Feline Spay Surgery

"No matter how much cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens."
Abraham Lincoln

The Spay Operation (Ovariohysterectomy)

1. An incision is made on the midline of the abdomen.
2. The ovaries and uterus are identified and surgical clamps are secured on the ovarian blood vessels.
3. The ovarian vessels are ligated (tied with sutures to prevent bleeding).
4. The uterus and its blood vessels are ligated just above the cervix.
5. The uterus and ovaries are incised and removed from the abdomen.
6. The abdominal incision is closed with 3 layers of sutures that will dissolve in 3-4 weeks.
7. The skin is sutured with stainless steel sutures that will need to be removed in 7-10 days.

Will my cat become fat and lazy?

Even though a large number of our older cats are overweight, spaying them has minimal effect in contributing to weight problems. Proper nutrition plays a much more important part in keeping them healthy and active for many years to come.

At what age should the surgery be done?

Females should have surgery at about six months of age ( prior to the first heat period) for several reasons:

• The surgery is easier on a younger cat because the uterus and blood supply is less developed than in an adult.
• The risk of breast cancer in older females can be greatly diminished if the surgery is performed prior to the first estrus period.
• Prevents pyometra (infection of the uterus), a deadly problem seen in older, intact females.
• Unwanted pregnancies and problems with pet overpopulation can be avoided.

Are there any risks with anesthesia?

ACNT is equipped with the newest technology in pre-anesthetic testing capabilities and monitoring devices to provide the highest level of safety and comfort for all our patients. Each system monitored is programmed to sound an alarm if there is even a small change from normal levels, allowing us to respond before problems develop.

• Pre-anesthetic blood tests - Insure that your furry friend is in the low risk category prior to anesthesia. We offer several levels of testing depending upon your pet’s age and risk category.
• Isoflurane gas anesthesia - The newest and safest anesthetic available.
• Heated table - Ensures proper warmth of your pet. This is especially important for smaller pets.
• Pulse-oximeter monitor - Measures the blood oxygen level, pulse strength, and heart rate.
• Blood pressure monitor - Automatically inflates a pressure cuff every few minutes and takes systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures.

Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your kitten’s surgery. You are also invited to tour our hospital - we are very proud of our staff and hospital facilities.

Feline Neuter Surgery

The Neuter Operation (Orchidectomy)

1. An incision is made directly over the scrotum.
2. The spermatic cords that connect the testicles to the body are clamped and ligated.
3. The testicles and associated structures are incised and removed.
4. The sutures will dissolve in 3-4 weeks.

Will my cat become fat and lazy?

Even though a large number of our older cats are overweight, neutering them has minimal effect in contributing to weight problems. Proper nutrition plays a much more important part in keeping them healthy and active for many years to come.

"Purring would seem to be, in her case, an automatic safety-valve device for dealing with happiness overflow." - Monica Edwards

At what age should the surgery be done?

Male cats should have surgery at six to nine months of age. Neutering has many benefits, including:

• Lessens the tendency for your male cat to roam-preventing unwanted pregnancies and pet overpopulation, injuries (hit by cars), etc.
• Tomcats are notorious for fighting with other males, leading to bite wounds, abscesses, and potential transmission of disease (Leukemia).
• Neutered cats make better family companions.

Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your pet’s surgery. You are also invited to tour our hospital - we are very proud of our staff and hospital facilities.

Canine Spay Surgery

The Spay Operation (Ovariohysterectomy)

1. An incision is made on the midline of the abdomen.
2. The ovaries and uterus are identified and surgical clamps are secured on the ovarian blood vessels.
3. The ovarian vessels are ligated (tied with sutures to prevent bleeding).
4. The uterus and its blood vessels are ligated just above the cervix.
5. The uterus and ovaries are incised and removed from the abdomen.
6. The abdominal incision is closed with 3 layers of sutures that will dissolve in 3-4 weeks.

Will my pet become fat and lazy?

Even though a large number of our older dogs are overweight, spaying them has minimal effect in contributing to weight problems. Improper nutrition and plenty of exercise play a much more important part in keeping them healthy and active for many years to come.

At what age should the surgery be done?

Females should have surgery at about six months of age (prior to the first heat period) for several reasons:

• The surgery is easier on a younger dog because the uterus and blood supply is less developed than in an adult.
• The risk of breast cancer in older females can be greatly diminished if the surgery is performed prior to the first estrus period.
• Prevents pyometra (infection of the uterus), a deadly problem seen in older, intact females.
• Unwanted pregnancies and problems with pet over-population can be avoided.

Are there any risks with anesthesia?

ACNT is equipped with the newest technology in pre-anesthetic testing capabilities and monitoring devices to provide the highest level of safety and comfort for all our patients. Each system monitored is programmed to sound an alarm if there is even a small change from normal levels, allowing us to respond before problems develop.

• Pre-anesthetic blood tests - Insure that your furry friend is in the low risk category prior to anesthesia. We offer several levels of testing depending upon your pet’s age and risk category.
• Isoflurane gas anesthesia - The newest and safest anesthetic available.
• Heated table - Ensures proper warmth of your pet. This is especially important for smaller pets.
• Pulse-oximeter monitor - Measures the blood oxygen level, pulse strength, and heart rate.
• Blood pressure monitor - Automatically inflates a pressure cuff every few minutes and takes systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures.

Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your pet’s surgery. You are also invited to tour our hospital - we are very proud of our staff and hospital facilities.

Canine Neuter Surgery

The Neuter Operation (Orchidectomy)

1. An incision is made directly over the scrotum.
2. The spermatic cords that connect the testicles to the body are clamped and ligated.
3. The testicles and associated structures are incised and removed.
4. The sutures will dissolve in 3-4 weeks.

Will my pet become fat and lazy?

Even though a large number of our older dogs are overweight, neutering them has minimal effect in contributing to weight problems. Improper nutrition and plenty of exercise play a much more important part in keeping them healthy and active for many years to come.

At what age should the surgery be done?

Males should have surgery at six to nine months of age. Neutering has many benefits, including:

• Lessens the tendency for your dog to roam-preventing unwanted pregnancies and pet overpopulation, fighting, injuries (hit by cars), etc.
• Most neutered dogs make better family companions.
• Many older men suffer from prostate problems-the same holds true for older intact male dogs. These problems can be reduced through neutering at a young age.

Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your pet’s surgery. You are also invited to tour our hospital - we are very proud of our staff and hospital facilities.