Is it possible to sterilize a cat during heat or not?

Spaying during first heat

True, not everything is so simple. They resort to this only if there are truly objective veterinary indications:

The cat has serious gynecological pathologies , including neoplasms in the uterine cavity or genital tract. For example, even in young animals there are rare cases of pyometra, when during the first estrus a copious discharge of purulent exudate begins from the external genitalia. At the same time, you should not wait until the end of the hunt, as the animal may develop sepsis.
Extremely inappropriate behavior of an animal during sexual hunting. In these cases, it is better to suppress it with sedatives, and carry out the operation after the end of the heat. It will be much safer for the cat herself.

Some owners believe that cats should be sterilized during their first heat cycle: there is an opinion that the animal’s body “ripens” at this time. It is nonsense.

Moreover, practicing veterinarians always advise sterilizing cats before the first heat , since in this case it is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing gynecological pathologies.

If the owners have lost time and their pet has developed her first heat, it is better to be patient and wait until it ends (and only then carry out the operation).

There are no other objective reasons for sterilizing a pet at this time.

What to do when a cat marks during heat

The female attracts male cats with her scent and voice. She marks while standing, her tail rises and trembles. At this moment, a stream of urine and a secretion with a pungent odor are released. This is how the cat expresses its readiness to mate. Behavior is fixed at the genetic level, so it is useless to punish, educate, or lock up a pet. Isolation increases stress and leads to mental illness.

The behavior of a female can be changed in two ways: drug regulation and sterilization. To reduce sexual activity, 2 types of drugs are produced: herbal and hormonal. The former contain herbal extracts, therefore they are safe, and are found in the form of drops and tablets. These include Anti-stress, Cat-Bayun, Stop-stress.

Medicines calm the pet, but do not affect the instincts. Reviews from cat owners confirm the low effect during estrus. Some animals are temporarily calmed by Feliway. It contains an artificial substitute for facial gland secretions and is available in the form of a spray and diffuser.

Hormonal preparations are created on the basis of a synthetic substitute for progesterone and are produced in the form of tablets and solutions for injection. Medicines suppress sexual desire, prevent or stop estrus, prevent conception, the effect of the drugs lasts up to six months. At the same time, they undermine the health and shorten the life of the pet.

When to spay a cat

How to prepare a cat for castration

Sterilization of cats

Serious consequences come with age:

uterine pathologies develop: endometriosis, purulent inflammation of the pyometra;
cysts form in the ovaries;
the functioning of the heart and blood vessels is disrupted, thrombosis develops;
the functions of the nervous system are disrupted, which causes behavioral deviations: lethargy or aggression, convulsions, drowsiness;
diabetes and kidney failure develop;
Malignant formations of the mammary glands, ovaries, and uterus occur.

It is a mistake to consider hormonal pills less harmful than injections. Complications occur later and manufacturers simply keep silent about them. In veterinary medicine in European countries, the use of synthetic hormones is prohibited by law.

Risks of spaying a cat during heat

Experienced veterinarians believe that sterilization is generally permissible only in cases where the cat is not pregnant and is not in heat.

The reasons for this belief are simple and varied:

Estrus is a special period, accompanied by a “riot” of sex hormones in the animal’s blood. It is easy to understand that carrying out a complex operation during this period is not the best idea.

The vessels of the uterus and genital tract at this time significantly expand, their blood supply increases by more than 30-35%. Simply put, any mistake during the operation will lead to the animal dying from massive blood loss in a few minutes. How justified is such a risk?

Hormonal disorders. Let us repeat once again that estrus is accompanied by a massive release of sex hormones into the blood. An abrupt cessation of their supply due to surgery can lead to a variety of negative consequences (for example, an increased risk of developing cancer pathologies).

There is a possibility that sterilization carried out at the wrong time can lead to significant changes in the animal’s behavior (and these changes are far from for the better).

Thus, in most cases, you should wait until the end of the heat, and only then carry out the operation. Exceptions are very rare, and even in these cases it is impossible to do without consulting an experienced veterinarian.

But! It must be remembered that constant stopping of estrus with the help of hormonal drugs is much more difficult for the health of the animal. So, if such a need arises, it is better to sterilize the cat immediately.

Rare causes of postoperative estrus:

Ectopic ovarian tissue syndrome is a rare congenital pathology. In the early stages of fetal formation, cells of various tissues are placed in their proper places. But sometimes a malfunction occurs, and ovarian tissue cells settle in the wrong place

Before surgery, against the general hormonal background, such an “extra” piece is invisible, but after castration, its hormonal activity attracts attention. This fabric is very difficult to detect.

Hormone-producing tumor - hormones are produced by a neoplasm (adrenal glands, mammary glands, pituitary gland, cyst on the uterus, etc.) The function of the gonads is performed by the adrenal glands. Estrus is provoked by pituitary hormones.

Consequences and possible complications

There are not many of them, but all the consequences described below are extremely dangerous for the health and even life of the cat:

Internal bleeding.
Peritonitis.
Inflammation of the sutures.

All of them are a consequence of non-compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis before and after surgery. If you strictly follow the recommendations received from the veterinarian, your pet will not be in any danger.

Questions that arise about sterilization. Is it possible for a spayed dog to go into heat?

Is chemical sterilization dangerous? Yes, because the drugs administered to the animal block hormones and this situation can provoke the appearance of a malignant tumor.
Should I spay during heat? It is better to consider each case and each situation individually. More often the procedure is done after the estrus ends.
Does a spayed dog go into heat? It depends on the operation, but in all cases this possibility is present. If the veterinarian said that there will be no heat, but it has started, then you should call the doctor and have him come to your house to examine your pet.

Terms of sterilization during estrus

There are only two simple rules that are best adhered to:

Or sterilization is carried out as soon as the first signs of estrus are noticeable.
Or the operation is performed towards the very end.

Important! It is impossible to perform the procedure in the midst of sexual heat.

At this time, the maximum concentration of sex hormones is observed in the animal’s blood; the blood supply to the uterus and other organs of the reproductive system is also close to peak values. Performing an operation during this period is a strong risk, and not very justified.

Optimal time for sterilization

The most optimal age for sterilization of females is between 6 and 10 months. But all organisms are individual and the time of puberty may vary. Thus, purebred cats mature much later and can be sterilized at the age of 5 years.

Veterinary experts say that a young body can tolerate surgery and the administration of narcotic substances during anesthesia much easier. In addition, a female who has not previously had time to learn what estrus and sexual desire are, tolerates the operation much easier psychologically.

The risk of developing malignant tumors and inflammatory processes in the body is significantly reduced in individuals who have not given birth. An important aspect in favor of early castration is insurance against sexually transmitted infections.

It is important to note that if sterilization is refused and hormonal medications are taken in parallel, a hormone imbalance occurs, causing inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages

“Standard” sterilization during estrus

The operation is practically no different from that performed under normal conditions, but still in this case it has a few specific features:

During the procedure, the specialist pays more attention to the quality and methods of applying the ligature (due to increased blood supply to the genital organs, the risk of bleeding is higher).

Before sterilization, it is necessary to conduct a biochemical analysis of the animal's blood. This is done to determine the level of sex hormones. If it is too high, it is better to postpone the operation for several days.

In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be required. They resort to it to reduce the load on the body of the operated animal.

Technique

It is no different from other abdominal operations. It is done only under general anesthesia, after high-quality premedication (this is what is called preparation for general anesthesia).

Today, veterinarians prefer to immediately remove the ovaries and the uterus itself during standard cavity sterilization.

Features of the rehabilitation period

Since conventional sterilization involves a “full” laparotomy (i.e. opening the abdominal cavity), the rehabilitation of the animal in this case is quite difficult:

The pet must wear a compression bandage for at least one week from the date of surgery. Active cats are additionally fitted with a surgical collar to prevent licking and scratching of the sutures.

For the first week after sterilization, it is advisable to feed your pet only liquid or canned food, which puts minimal stress on the organs of the digestive system.

For at least two weeks from the moment of sterilization, you need to limit the animal’s physical activity, do not play with it, and do not allow small children near the cat. This is due to the relatively large surface of the suture surface. Under strong mechanical stress, the seams may well come apart.

The seams themselves need to be looked after by wiping them with a solution of miramistin or chlorhexidine about once a day.

Why do you need a dog ovariohysterectomy?

The traditional method of sterilization is a method such as ovariohysterectomy. There are practically no age restrictions for its use, and it is suitable for dogs of any breed and size, be it a small shepherd dog or a large Japanese dog. After sterilization, a pet does not experience desire, cannot become pregnant, and estrus stops completely. In addition, thanks to this procedure, you can protect your pet from sexually transmitted diseases and reduce the risk of tumors of the genital organs.

Laparoscopic sterilization during a leak

Not too new, but still a progressive method of de-fertilizing animals. Currently, they are resorting to it more and more often.

Technique

The essence of the technique is that the operation is performed through a small incision in the abdominal wall. To perform sterilization, a flexible probe with a camera is used. The pain reaction in this case is minimal, and therefore in some cases it is possible to do without general anesthesia (but this is still not recommended).

This method is ideal for depriving animals in heat. Please note that laparoscopic sterilization cannot be used during pregnancy. In addition, with this technique, infertility can be performed only in two ways:

The ovaries are removed.
Fallopian tube ligation is performed.

For surgical excision of both the ovaries and the uterus itself, conventional sterilization should be used.

Features of the rehabilitation period

The huge advantage of this type of sterilization is its low invasiveness. However, to protect the seams in this case, it is recommended that the cat wear a protective blanket for at least a week. But still, after laparoscopic sterilization, the real need for this rarely arises.

The seam after it is no more than a centimeter long, and therefore it can easily be closed with a small piece of plaster and a cotton-gauze swab. If it does cause any discomfort to the cat, it is recommended to prescribe antihistamines and sedatives.

Unlike conventional sterilization, laparoscopic sterilization virtually eliminates the risk of postoperative sutures coming apart. Already on the second day the cat is allowed to play, you do not have to limit its physical activity.

But when caring for an operated pet, you need to take into account some features:

You will most likely have to wait until the end of the procedure at the clinic. In this case, the operation takes place quickly, the cat must be taken away immediately.

Despite the quick recovery from anesthesia, your pet will not immediately return to normal. Don't be surprised if you see a wobbly gait or discover some strange behavior in the animal.

As a rule, all oddities completely disappear after about a couple of hours from the end of the operation. At the same time, you need to provide your pet with unlimited access to clean drinking water, as the cat will be tormented by severe thirst.

What is dog sterilization

First you need to understand what the difference is between castration and sterilization. The first surgical method involves depriving the animal of reproductive function by removing the testes, and the second involves disrupting the reproductive function without the need to remove the gonads. In everyday life, castration is applicable to males, and sterilization is applicable to females. The uterus and ovaries are removed through an incision made in the abdominal cavity. Today, this procedure is one of the most popular ways to prevent the appearance of offspring.

Reasons for sterilization and appropriate age

Full puberty is achieved around the end of the first year of life. It is recommended to sterilize a cat before the first heat, at the age of 7-8 months and up to a year. Sometimes it is practiced to operate after the onset of puberty, but intervention during estrus is prohibited, since the risk of bleeding is high.

It is believed that early castration before the pet is six months old increases the risk of complications and also reduces the rate of growth and development of the animal. In general, the safe age for manipulation is from 7 months to 10 years. In adulthood, there is a high risk of postoperative complications.

The operation is chosen taking into account the cat's sexual cycle. Sterilization is carried out before estrus, since during the active phase and preparation for fertilization it can lead to hormonal disorders and other consequences.

There are several reasons to sterilize your cat, including:

lack of desire to breed kittens;
a pronounced change in the cat’s behavior during the period of estrus, when preparation for fertilization occurs;
preventing an increase in the population of stray animals;
the presence of contraindications to childbirth in a cat;
priority over taking tablets to reduce sexual activity, since taking them increases the risk of complications and various diseases;
prevention of pathologies that can develop as a result of prolonged abstinence from sexual intercourse.

Post-operative care

After the operation, the animal, while it is still under anesthesia, must be placed in a warm place. It is advisable to lay it on its side and place a heating pad next to it. At the same time, you cannot put her on an elevated place, because after anesthesia she has poor control of her movements and may fall and get injured.

You need to try feeding the next day; you should give wet food in small portions. There are special foods for the postoperative period that have a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive tract.

To prevent the animal from licking the seams and damaging them, it is necessary to put a special collar on it, which is removed only during feeding. Immediately after the operation, the pet must be taken home as quickly as possible and wrapped up, because under anesthesia their body temperature drops. also necessary to turn it over every half hour from one side to the other, and close your eyes so that they do not dry out. It is necessary to constantly monitor him and show him the care that he really needs now.

How is sterilization different from castration?

The standard procedure for removing the uterus is carried out in all veterinary clinics. Proper preparation reduces all risks to a minimum. It is recommended to begin preparations at least two weeks before the intended sterilization.

To properly prepare your pet for medical intervention, you must:

take blood tests;
take a general urine test;
undergo an examination by a cardiologist and do an ECG (especially if the animal is 7-8 years old);
do an ultrasound (according to indications).

If any abnormalities are detected, the operation will be delayed.

Attention! Before carrying out the manipulation, it is necessary to carry out unscheduled treatment against worms and vaccination against rabies. Data about these procedures are entered into the animal’s veterinary passport. Without this information, the cat may not be allowed on the operating table.

Technique

You can castrate a female in the first two days after the start of estrus. An incision is made in the animal's abdominal cavity, the uterus is excised and removed, and then stitches are applied. After this manipulation, the cat will need to wear a blanket for a long time to prevent infection of the stitches.

After sterilization, the owner’s main task is to provide the cat with peace and not let it go outside. Also, the animal should be protected from sudden changes in temperature and fed moderately, because heavy food can cause vomiting.

Attention! After surgery, the animal may behave aggressively or, conversely, lethargically. This is how the delayed effect of anesthesia manifests itself. There is no need to worry - this phenomenon passes quickly.

We suggest you read: If you are bitten by a rabid cat: symptoms and signs of rabies in a person after being bitten by a cat or cat, is there a rabies vaccine for people

Removing a cat's uterus surgically has many benefits, such as:

protection from unwanted offspring;
increasing the life expectancy of the animal;
improving the cat's character;
normalization of hormonal levels.

But most importantly, the cat will begin to behave calmer and will not ask to go for a walk. This is especially important for owners who keep pets in large cities, where pets cannot be left unattended for a long time.

In order for the animal to safely undergo castration, the cat must be properly prepared for medical intervention. This will help avoid serious postoperative complications and psychological stress. If everything went well, the cat needs a good gentle regimen for at least a month. Then she will quickly regain her physical strength and finally recover.

During surgical sterilization, obstruction of the tubes leading from the ovaries to the uterus is created. The sperm will not meet the egg and fertilization will not occur. Of course, in this case there will be no more kittens and there is no need to worry about accidental matings. But sexual attraction remains.

If there is no fertilization in the cat, estrus will begin again after 2 weeks or an imaginary pregnancy will develop, which can easily be confused with the real one. An attempt to deceive nature most often ends in hormonal imbalances, giving rise to a tumor process.

Castration is the removal of the ovaries and appendages. It is this solution that allows you to save the cat and those around you from the torment that accompanies estrus. If the operation is carried out carelessly and a piece of reproductive tissue remains, there will be no discharge from the loop, but the animal will not get rid of periodic meowing.

Therefore, the term “sterilized” should mean a castrated cat. Often the uterus is also removed along with the ovaries. Deprivation of genital organs alters the female's metabolism and behavior. Therefore, you will have to forget about natural food and cheap economy class food.

For sterilized cats, special foods are produced that prevent obesity and related diseases.

Is it worth castrating a cat: optimal age, is it harmful, what will happen if the operation is not performed

Abdominal surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Since pets are prone to vomiting, the cat is not fed for more than half a day before surgery.

We suggest you read: How to find out the gender of a red-eared slider

Castration of a cat: how it happens: how it is done, methods, what is removed and at what age

There are several methods for removing reproductive organs, in which the ovaries with appendages or uterus are removed through an incision, a ligature is applied and bandaged. At the request of the cat owner, the veterinarian applies an intradermal suture, which is processed once on the operating table.