Complications after sterilization in a cat: a lump on the belly, treatment methods

Spaying a cat is, unfortunately, a necessary procedure performed to avoid worrying about where to dispose of any future offspring of a beloved pet. Many owners today undergo this procedure on their cats.

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

Features of sterilization of cats

If you don't notice your cat's symptoms of illness in time, or if the 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 methods of sterilizing a cat: ovariohysterectomy and oophorectomy.

The first surgical method for spaying a cat involves the complete removal of not only the ovaries but also the uterus. This method is considered the most effective. The second surgical method allows for the removal of only the ovaries, leaving the uterus in the abdominal cavity.

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

The technique for performing cat sterilization surgery

There are several methods of performing cat sterilization operations. Here main methods: classical scheme; sterilization using a lateral incision; laparoscopic sterilization method.

According to the classic scheme, an incision is made on the animal’s belly done along the white line, then a short sterilization procedure is performed, 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.

However, such surgery should be performed by a veterinarian experienced in such matters. However, this method also has its drawbacks. For example, the risk of injury to the animal during this procedure is quite high compared to other methods.

In the method where sterilization is performed through a lateral incision, a scalpel is not used, and the abdominal muscles are moved apart using special blunt objectOnce the organs are removed, a suture is applied. This method is less traumatic, but the veterinarian is not always able to remove the entire uterus.

The advantage of this operation is that no incisions are required; a small puncture is simply made in the abdominal cavity, through which a laparoscope is then inserted, helping the surgeon observe the removal of both the uterus and ovaries on a monitor.

Today, this is not only a popular method, but also the safest for the animalIt's also much more expensive than other sterilization methods. However, the cat is left with virtually no stitches after this procedure, and there's no need for aftercare.

Postoperative care for a cat

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

However, the stitches that remain after sterilization require special attention. Usually, the abdominal area use special threads For surgical procedures that dissolve over time. These sutures don't require any special care, but the animal's mobility should be limited to prevent the sutures from coming apart.

However, there is another method of suturing, which uses non-absorbable sutures, which are removed after 7-10 days. There are special ointments, gels, and sprays that can help protect the sutures. This is also suitable for care. postoperative blanket, which is a small jumpsuit made of fabric with ties.

After sterilization the cat is very rarely experiences pain, but sometimes the cat experiences pain on the second or third day. The pain is mild, so no additional pain relief is needed. However, a consultation with a veterinarian wouldn't hurt.

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

• Intramuscular anesthesia, typically with a muscle relaxant and an analgin-based medication, is administered. This is the most common type of anesthesia, but it takes a long time for the cat to recover from the anesthesia.
• Intramuscular anesthesia involves administering the same muscle relaxant and administering an epidural. However, this type of anesthesia can cause complications, so a highly qualified surgeon is required. Animals recover quickly from this type of anesthesia.
• Gas anesthesia. However, it requires specialized equipment, which not all veterinary clinics have. With this type of anesthesia, the cat wakes up immediately after the machine is turned off.

Complications after cat sterilization surgery

Any surgery can have a wide range of consequences. Cat spaying is no exception, and therefore, various complications can arise:

1. Abdominal bleeding. This can occur due to a uterine stump or due to insufficient uterine vascular coagulation. The cat's behavior immediately changes: she refuses to eat, meows constantly, and has abdominal pain. Even after two days, the animal is unable to lie on her stomach. Sometimes, additional surgery is required to remove blood clots and adhesions, if they have formed.
2. Suture infection after surgery. This can occur if dirt gets into the wound. Therefore, it's important to keep the animal clean, not take it outside, and treat the wounds.
3. A "lump" at the incision site. This is a very common occurrence and therefore cannot be considered pathological. This is due to the excessive growth of granulation tissue. This "lump" will not disappear until a month after surgery.

Spaying cats is a simple procedure that can be easily performed by any practicing veterinarian. But still there are risks of complications It's important to know about them to help animals during this period. It's essential to follow all of your doctor's instructions.

If the cat owner is very busy, then it is worth contacting a veterinary clinic, where all kinds of services are provided, including post-sterilization support for cats. There's also a service that can transport your pet to and from the surgery, perfect for busy people.