

Other drugs should be used according to circumstances.

We wish you a safe recovery and long life.

07.06.2012

Caring for the animal before and after surgery

This article is dedicated to caring for animals before and especially after surgery, as this care requires a lot of effort and responsibility. Some of the information on caring for animals is also applicable in other situations.

Majority surgical operations carried out under general anesthesia. Indeed, the use of anesthetics is associated with certain risks, and surgery is equally painful for humans and animals. But if you call for help common sense, all this turns out to be not so scary. Pet surgery has reached certain heights, but there is always the risk of being under general anesthesia.

Anesthesia should be performed on an empty stomach. This reduces the risk of nausea during anesthesia sleep. Before surgery, your doctor may suggest that your animal undergo full examination, the condition of the heart and lungs must be examined especially carefully. In doubtful cases, a blood test should be done to check the functioning of the kidneys and liver. In many cases, in most animals, especially young and clinically healthy ones, there is no such need. In most cases, such studies concern animals at risk (old, with concomitant chronic diseases). If any violations are detected, it is necessary to reconsider the method of anesthesia so as not to harm the body.

Most anesthetics reduce or eliminate the feeling of pain during surgery, but some interventions are still very painful, especially those involving the cavity and bones. There is no need to try to reduce the dose of painkillers after surgery - you are unlikely to wait for the animal to ask for medicine - many of them stoically endure suffering. Follow your doctor's instructions for administering medications! In general, animals recover faster after surgery than people. They recover faster because they do not know human post-operative anxieties and worries. However, you should not relieve the pain completely. Pain to some extent helps the sick body fight the disease. Unpleasant sensations after surgery are not so harmful, they force the patient to lie still, preventing postoperative complications.

Successful recovery requires proper care before and after surgery.

Often dogs and cats are bad patients for surgeons because, unlike people, they are not aware of this event, and in the postoperative period they will not follow those recommendations that people always strive to follow with great diligence in order to avoid postoperative complications. Some individuals have low pain sensitivity, so in the first two to three days after the operation they feel normal.

Before surgery , if it is not an emergency, then you have time to prepare everything for receiving the animal after the operation. In the first one to two days, supervision of the operated animal is necessary not only because of its feeling unwell, but also because of the possibility of complications when recovering from anesthesia, self-injury and removal of sutures.

Preoperative fasting . Your veterinarian should advise you of the need for a 6 – 12 – 24 hour fast before surgery. This is necessary so as not to cause shock or vomiting in the animal when it is under anesthesia, or it facilitates the surgeon’s work when operating on the abdominal organs. If you have violated these instructions, it is better to postpone the operation. In some cases - when used for surgery, very mild degree anesthesia (sedation, immobilization), and when using certain narcotic drugs, this requirement is optional, but you must warn the doctor! And he will decide on the admissibility of the operation.

Be sure to tell me veterinarian how the animal tolerates anesthesia (if it was used previously), especially if there were problems.

If your pet is taking any medications, ask your veterinarian if they need to be stopped.

If any changes have occurred in the animal’s condition (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) or there are other problems, be sure to inform your doctor. If the animal is not vaccinated, which we consider unacceptable, then inform the doctor: perhaps the doctor will advise you to vaccinate the animal first, and only after a certain time (at least two weeks after the last administration of the vaccine) return to the question of surgical intervention(of course this applies to cases planned operations), if you refuse vaccination or in urgent/emergency cases, we recommend injecting the animal with serum against infectious diseases, since the risk of infection in the animal in the postoperative period and in contact with other animals on the street and in the clinic increases sharply.

On the day of surgery. This is a responsible period and requires the owner to be attentive, punctual and calm. Please note the following points:

1. Don't be late for surgery.

2. Provide a telephone number where you can be found during the day or during the operation, or after its completion if you are not present at the clinic.

3. Remember that with surgical field All hair will be shaved. Therefore, if you soon want to exhibit your animal, warn about it. But remember that the health of the animal should come first for you.

4. The animal can be given a preliminary injection special drugs to reduce side effects anesthesia and possible complications(called premedication) or adjustments to the animal's condition, and you will be asked to wait until the medicine takes effect.

When preparing the animal for surgery, we kindly ask you not to show your excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and avoid fuss - remember that the animal feels you and is influenced by your mood! In addition, it interferes with the doctor, distracting him and not allowing him to fully concentrate on his task.

After surgery listen carefully to all the doctor’s comments about the progress of the operation and its result, as well as detailed instructions for further care, treatment, maintenance (including physical activity) and feeding (giving water, food, dietary aspects). Ask when there will be an improvement in the condition when a second appointment is necessary, find out the date of suture removal (the cost of suture removal and post-operative examination should be included in the cost of the operation. Specify this). Clarify any unclear questions immediately! If necessary, if difficulties or complications arise at home, do not hesitate to consult a doctor by phone. Do not take any independent decisions and actions, if they have not been discussed and agreed with the doctor.

The time it takes for animals to exit general anesthesia, individually for each individual (from half an hour to several hours). They should be monitored until they fully regain consciousness and begin to walk without difficulty (if there are no pathologies that limit movement).

They must be kept under observation until they fully regain consciousness.

Transportation. Please note the following points:

The car should be warm but well ventilated.

Transport the animal in a special container.

To prevent hypothermia and postoperative shock, keep the animal on a warm bedding and cover it with a blanket (towel, diaper).

Remember that, once in a familiar environment, the animal may fall asleep deeply.

Postoperative care. Includes the following:

1. Make your animal a comfortable bed in a warm, quiet, dry place. Do not use elevated places under any circumstances to avoid the animal falling! Use baby oilcloth or absorbent diapers, because after surgery there may be involuntary urination in a dream.

When coming out of anesthesia, trembling is possible, in this case it is recommended to give a few drops of Corvalol (Valocordin) with water orally, but check with your doctor whether this is acceptable and the dose.

2. In some cases (if there is a threat of vomiting), unless the veterinarian says otherwise, after the operation, several hours later (after complete recovery from anesthesia), it is advisable to give a glucose solution in small quantities every 1 - 2 hours (1 tablespoon per 0.5 l of water or 5-10% ready-made solution), clean water or an electrolyte solution prescribed by your veterinarian. In other cases, for example during castration/sterilization, the animal’s approach to water is not initially limited, but it is better to limit access to water for 4-5 hours due to possible post-anesthesia vomiting.

3. It is advisable not to feed the animal for the first 6-8 hours after surgery, and significantly reduce the first portions of food in volume to minimize the possibility of vomiting, which often happens after anesthesia. Every three to four hours let's not large number easily digestible food (diet composition, therapeutic diet is discussed by the doctor!), unless, of course, the veterinarian has prohibited it, feed little by little, but often.

Your doctor may advise you to postoperative period use the supplement of energy vitamin paste in a dose according to the instructions for more quick recovery the animal's appetite and strength.

4. Monitor bowel movements (stool) and urination for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. If your animal experiences stool or urinary retention, contact your veterinarian. Be prepared to help your pet defecate and urinate after surgery by providing support.

5. Sutures are treated daily (1 or 2 times a day) until they are removed, the date of which will be determined by the doctor (from 8 to 12 days). Your doctor will select the drug or drugs for treating the suture.

6. Do not forget about hygienic treatment of the nose/nostrils, muzzle, teeth, eye area with special lotions, boiled water and/or chamomile decoction or other remedies recommended by your doctor.

7. After castration/sterilization of cats when feeding them food industrial production in 2-3 weeks. after surgery in adults or upon reaching the age of 1 year in kittens, it is possible to transfer the animal to super-premium class food for sterilized (castrated) animals with prophylaxis urolithiasis. Considering possible speed dial body weight in castrated animals, it is necessary to monitor the weight/fatness of the animal through the optimal dosage of the daily portion of food. Try to increase the animal's mobility by constantly playing with it. We recommend monitoring your weight dynamics and adjusting your diet if necessary.

Postoperative monitoring.

There are a number of situations that need to be reported to your veterinarian immediately:

1. Deep fainting. Heavy difficulty breathing.

2. Cold paw pads, pale lips and gums.

3. Within 24 hours after the operation, the animal cannot fully regain consciousness and begin to move.

Within 24 - 48 hours after surgery, the animal cannot control the movements of its limbs.

4. Constant belching and vomiting, the stomach does not hold even a small amount of water (vomiting once or twice is possible during the first hours after surgery when recovering from anesthesia, so you should not give the animal water and food at this time).

5. Bloody feces.

6. Severe swelling and redness surgical wound, bad smell. The same applies to visible parts of the body (limbs) below the places of bandaging, application plaster casts installed peripheral venous catheters.

8. Cramps.

9. Allergic reactions(rash and blisters), swelling of the mouth, muzzle and throat.

10. Removal of sutures by the animal itself.

11. Intense bleeding from the surgical wound.

Medicines. Before you leave the veterinarian, make sure that all names and doses on the prescription sheet are clear to you, and that the containers given to you with the appropriate medications are signed/labeled (antiemetics, antibiotics, etc. or the name of the drug). You can write down the names of medications, their doses and frequency of administration in your notebook/notebook; this may be useful to you later (that is, make a list of medications indicating the dose and time of administration that is understandable and convenient for you).

If the veterinarian poured the tablets/powders into a bag, then, if necessary, pour them into a clean, dry bottle and attach a label with the name of the medicine and dosage.

If you have several pets, then remember who you give what medications to.

Control of water consumption. After surgery, animals can often be dehydrated and very thirsty, but large amounts of water can cause vomiting. Remove all containers of water from the room where the animal is. Give the liquid first in small doses (of course, if there is a need for it and the doctor has not prescribed otherwise). If after two hours no vomiting appears, then the amount of water can be increased, and in the future the animal can drink as much as it wants. In some cases, there may be no restrictions on water consumption.

If the dog cannot lift its head, water can be given from a syringe without a needle.

Bandages.If an animal has a bandaged limb, the bandage must be kept clean at all times, even when the animal goes outside. To do this, put a plastic bag on top and secure it with adhesive tape. When your dog returns home, immediately remove the bag and put it away. Elastic bandages can be dangerous for animals, so never secure the bag with such a bandage, but in some cases, and only on the recommendation of a doctor, they can be used. Make sure that the bandage does not get wet. If the animal has a catheter installed in the peripheral veins (usually the paws), then monitor the skin around the catheter, and if redness, swelling, pain, leakage, or bleeding occurs, immediately inform the doctor. It is important not to allow the animal to be “interested” in this place, and to ensure that the catheter is securely bandaged or, if necessary, reinforced with a bandage over the bandage (but not tightly!).

It is necessary to draw your attention to post-operative care for cats after acute urinary retention due to urolithiasis, which were diagnosed for several days urinary catheter. Such animals must wear a protective collar! Diapers for cats (or newborns, size according to the weight of the animal, with a hole cut out for the tail) must be changed after each catheter flushing. It is necessary to rinse the catheter until a clear solution comes out of it (your doctor will show you the rinsing technique). A single dose of about 10-20 ml of solution per injection, several times, the total volume of the solution is from 50 to 300 ml (depending on the transparency of the rinsing solution after removing it from the bladder). Composition of the solution (100 ml): warm boiled water or any sterile physiological solution (sodium chloride, Ringer) – 80 ml + 1% solution of Dioxidin (Pharmoxidin) – 20 ml. In other cases, the doctor may prescribe other rinsing solutions (Furacilin, Rivanol, Actenisept). In some cases, after rinsing with this solution, the doctor will recommend that you inject bladder 5-10 ml of KotErvina through the catheter for 30-40 minutes (after administering the drug, close the catheter with a plug; after the specified time has elapsed, it is MANDATORY to open the catheter for the free outflow of urine). The catheter is usually removed after 3-4 days. It is extremely necessary for the owner to monitor urination (when wearing a diaper, it should become heavier from the urine entering it), and if there is no such or insufficient urine output, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor!

Seams. If the sutures are applied correctly, most animals tolerate them well. Your doctor will give you recommendations for their treatment.

If the animal begins to be bothered by the stitches, then apply a bandage to the front paw to distract attention. To protect the stitches, wear a protective collar, but check with your veterinarian before doing so. With a collar, the animal cannot reach any part of the body with its teeth, but it is important to ensure that the animal has no difficulties when feeding and drinking water (periodically removing the collar to feed and water the animal under your supervision or correct installation with water and food in a shallow, small-diameter bowl that does not interfere with the consumption of their contents, and/or on a stand). Postoperative blankets and “boots” are often used to protect sutures. Some animals are intolerant of any new “attributes” on their body, so make sure that they do not remove them or chew them; often the animal needs some time to get used to the protective devices, so be patient and in no case try to follow the animal’s lead by removing the blanket or collar before the time prescribed by the doctor, and even removing it by you short time protective device, can contribute to animal self-injury of the surgical wound and sutures with the subsequent occurrence of complications in this area.

Our pets sometimes get sick and even undergo surgery. Sterilization (castration), abdominal surgery and others surgical interventions– this is always a serious stress for the body. Caring for a cat after surgery is quite complex; it requires increased attention, patience and certain knowledge.

Arranging a place for a cat

Proper care of a cat after surgery begins with arranging its place. The pet's corner should be located on the floor, where there are no drafts, and isolated from places where the cat can hide. You should not place your cat on an elevated surface, as it may jump off and get injured. Place an oilcloth on the floor and cover it with cotton cloth. To cover your cat, you will need a warm blanket or blanket.

Caring for seams

Caring for a cat after surgery is, first of all, protection and treatment postoperative sutures. After abdominal operations, a special blanket is used. It is put on the cat, with a spare blanket for hygiene purposes. The “Elizabethan collar” will protect in cases where after the operation the cat licks the wound, and wearing a blanket is not expected.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the seams. When caring for your cat after surgery, use only sterile dressing. It is recommended to treat seams with antiseptics - hydrogen peroxide (3%) or aqueous solution chlorhexidine. Iodine and brilliant green cannot be used for these purposes.

Temperature measurement

Caring for your cat after surgery includes regularly taking the temperature and proper feeding. Normal temperature body temperature in cats is 38-39.5°C, but after anesthesia it is usually reduced. The temperature is measured rectally by lubricating the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly or baby cream. If the temperature is low, the cat can be warmed up using a heating pad. To prevent inflammation, do not apply a heating pad to the seams.

Nutrition

From proper nutrition The success of caring for your cat after surgery depends on it. The animal will quickly recover and get stronger if its diet includes only dietary, easily digestible food. If the cat was eating before surgery natural products, then you can offer her baby food meat food excluding pork. If your pet previously preferred dry food, replace it with canned food from the same manufacturer.

The first two days after surgery, the cat’s appetite is reduced, and vomiting may occur. These symptoms are within normal limits and occur due to slow bowel function after anesthesia. The cat should go to the toilet regularly. If within three days, you need to give him 2-3 ml Vaseline oil.

Use prescribed medications for your cat strictly according to the instructions. Keep in touch with your doctor. Contact your veterinarian immediately if:

your pet’s temperature is below 37°C;

appeared purulent discharge, darkening and swelling of the skin around the stitches;

after taking medication the cat becomes ill;

on the third day after surgery

vomiting continues for a long time(more than two days);

the cat did not urinate for 24 hours;

the cat is not getting better, its health is deteriorating.

More and more often, owners ask themselves the question: “Should I sterilize my cat?” And this approach is more correct than using hormonal contraceptives or complete failure from the regulation of sexual hunting. The fact is that medications negatively affect the cat’s health, can lead to various tumors, etc. And in the second case, there is a threat that the animal will become pregnant several times a year. Neutered cats walk around and do not produce any offspring. The operation eliminates all questions and problems once and for all.

Preparing for surgery

There's nothing tricky here. The animal must not eat for 12 hours and not drink 4 hours before surgery. This is due to the fact that the operation is carried out under That's all the preparation. Animals older than 8 months can be sterilized. In this case, there will be no complications. It is optimal to carry out the operation before the first mating or the first desire. A month before the procedure, it is advisable to get vaccinations to protect your pet from possible complications and infections. When produced it is required within 1-2 weeks.

Transportation home

How does a cat recover after sterilization? Sometimes animals become too excited, active and restless. They may start jumping and running around the apartment and room. There is no need to worry - it will pass soon. Moreover, you should not try to catch up with your favorite, it is better to leave her alone.

As soon as the cat begins to come to its senses, it tries to remove the collar or blanket. However, you shouldn't let her do this. In a couple of days she will get used to it, and the protective equipment will not cause her any inconvenience.

Caring for a cat at home. Feeding

The animal's appetite returns within two days after the operation. What to feed a cat after sterilization? Just like before. Within a few days, the pet will begin to eat in the same amounts as before the operation. If this does not happen on the 5th day, then this is a sign of ill health. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian.

You need to feed little by little as soon as the pet has a desire to eat. However, if vomiting occurs, then you need to wait a few more hours to eat. To avoid problems with the collar, the diameter of the bowl should be smaller. The cup should be placed at a height of 3-6 cm.

Disposal of natural needs

In the first days, urination becomes less frequent and less in volume. However, once your appetite is restored, everything should return to normal.

Cats often experience constipation after sterilization. If the animal does not go to the toilet for more than three days, you need to give it a laxative. You can buy it at your nearest veterinary pharmacy. various drugs based on petroleum jelly or other products. After the first, the stool should improve.

Temperature rise

During the first 5 days after surgery, phenomena such as lethargy, weakness, or, conversely, excessive activity are possible. Fluctuations in body temperature may also be observed, increasing to 39.5 degrees. This is not due to infection, but to tissue damage and healing. This is a normal reaction of the body. Painkillers will significantly improve your pet’s well-being. However, if the temperature is too high or persists for a week or more, you should consult a doctor.

Use of protective equipment

What to wear on a cat is up to each owner to decide for himself. Regardless of the choice, one condition must be observed: the pet must wear a collar or blanket. It is necessary to ensure that they are clean and, most importantly, intact, since their main purpose is to protect against licking. However, an animal can render them unusable in a few days. The behavior of cats after sterilization is characterized by an increased interest in the seam. In this case, the devices mentioned above will have to be replaced. It is important to protect the stitches from the cat's tongue, otherwise they may come apart and become inflamed.

It is necessary to ensure that the blanket and collar fit tightly enough so that the animal cannot remove them, but at the same time the cat should be comfortable. The ties and collar are easily adjustable. As a rule, protective equipment can be removed after 7-10 days. It is better to wear it longer, because sometimes in cats the seams set slowly.

Anesthesia

The most difficult period is immediately after surgery and for two days. On these days, it is advisable to give painkillers. These can be either injections or tablets (when swallowing function is restored). However, special cat medications should be given, not human ones! Painkillers will not only make your pet’s life easier, but will also allow her to feel much better, her appetite will return sooner, and her temperature will not rise much. The postoperative syndrome itself will be much less pronounced.

If the behavior of cats after sterilization does not differ from usual, then this item can be excluded from therapeutic measures. However, in most cases it is required.

Suture healing

Immediately after the operation, a few drops of blood or ichor may come out of the incision. turns red and engorged with blood. This is a normal reaction. As a rule, after a couple of days the swelling subsides and the incision stops getting wet. If the condition of the seam does not improve, then this is a reason to consult a doctor.

Seam processing

This event becomes mandatory from the second day after the operation. It is carried out every other day, preferably daily, an hour after taking painkillers. Task of this event consists of antimicrobial treatment of the seam. To do this, a cotton swab is soaked in chlorhexidine, and all the smallest folds are cleaned with it. Hair and discharge should be removed from the incision. Finally, the wound can be treated with a swab with Levomekol ointment. Usually the healing course is 10 days. The easiest way to clean the seams is with two people: one person stands the cat on its hind legs, and the second person cleans it.

Additional drugs

If the operation was successful and the animal itself is healthy, then it does not require additional drug treatment. However, the following groups of medications may be needed:

• Antibiotics. As a rule, one injection is given during surgery. This is necessary to avoid infection. They may be needed if the animal licks the seam. But in this case, the recovery process will drag on for another 2-3 weeks.
• Vitamins are given to weakened cats if they feel unwell during the postoperative period.
• Hemostatic agents will be needed if blood clotting is poor, if blood is constantly oozing from the suture.
• Anti-infective serum will come in handy if the owner decides to leave the pet at recovery period V

Sterilization of cats. Care after surgery in a veterinary clinic

Many animal hospitals already offer hospital services for post-surgical animals. You can place your cat there for either 1 day or 10 days until complete recovery. Depending on your wishes and financial situation owners. In a veterinary clinic, the animal is guaranteed competent care, but, on the other hand, it will not see its owners, which will not have a very favorable effect on its mood.

Pros

This placement has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

• if the owner is in a hurry to work or on business, he does not need to waste time transporting the animal to home and taking a set of primary measures;
• there is no need to take a pet anywhere that has not yet recovered from anesthesia;
• the clinic knows exactly what to feed the cat after sterilization;
• you don’t have to give injections and pills yourself or take your pet to the veterinarian every day for procedures;
• often animals are aggressive; the owner will not have to experience this on himself;
• responsibility for the operation and recovery period falls entirely on the shoulders of doctors; specialists are well aware of the behavior of cats after sterilization;
• in some cases, if a cat has health problems, it needs specialized medical care;
• the hospital is especially convenient for sterilizing stray cats.

Cons

• the cat will have double stress: from the operation itself and from the change in living conditions;
• not every clinic has truly responsible doctors, so it is possible that the pet may be “forgotten” and not carried out necessary procedures during. This issue needs to be further clarified with the owners of other patients;
• a cat may be very offended that its owner abandoned it in a difficult situation;
• the possibility of contracting a viral infection cannot be ruled out;
• Keeping a veterinary clinic is quite expensive.

And finally. If a sterilized cat screams, then this is a reason to see a doctor. Complications cannot be ruled out. If this happens in the first weeks after surgery, then this is a simple consequence of the installation hormonal levels. Does a neutered cat ask for a male cat? No. After the operation there will be no problems with her screams and marks.