home Adviсe Immune complications in cats after sterilization. Consequences of sterilization of cats. Methods of castration of cats

Immune complications in cats after sterilization. Consequences of sterilization of cats. Methods of castration of cats

Sterilization of a cat is, unfortunately, a forced operation, which is carried out in order not to worry about what to do with the future offspring of a beloved pet. Today, many owners perform such operations on their cats.

But veterinarians claim that it is completely safe for the animal, but still, like any surgical intervention, there are risks.

If you don’t notice your cat’s signs of illness in time or if your cat’s abdominal cavity begins to swell and you don’t take proper care of it, this can lead to serious consequences.

In modern veterinary medicine, there are two ways to sterilize a cat: ovariohysterectomy and oophorectomy.

The first surgical method of sterilizing a cat involves the complete removal of not only the ovaries, but also the uterus. This method is considered the most correct. The second surgical method allows you to remove only the ovaries, while the uterus remains in the abdominal cavity.

But with such a surgical intervention, serious consequences in the form of inflammation of the uterus may appear after several years, and will serve as a reason for another operation.

Methodology for cat sterilization surgery

There are several methods of how cat sterilization operations are carried out. Here main methods: classic scheme; sterilization using a side incision; laparoscopic method of sterilization.

According to the classical scheme, an incision is made on the animal’s belly done along the white line, then a short sterilization is carried out and then the wound is sutured. This method has been used for decades and does not cause complications if the cat is properly cared for.

But such an operation should be performed by a veterinarian who has experience in such matters. But there are also disadvantages to this method. Thus, the risk of injury to an animal during such an operation is quite high when compared with other methods.

In the method when sterilization is carried out through a side incision, a scalpel is not used, and the peritoneal muscles are pulled apart using special blunt object. When the organs are removed, a suture is placed. This method is less traumatic, but the veterinarian is not always able to remove the entire uterus.

This operation is good because you do not need to make any incisions, but simply make a small puncture in the abdominal cavity, into which a laparoscope is then inserted, which helps the surgeon to observe on the monitor the removal of both the uterus and ovaries.

Today, this is not only a popular method, but also safest for the animal. But it also costs much more than other sterilization methods. But after such an operation, the cat has practically no stitches left and there is no need to care for it.

Post-operative cat care

Whatever sterilization method is chosen by the owner, there are rules for caring for a cat after such surgery that must be followed. First of all, it's worth take care of the animal's peace, there should be no active games with children or other animals.

But still, the stitches that remain after sterilization require special attention. Usually on the abdominal cavity use special threads for surgical operations that dissolve over time. Such sutures do not require special care, but the animal’s mobility must be limited so that these same sutures do not come apart.

But there is another way of suturing, where a non-absorbable thread is already used, and it is removed after 7-10 days. There are special ointments, gels and sprays that can protect the seams. Good for care postoperative blanket, which is a small jumpsuit made of fabric with ties.

After sterilization, the cat is very rarely experiences pain, but it also happens that on the second or third day the cat experiences pain. They are small, so no additional pain relief products need to be used. But a consultation with a veterinarian is not an option.

By the way, during the operation even for cats special anesthesia is used. Today in veterinary medicine the following types of anesthesia are used for sterilization:

Intramuscular, when a muscle relaxant and an analgin-based drug are usually administered. This is the most common type of anesthesia, but it takes a long time for a cat to recover from the anesthesia state.
Intramuscular, when the same muscle relaxant is administered and epidural anesthesia is performed. But this method of anesthesia can cause complications, so a highly qualified surgeon is needed. Animals recover from such anesthesia quickly.
Gas anesthesia. But to carry it out you need special equipment, which is not available in all veterinary clinics. When using such anesthesia, the cat wakes up immediately after the device is turned off.

Complications after cat sterilization surgery

Any operation can cause a variety of consequences. Sterilizing a cat is no exception, and therefore various complications may arise:

Neutering cats is a simple operation that can be easily performed by any practicing veterinarian. But still there are risks of complications and you need to know about them in order to help animals during this period. It is imperative to follow all the instructions of the attending physician.

If the cat owner is very busy, then it is worth contacting a veterinary clinic, where all kinds of services are provided, including support for cats after sterilization. There is also a service that can deliver the animal to surgery and back, which is suitable for busy people.

The most common method should be highlighted - castration. It involves the complete removal of organs (uterus and ovaries). Sterilization usually means ligation of the animal's uterine tubes. But in this case, estrus will not stop and sexual behavior will not disappear either, there is a possibility of disease of the uterus, mammary glands, ovaries, but at the same time, the cat will not have offspring.

Sterilization and its types

And so, sterilization is an artificial introduction into the body, using a surgical method, which completely interrupts the pet’s reproductive function. Today, there are the following sterilization methods:

Ovariectomy;
Ovariohysterectomy.

Of all these methods, the animal tolerates tubal ligation best. The doctor makes an incision in the pet's side and only ligates the oviduct. The only disadvantage of such sterilization of cats is that after this action there are heavy estrus, as a result of which complications may arise.

Sterilization by oophorectomy involves the removal of the gonads - the ovaries. But even this removal does not always have a favorable effect on the outcome of events. If even a small portion of the ovary remains, they can recover; secondly, the pet may develop a disease of the uterus.

The best option can be called ovariohysterectomy. It is the most optimal in solving problems with sterilization of an animal. During the operation, both the cat's uterus and ovaries are completely removed. In medicine this is called castration. This method is the most common not only in Russia, but also in other countries.

Consequences of sterilization

Let's look at how dangerous sterilization is for a cat. Gagging and vomiting. This is due to anesthesia, even when all the rules for its introduction into the body are followed, there may be consequences of vomiting. If the vomiting is not severe, you just need to watch the animal and make sure that it does not choke in it. Turn the animal's head to the side to prevent vomit from entering the respiratory tract. If vomiting is severe, you should immediately consult a doctor for help;
Internal bleeding. If the pet is lethargic, constantly lies down and does not want to move, and attempts to touch and pet it cause pain, then look into the mouth and look at the mucous membrane; if it is very pale, almost white, go to the doctor immediately;
Wound infection. If you notice that the wound is red or swollen, and there is increased discharge (of a purulent nature), your pet should be taken to the vet immediately.

"Note! Slight redness or swelling of the scar may be present for no longer than 3-4 days after surgery.”

If, after you have spayed your cat, she exhibits the same behavior as she did when she was in heat. This can be explained by the fact that the ovary was not completely removed and its remaining parts continue to produce hormones that cause this behavior. Contact your doctor again and have him examine the animal.

You can replace your cat's sterilization with medication, but this can greatly affect her health.

Pros and cons of sterilization

Now let's discuss the pros and cons of neutering cats. One of the main advantages of such an operation is that due to the fact that your pet will not produce kittens, you will not have to think about where and to whom to give them.

Most people who consider themselves “kind” and allow their pet to give birth, and then throw them out into the street or even drown newborns, have some special idea of their kindness. Therefore, to prevent all this from happening, it is better to immediately begin sterilizing the cat.

The second benefit of sterilizing a cat is its longevity and improved health. If you look at the statistics, a sterilized cat lives 2-4 years longer than a cat that gave birth.

Owners who are very sorry to put their animal under the knife, and stuff their pets with various pills, suffer harm for such sterilization of the cat. Her health suffers, those who have already gone through all the nightmares of their pet’s oncology certainly know all the consequences of such a path.

It will be no better for the cat that is simply not allowed to mate. After all, frequent estrus without mating is also harmful to the health of the animal. A cat that is already 5 years old and has not given birth has a much higher risk of developing cancer or other diseases.

Those cats that give birth constantly experience heavy stress and their body quickly wears out. We are already silent about the risks that the birth process may entail.

Those housewives who decided to put themselves in the place of their beloved pet discuss that they would not like to go through all the horror of this operation. They don’t think about the fact that if they were in the cat’s place, they would hardly want to give birth every year and suffer at the same time.

The benefits of sterilizing cats for their owners are also not overlooked. The pet will stop marking the territory, you will no longer run around with a rag to try to wash off this terrible smell. The animal will always be in a good and playful mood. You will save significantly on food, they will consume less food.

Is it necessary to sterilize a domestic cat - definitely “Yes”. After sterilization, the cat has no need to look for adventures at all, she will no longer try to escape from her house and run into the street, all this will become indifferent to her.

Cons of sterilization

Whatever the advantages, there will always be factors that may say the opposite. Let's look at the dangers of sterilizing a cat.

Sterilization is still an operation. It may have its own consequences after anesthesia, and after the surgical intervention itself in the pet’s body. To prevent anesthesia from causing harm, your cat must undergo a series of examinations so that the suture cannot become inflamed; the operation should be performed only in a clinic. And then, completely follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

You will be instructed to put a blanket on your pet to protect the seam from bacteria. They don't like the blanket at all, and they will get nervous and try to take it off. But you must understand that under no circumstances should the blanket be removed, mainly within 2 weeks after the operation.

Your cat may gain excess weight, but if you watch its diet, nothing bad will happen.

Now you know whether sterilization is harmful for cats, and what is the best method to carry it out.

At what age is it better to have sterilization?

It is best to sterilize an animal between 6-8 months of age, before its first heat. This makes them much easier to tolerate anesthesia, and all the consequences that may occur in an older cat.

Preparing for surgery

Before sterilization, the veterinarian will prescribe a number of tests that your cat will need to undergo (blood, urine, heart check). You must keep your pet away from food for 12 hours before surgery. This will make the post-operative recovery of the body much easier.

Post-operative care

Keep your cat warm and keep her calm. As recommended by your doctor, treat the postoperative suture. And then the animal will quickly return to its normal rhythm of life.

Possible obesity after surgery

After using anesthesia, the metabolism slows down, and because of this there will be obesity. Limit the animal's high-calorie food, make sure that the pet spends its energy and does not just lie down, play with it. Make sure your animal drinks water. Water promotes metabolism.

Now you know everything about sterilization of cats, the harms and benefits of this operation, it is up to you to decide whether to have the operation or not. You can use an alternative to cat sterilization and choose medication. But it's better to think it over carefully.

It may become more complicated in a cat. However, the severity of the consequences, and their very occurrence, largely depends on the thoroughness of the animal’s preparation and postoperative care.

It must be remembered that the benefits of surgery still outweigh its risks. A non-breeding animal will be spared from constant dissatisfaction and the possibility of developing purulent and tumor diseases of the genital organs. The owner will have peace of mind, and the need to house countless litters of kittens will disappear.

Of course, this operation has consequences. Feedback from animal owners shows that there is no tendency for pets of any specific breed to develop complications. For convenience, we classify the latter by reason of occurrence. And let’s take a closer look at what the consequences of sterilizing a cat may be. Let's talk about the negative aspects first.

Related to the characteristics of the pet’s body. This may include individual intolerance to narcotic drugs. In this case, the cat develops (allergic), acute renal or
Consequences of sterilization of a cat caused by diseases that she suffered at the time of surgery. These are cardiovascular disorders in elderly pets or in animals with diseases of the lungs, blood vessels and heart.
Complications due to violation of surgical technique. Let's include medical errors here. In this group we place such postoperative complications as:

Dehiscence of sutures, which can occur due to the fault of the doctor if he did not follow the technique; other complications during surgery: transection of the ureters, bleeding if the doctor has poorly tied the vessels of the uterus and ovary;

Peritonitis is purulent inflammation of the peritoneum (this rarely happens if the operation was performed under normal conditions in the operating room).

Obesity is not at all a direct and inevitable result of this operation. You just need to take into account that a castrated animal spends significantly less vital energy, since it lacks sexual instinct. This means that the caloric content of the diet should be reduced. If this is not done, of course, the cat will gain excess weight.

“Understerilization” is not always the mistake of a doctor who has not completely removed the ovary. Because some cats have extra ovarian tissue outside the gonad - next to it or even in another part of the body (accessory ovary). The animal will experience symptoms of estrus, but if the cat becomes pregnant, it will not be possible.

Positive effects of cat sterilization

In addition to solving the above-described psychological and physiological problems, early sterilized pets experience an improvement in the physical development of the skeleton and muscular system. You also need to take into account that the likelihood of an accident with an animal that runs away from home in search of romantic adventures is reduced.

It is, of course, up to the owner to decide whether surgery—sterilization of the cat—is necessary in each specific case. We remind you that caring for an animal is not difficult. The doctor usually talks in detail about what needs to be done and how. The entire rehabilitation takes about two weeks.

This is the process by which an animal loses its ability to reproduce. To understand whether such an effect on the animal’s body is humane, let’s look at the reasons why owners decide to sterilize. Firstly, breeding cats is a troublesome task, requiring quite large financial costs, not to mention the difficulties in finding new families for kittens, which always run the risk of becoming homeless. From this point of view, it would be much more humane to sterilize cats, that is, it is better not to give kittens a chance to be born than to condemn them to starvation and death on the street. Secondly, such manifestations of sexual behavior of cats as marking of territory and loud screams at night can undermine the patience of even the most calm and balanced owner. Is it fair to be aggressive towards your cat because of physiological characteristics beyond her control? And finally, constantly recurring estrus without mating with a male, as well as long-term use of hormonal drugs, lead after a certain time to inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system of cats, such as pyometra, ovarian or mammary cancer and others (sterilization of cats also solves this problem). The romantic myth that a female animal must give birth at least once to realize her maternal instincts is beautiful, but it is refuted by scientific research, the results of which state that a cat does not need kittens due to her physiology. Among some parents who are especially responsible for raising a child, there is also an opinion that a cat must give birth in order for their own child to witness the miracle of birth. It is unlikely that this will be possible, since most often cat birth occurs at night or in secluded places. Unfortunately, sometimes the only thing that children take away from such a “lesson” is that animals are born at the whim of adults and are abandoned to their fate also at their whim.

Sterilization is the only humane solution for those owners who truly love their cat and, due to certain circumstances, cannot breed kittens.

There are several types of sterilization: surgical, medicinal and radiation. The most reliable and favorable in terms of consequences for the cat’s body is surgical sterilization, the methods of which include:

Tubal occlusion- tugging of the fallopian tubes, as a result of which conception becomes impossible, but the hormonal background of cats does not change, that is, estrus, screaming and the cat’s demands continue.

Hysterectomy- removal of the uterus while preserving the ovaries. Such sterilization has the same consequences for cats as tubal occlusion.

Both of these operations have an extremely adverse effect on the health of the animal and are rarely used in modern veterinary practice.

Ovariectomy– removal of the ovaries. A change in hormonal levels occurs, the production of sex hormones stops and, as a result, estrus stops, the risk of ovarian cysts and false pregnancies disappears. In domestic veterinary practice, the concept of “sterilization” is often understood specifically as oophorectomy. This option of surgical sterilization is the most desirable, but is only suitable for young and nulliparous cats.

Ovariohysterectomy– removal of the ovaries and uterus. This operation is called castration and is performed on cats older than one year who have given birth and have pathological processes in the uterus.

Unfortunately, veterinarians have not yet reached a consensus on the optimal age of a cat for sterilization. Thus, a number of Western experts believe that in order to prevent future health problems for a cat, sterilization should be carried out before maturity or before the first heat, at the age of 8 weeks to 6 months. The genitals at this time are already well defined. Other veterinarians are inclined to believe that early sterilization is fraught with negative consequences for the endocrine system of cats, kidneys, retina, and also interferes with the development of a normal proportional physique, and that sterilization should be carried out immediately after the first heat. Surgery performed before the second heat reduces the risk of mammary tumors by 25%. And finally, the most orthodox zoo specialists will advise you to wait at least up to a year so that your pet’s body is fully strengthened and formed.

Operation

Cat sterilization is performed under general anesthesia. To eliminate the possibility of vomiting and aspiration during anesthesia, doctors recommend not feeding your cat the night before surgery. So if sterilization is scheduled for the morning, then the last meal should be no later than 7 pm the previous day. The length of the incision depends on the size of the cat's organs and the method of surgical sterilization. So, with an oophorectomy, an incision is made in the middle of the abdomen no more than three centimeters long, and with an ovariohysterectomy, it is much longer. There are also the latest methods of “seamless” surgery with an incision length of no more than 1 cm. After such an operation, the wound is completely insignificant, and there is no need to wear a blanket.

As a rule, the cat can get up on its feet within a few minutes after emerging from anesthesia. However, complete recovery takes from 5 to 14 days. At home, you need to equip your cat with a flat, comfortable bed and regularly check its well-being. Under no circumstances should the wound fester or bleed.

Consequences of sterilization

Since the presence of estrogens in the body affects the decrease in the animal’s appetite, stopping their production by the ovaries will inevitably have the opposite effect. In addition, neutering slows down your cat's metabolism. Both of these factors contribute to the accumulation of excess weight. Thus, the most important thing you have to do after sterilization is to organize dietary nutrition for the cat and regular physical activity. Don't forget that, despite the special charm of well-fed cats, obesity is a disease like many others. In the absence of problems with excess weight, the cat's hunting instincts, playfulness, vocal intonations and general activity level do not fade. There are also no character changes in cats, except that they may become somewhat more gentle.

Early sterilization, according to some studies, has a beneficial effect on the external physical parameters of the cat. It promotes the development of a stronger and more muscular skeleton, as well as lengthening of the limbs.

In addition, by sterilizing a cat, the likelihood of accidents associated with its desire to run away from home in search of a mating partner also decreases.

Once you decide to sterilize your cat, you will not only provide yourself with peace of mind, but will definitely improve the quality of life of your pet and extend it for several years.

In the life of every cat owner, sooner or later there comes a time when he takes his favorite furry miracle to a veterinary clinic for sterilization. There may be several reasons for such a decision. Therefore, knowing about possible complications after sterilizing a cat is vital and useful.

Sterilization– partial removal of the cat’s reproductive organs. At the same time, the system continues to function and produce hormones. The cat remains a “woman” and does not become an indifferent felt boot, as some people believe.

Indications for sterilization

One of the traditional reasons for sterilization is the owners’ reluctance to deal with the symptoms of estrus, pregnancy, and childbirth. During heat, a cat's behavior changes significantly. For example, she begins to rub against objects and people. At the same time, the cat makes various sounds, sometimes very loud. The reproductive cycle in cats is quite specific. A young cat that has never given birth can be in heat almost every month. The older one produces offspring at least once a year, less often - every six months. The average rhythm, once every three months, is typical for a cat who has given birth once.

Therefore, enterprising owners, knowing about such features, solve the problem in advance by sterilization. By the way, you can sterilize a cat no earlier than 6 months. By this time, the physiological formation of the body will end. Early sterilization is fraught with health problems!

Medical indications: tumors, inflammation of the uterus, ovaries. There is always a risk of developing malignant tumors of the reproductive system. The most common case on this list is breast cancer. Whether it makes sense to hold on to a stalemate if the problem can be solved at the root, everyone determines for himself.

Let's summarize the above.

Pros and cons of sterilizing cats

Positive points:

Kitten birth control. A cat is capable of producing up to 4 litters per year. If you know exactly where you can place a horde of cute little fluffies, then there is no problem.
Many people get super purebred and rare cats for themselves, which is called for the soul. If you do not plan to engage in breeding, then sterilization will be an excellent solution in this situation.
Rarely do cat owners living in cities have the opportunity to provide their pet with a country walk. Periodic concerts and a spoiled mood are guaranteed to eventually lead to a desire to get rid of the animal. And the cat’s health can seriously deteriorate if she does not have a chance to fulfill the body’s biological needs.
After sterilization, the cat will look less and less towards the street. Contact with stray cats is excluded, the risk of contracting something incurable (viral immunodeficiency, viral leukemia) is minimized.

Negative points:

Associated primarily with the need for general anesthesia. Young cats tolerate it more easily. But there is always a risk that the cat will not be able to get out of it. Competent specialists carefully calculate the dose of sleeping pills. In trusted clinics, such cases are rare. As happy owners of the following cat breeds, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist before undergoing surgery - Maine Coons, Sphynxes, Folds (British, Scottish). In these breeds, anesthesia can cause blockage of blood vessels with blood clots (thromboembolism).
Obesity. A common problem with inattentive owners. After sterilization, the general hormonal background of the body changes somewhat. There is no need for excessive activity, but the appetite improves. Take these changes into account when feeding your pets and there will be no problems.

Complications after cat sterilization

It is useful to know that modern surgery uses several methods of sterilizing cats. Ovariectomy – the ovaries are completely removed. In this case, sex hormones stop being produced completely, estrus stops, and all the negative symptoms of heat disappear. After such an operation, you may encounter negative consequences - pyometra, endometritis.

Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterine mucosa. The cause is infection in the wound, violation of hygiene rules during surgery. Warning symptoms of the disease: discharge from the genitals, fever, general lethargy, refusal to eat, severe thirst.

What to do if you notice such signs? Contact a veterinarian immediately. Delay in this disease is fraught with transition to a purulent form and sepsis.

Complications after chemical sterilization of a cat

Pyometra is purulent endometritis. The saddest thing is that this disease can progress very quickly, sometimes without even showing visible symptoms. In such cases, the animal dies very quickly. Signs of pyometra: enlarged abdomen, frequent urination, possible discharge, upset stomach, general lethargy.

Believe me, do not delay visiting the veterinarian again. It’s better to play it safe once again than to bite your elbows later. Pyometra is a very insidious disease. Many owners only noticed at the last moment that there was something wrong with their pet - the manifestations of the disease were so weak.

The second method of sterilization is ligation of the fallopian tubes. Sexual behavior is preserved after such an operation, but there is no possibility of becoming pregnant. Possible negative consequences in this case are more related to the animal’s psyche. Plus, there is a chance to develop the same diseases mentioned above.

Ovariohysterectomy (castration)– complete removal of the cat’s uterus and ovaries. Complications are practically excluded. There may be a slight postoperative leakage of blood, exudate (liquid) from the suture, and local inflammation.

Chemical sterilization– insertion of an implant under the skin that blocks sexual behavior for a certain time. Injections, tablets, and drops that suppress hormone production can also be used. Complications – cysts, severe tumors of the mammary glands and internal genital organs appear.

Laparoscopy– pinpoint surgery using a special instrument, a laparoscope, which is equipped with a camera and lens. The doctor performs all manipulations inside the animal’s body. The cat is left with a microscopic suture as a souvenir. Complications arise in the case of a poorly performed operation - injury to internal organs (piercing the intestinal walls, diaphragm, blood vessels). A depressed state is a sure sign that something has gone wrong, the temperature rises, and there is pain in certain parts of the body. The worst thing that can happen after such an operation is gas embolism or peritonitis. However, such situations are quite rare.

Memo to the owner

After sterilization surgery, try to closely monitor any changes in your pet's behavior for 1-2 weeks. Any deviations are a reason to sound the alarm and call the veterinarian.