An ovariohysterectomy, commonly referred to as a spay, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus. This procedure is permanent and irreversible.
Do not feed your pet the day of the procedure. Remove all food from the night before. Water may remain available at all times.
What to Expect:
Preparation:
Hair will be clipped from your cat’s front leg to allow for intravenous anaesthesia to be administered.
The area around the surgical site (abdomen) will also be clipped and cleaned to ensure a sterile environment.
Procedure:
Once your cat is under general anaesthesia, the veterinarian will surgically remove the ovaries and uterus.
Your cat will be closely monitored throughout the procedure and during recovery to ensure their safety.
Aftercare:
Your cat will be sent home with a buster collar and/or pet shirt to prevent licking or scratching the surgical site, which could lead to complications.
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery process.
Benefits of Spaying:
Spaying provides several long-term health and behavioural benefits for your cat, including:
Elimination of behaviours associated with heat: Spaying permanently stops your cat from going into heat and eliminates related behaviours.
Prevention of unwanted pregnancies: Spaying removes the possibility of your cat becoming pregnant.
Decreased roaming behaviour: Cats that are spayed are less likely to roam, reducing the risk of accidents or getting lost.
Reduction in the risk of mammary cancer: While spaying can lower the risk of this cancer, the level of effectiveness depends on the age at which the procedure is performed.
Prevention of uterine infections (pyometra): Spaying eliminates the risk of this potentially life-threatening condition.
Potential Risks and Complications:
While spaying is a routine and generally safe procedure, complications can occur. Please review the following list carefully, and do not hesitate to ask our staff if you have any questions.
Possible Complications Include:
Haemorrhage (bleeding): Can occur during or after surgery, either internally or externally.
Wound breakdown: The surgical site may fail to heal properly.
Wound infection: The incision site may become infected.
Bruising and swelling: Mild to moderate swelling or bruising around the surgical site is possible.
Seroma: A fluid-filled pocket may develop at the surgical site.
Damage to internal organs: Rare but possible, including accidental damage to the ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder).
Pain: Pain relief will be provided, but mild discomfort may persist temporarily.
Suture reaction: Some cats may experience a reaction to the suture material used.
Herniation: Internal organs may protrude through the surgical site if the wound reopens.
Anaesthetic risks: These include rare but serious complications such as respiratory or cardiac issues, and in extremely rare cases, death.
Our Commitment to Safety:
We take every precaution to minimise risks to your cat. This includes:
Using sterile surgical techniques.
Providing comprehensive monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery.
Administering appropriate pain relief and post-operative care.
Owner Responsibility:
Please be aware that you, as the owner, are responsible for any costs related to post-operative complications. Following the aftercare instructions and ensuring your cat wears the provided buster collar and/or pet shirt will help reduce the likelihood of complications.
If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure or aftercare, please speak with our team. We are here to ensure the best possible outcome for your cat.