FAQs From The Pets ALIVE Doc

Dr. Jen Breese Answers Frequently Asked Questions

"What kind of transport vehicle will you be using to deliver my pet to your Clinic?"
"What is the procedure that my pet is going to have done?"

MALE CATS: Your male cat will have one or two incisions made into the scrotum, depending on the age of the cat. The testicles are removed, and the artery, vein, and the spermatic cord are tied off. The larger and older male cats may have significant swelling in the area of their scrotum. If they are eating, drinking, and in general acting normal after surgery, this is of no concern and will eventually subside. There will be no sutures to be removed.

FEMALE CATS: An incision is made on the underside of the belly. Both ovaries and both uterine horns down to the body of the uterus are removed from the body. The abdominal wall and subcutaneous tissues are closed in two layers using non-absorbable sutures. The outer layer of skin is then sealed with a drop of clear surgical glue which may feel hard, even stiff to the touch. A firm "bump" is felt in the incision area for several weeks-this represents the area where the underlying sutures are and is perfectly normal.

MALE DOGS: An incision is made just ahead of the scrotum along the midline of the underside of the belly. Through one incision both testicles are removed. The skin is sealed with a drop of clear surgical glue. There are no sutures to be removed. As with larger cats, the older, and the larger dogs will often experience considerably more scrotal swelling than the younger dogs do. All the more reason to neuter early! The artery, vein and the spermatic cord are all ligated. The incision is closed with a non-absorbable suture material. The males are frequently the ones to lick excessively at their incisions. If your pet is known to be such a "licker", Elizabethan collars are available to prevent them from mutilating their incision area.

FEMALE DOGS: An incision is made into the abdomen on the midline of their underside. Through this incision, both ovaries and both uterine horns down to the uterine body are removed. The abdominal wall and subcutaneous tissues are closed with a non-absorbable suture in two layers. The outer skin surface is sealed with a drop of surgical glue, which may feel stiff and hard to the touch.

For all of the above animals, please do NOT clean the incisions with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or alcohol-containing liquids. If cleansing is necessary, contact lens saline solution is acceptable to use, or just a simple, soft, warm, damp cloth. Do not vigorously scrub the area!

"What kind of anesthesia is used to sedate my pet?
"How will my pet be monitored during surgery?"
"Will my pet receive pain-relieving medication?"
"What do I do after I pick my pet up from surgery?"
"Are vaccines required prior to my pet's visit?"
"What about testing before surgery?"

SEE ALSO: Our General Pets Alive FAQs

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Have more questions? Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have. Call us at (812) 824-1 FIX.