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Name
Neutering, Feline
Short Description
Orchidectomy
Affected Animals: An orchidectomy should be considered for any
unneutered male cat, in order to prevent unwanted reproduction and
undesirable behaviors such as spraying and roaming. Many medical
conditions also require neutering as part of treatment, including
testicular neoplasia, severe testicular or scrotal trauma, and
perineal urethrostomy, a surgery for male cats that have recurrent
urethral obstructions. This surgery may be performed on cats of any
age, though younger cats will have an easier recovery.
Overview: Orchidectomy, or neutering, is a procedure
commonly performed on male cats for ethical, behavioral, and medical
purposes. The surgery requires general anesthesia, but is a short
and simple procedure. Most cats behave normally following surgery,
but should be kept quiet and indoors for a week afterwards, in order
to facilitate the healing of incisions and prevent complications. An
orchidectomy will not affect a cat's personality, and it will
prevent certain potentially serious problems, including unwanted
reproduction and undesirable behaviors such as spraying and roaming.
Most veterinarians will discuss neutering and its benefits with an
owner when their pet is still a kitten. Some owners are hesitant
when it comes to having their pet neutered, but a veterinarian
should be able to counter any of the prevailing popular myths.
Talking to owners of neutered cats is the best way for a cat owner
to become more comfortable with the procedure.
Description: In an orchidectomy, the testicles are removed by
a surgical procedure that may vary depending on their location. If
the testicles are located in their normal position within the
scrotum, a small incision is made in the skin over each testicle.
The testis is pulled out of the incision and the spermatic cord is
tied off to prevent bleeding. The spermatic cord is then cut,
examined for bleeding, and allowed to return to its normal position
inside the incision. Because the incisions are small, they do not
need to be sutured closed.
If the testicles are not in their normal position, the veterinarian
will try to locate them by palpation. The testicle may be anywhere
from inside the abdomen to along the inguinal tract. If the testicle
is located under the skin along the ventral abdomen, an incision is
made just over it. The remainder of the surgery is performed as
above. If the testicle is located in the abdomen, an incision is
made in the ventral abdomen, while care is taken to avoid the area
blood vessels. In this case, the testis is located by following the
spermatic blood vessels and ducts to their testicular connection
within the abdomen. Once found, these structures are tied off and
the testis is removed.
Prognosis: The prognosis for cats that have been neutered is
good. If complications arise, they should be treated by a
veterinarian.
PreprocedureCare: A cat should have its health evaluated by a
veterinarian prior to this procedure. Older cats should have blood
tests performed to screen for any evidence of subclinical disease.
Feline neutering is one of the easiest surgical procedures to
perform, but requires the same precautions as any other surgery that
makes use of general anesthesia.
PostprocedureCare: A cat that has undergone an orchidectomy should
be kept indoors and calm for seven days after the surgery. The cat
should be prevented from licking its incision, and should have its
surgery site checked daily so that potential problems may be
prevented or detected early.
Complications are rare in male cats, but may include bleeding at the
surgery site, bruising and swelling, infection, and self-induced
trauma caused by the cat's licking of the incision. If the post
surgical instructions are followed, most cats will heal very easily
and quickly.
Prevention: It is recommended that cats be neutered when they
are young in order to lessen the risks associated with anesthesia
and complications arising from the surgery. Older cats will probably
require preoperative tests and monitoring.
