What Happens When My Cat or Dog Gets Spayed?
The spay surgery is a procedure commonly done by veterinary surgeons. The purpose of the surgery is to prevent pregnancy in cats and dogs. The scientific term for this surgery is "ovariohysterectomy." During the operation, the female animal's reproductive organs (the uterus and ovaries) are removed. Subsequently, pregnancy and periodic heat cycles are impossible.
The following pictorial shows Dr. Laura Solien and Maplecrest technicians performing a feline ovariohysterectomy.
Before any surgery, doctors and technicians examine the patient to make sure they are in good condition. Kim Renee has just given her patient, Rachel, a pre-anesthetic injection that will calm the cat and maintain proper heart rates during surgery.
After giving an intravenous anesthetic injection, Kim Renee and Deb place an endotracheal tube in Rachel's windpipe. This will allow her to breathe a combination of oxygen and anesthetic during the surgery.
The next step is preparation of the surgery site. Hair is clipped from the lower abdomen and the skin is scrubbed with antibacterial soap.
Meanwhile, Dr. Laura, with cap and mask in place is scrubbing her hands and arms in preparation for the sterile surgery.
Rachel has been placed on her back, on an electrically warmed surgery table, where Kim Renee is completing final cleansing of the surgery site. Dr. Laura is now ready for surgery after donning sterile gown and gloves.
A sterile surgical drape is used to cover all parts of the body except the surgical site. This helps prevent contamination and possible infections.
A skin incision is made along the midline of the lower abdomen.
During surgery, Rachel's heart rate and blood oxygen levels are constantly monitored.
The left ovary has been located and brought into view. Blood vessels are clamped to prevent hemorrhage.
Suture material (sterile surgical threads that will eventually dissolve away) is used to tie off blood vessels so that they may be severed without bleeding.
The procedure is repeated to isolate the right ovary.
The feline (and canine) uterus is shaped like a capital "Y" with each ovary situated at the top of each "horn" and the body of the uterus is attached at the base to the cervix. Dr. Laura has clamped and ligated attachments and is ready to remove the reproductive organs from her patient's body.
The abdominal incision is "sewed up" utilizing several layers of suture material. Rachel's body will amazingly "seal and heal" the incision in a very short period of time.
After surgery, Rachel is wrapped in blankets and kept in the observation area until awake. She will be ready to go home the next day!