Laparoscopic sterilization of cats. Laparoscopy – sterilization of cats with minimal risk

And explanations for some common questions.

Dog sterilization can be performed using different technical techniques - abdominal surgery, microlaparotomy, minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopy. With all these methods, the same thing is done - the uterus and ovaries are removed.
Which method is better? If the result is the same? The answer is simple - the best technique is the one that the doctor knows better. What if he is good at everything? This is great! Then the doctor himself will choose the best option for the patient.
It’s bad when the doctor starts making up something, masking his incompetence in matters of choice. For example: someone says that during microlaparotomy there is a danger of leaving something inside. This is of course not true. With minimally invasive methods, nothing at all penetrates into the abdominal cavity, except for an endoscopic instrument. But just during abdominal operations, something happens and remains. We all know stories about napkins, threads or even clamps being “forgotten” in the stomach. Add here possible complications from abdominal operations - ligature fistulas, peritonitis, adhesions, etc. And add the need for postoperative care after abdominal interventions. Abdominal surgery is a rather cumbersome procedure, but sometimes necessary. In general, all new and modern techniques, such as laparoscopy and microlaparotomy, are created to facilitate operations and their consequences, and not against it.

Now to the point:

Sterilization of a female dog, in general, is carried out using the same techniques as for sterilization (castration) of cats. The only difference is in the size of the postoperative suture, which, depending on the breed, can vary from 1 to 2 cm*.

- Microlaparotomy or minimally invasive sterilization of a dog is performed through one puncture. Most often, for ease of manipulation of instruments, this puncture is located approximately in the center of the abdomen.
- No preliminary preparation is required before the operation. Fasting for 2 hours is recommended.
- Postoperative care and medication are not required.
- Due to the speed of the operation (15-20 minutes), all operational risks are significantly reduced: anesthesia, infectious. The risk of bleeding is also close to zero, which allows minimally invasive sterilization even for animals in heat without complications.

* Some details about the technologies and capabilities of minimally invasive techniques used in sterilizing bitches:
Laparoscopic sterilization, widely used in cats, has a number of limitations for dogs. The fact is that all cats are approximately the same size (although of different fatness)). And the size and weight of dogs vary widely by breed (from 1 to 100 kg!!!).

Microlaparotomy and techniques with a laparoscopic component can perform removal of the uterus and ovaries in dogs of any breed and weight...However, we believe that laparoscopically assisted * Operations are justified in dogs weighing up to 10, maximum up to 15 kg. Performing endoscopic sterilization for larger dogs is associated with a number of technical difficulties: the accuracy of dosing movements decreases, tissue resistance increases, and the effectiveness of moving instruments under conditions of the “lever effect” deteriorates. Therefore, microlaparotomy or minimally invasive sterilization is more suitable for larger animals.

So: we think it’s correct laparoscopically assisted and minimally invasive sterilization of dogs for small breeds. The length of the seam is no more than 1 cm. And we practice minimally invasive sterilization and microlaparotomy dogs of medium and large breeds. With this approach, the seam length 2 cm.
* Laparoscopically assisted sterilization is the removal of the uterus and ovaries with a laparoscopic component in an operative manner.

Dog sterilization and castration with removal of the uterus is easily tolerated by dogs. Already on the day of surgery, they are allowed to take food and water and go for walks.
In the postoperative period, it is recommended to wear a protective blanket for a week. No special care, treatments, medications or suture removal are required during the postoperative period. As they say: do it and forget it.

Unlike “human” techniques, our method is somewhat simplified (but absolutely not at the expense of quality). And the whole operation takes about 15 minutes, regardless of the type of animal and the weight of the patient.
Firstly : We do not pierce the abdomen for gas insufflation (this saves about 10 minutes). A puncture is actually a miniature cut.
Secondly: We do not use coagulators. The vessels are not cauterized, but tied with endoloops (this saves a lot of time, about 30 minutes).
Thirdly: all instruments are carried out through one access (puncture, incision). Through it, the uterus is removed along with the ovaries. One self-absorbing suture is applied.

We developed this technique with the goal of eliminating all operational risks for the animal to zero. Relieve pet owners from post-operative procedures ( After minimally invasive sterilization, no medications or treatments are prescribed). Reduce stress and pain after surgery. Everything for our animal patients. And not in order to take more money for an exclusive.
Minimally invasive and laparoscopically assisted sterilization costs the same as conventional abdominal sterilization.

Now, what does it all look like after the operation (we remind you that the uterus and ovaries are necessarily removed using minimally invasive methods and microlaparotomy, regardless of the size of the animal):

Minimally invasive sterilization through a “puncture” is suitable for all types of animals - from hamsters to giant breeds of dogs. The appearance after such operations is the same for everyone - a small stitch on the stomach. With one thread, if non-absorbable material was used. Or just a bump on the skin if absorbable material was used. The last option is preferable.

View after sterilization in a West Highland White Terrier (single-port technique used). And the view after sterilization of the Alabai girl (two-port technique). In both cases, internal sutures were applied. Top treatment of seams: aluminum spray.

Single-port laparoscopically assisted sterilization of an ornamental pig (mini-pig). Postoperative view. Sterilization using this method is a necessary choice for pigs. After all, pigs are quite close to humans physiologically. And they are very demanding on sterility. Laparoscopy, like no other method, provides the highest level of sterility of the surgical wound. After all, the entire operation is carried out through a tiny incision in the skin.

Sometimes a small bruise forms at the site of the “sterilization puncture”. This happens when there is accidental injury to the vessels of the subcutaneous tissue. This, of course, is not scary. After some time, the hematoma completely disappears. Photo immediately after the operation.

But more often than not, the “puncture” through which the uterus and ovaries are removed is practically invisible to the naked eye. Photo immediately after sterilization surgery.

Sterilization of female ferrets using a minimally invasive method or microlaparotomy is very justified. After the operation, there is nothing left on the stomach except a small scratch. Ferrets are very flexible and nimble. There is no point in hoping that they will be able to wear a postoperative blanket and not get to the stitches. Therefore, for them, seamless puncture sterilization is the best option.

Cats. Postoperative view after sterilization. In cats, the uterus and ovaries are close to the skin, so minimally invasive sterilization and microlaparotomy are equally suitable for them. After such sterilizations, practically no traces remain on the skin. And the operation itself lasts a maximum of 10 minutes. It is clear that at the moment this is the safest and most humane method of surgical sterilization.

And, finally, for comparison, a suture after minimally invasive and abdominal surgery, using the example of a cat. The suture after microlaparotomy is practically invisible. And the seam after strip sterilization is at least 4 cm. After all, with abdominal techniques, the surgeon’s hands penetrate into the abdominal cavity of the animal, which requires a significant incision, increases trauma, and increases the risk of infectious complications and bleeding. Not to mention the fact that abdominal techniques require a much greater degree of anesthesia for the patient. And in addition, after abdominal sterilization methods, suture protection, suture treatment, suture removal and antibiotic injections are required.
In general, all other things being equal, preference, of course, should be given to modern, low-traumatic methods of sterilization. These methods have advantages, but there are practically no disadvantages compared to classical methods.

Care after dog sterilization surgery:
After microlaparotomy or minimally invasive sterilization of animals, wearing a protective blanket is required for a week. No treatments, injections or suture removal are required. The intradermal suture dissolves on its own within a week. And at the puncture site, a lump under the skin may be felt for some time. This is the inside seam. It resolves in about a month.

Cost of spaying and neutering dogs

Attention! The cost of sterilizing a dog depends on the complexity of the operation and the clinical condition of the animal. But the total amount will not exceed the prices stated above.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine M. Shelyakov

The specialists of the Belanta clinic carry out sterilization of dogs and cats using the most humane and least traumatic method - endoscopic.

Endoscopic sterilization- a completely new word in surgery, in which the surgeon performs all the necessary manipulations in the animal’s abdominal cavity through tiny holes 3-5 mm long!

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts about 30 minutes.

You can make an appointment for laparoscopic sterilization by calling:

8 495 150-55-58

IMPORTANT! At the Belanta clinic:

• Sterilization of cats through a side incision is no longer used in our clinic.
• Sterilization is carried out through small incisions.
• Laparoscopic sterilization is carried out not through several small punctures, but only through 2.
• In our clinic, after surgery, a drip is required to make it easier to recover from anesthesia.
• During the operation, monitoring of the animal's condition (pulse oximetry, cardiac monitor) is used.
• Operations are performed under the guidance of an anesthesiologist-resuscitator. This allows you to reduce operational risks to a minimum!

ATTENTION: In domestic animals that do not participate in mating on an ongoing basis, the risk of mammary tumors and inflammatory processes in the uterus greatly increases with age, which threatens the life of the animal and requires emergency surgical intervention. As a rule, an animal with such pathologies arrives already weakened, which increases the risks of anesthesia.

Planned sterilization is carried out on clinically healthy animals and the rehabilitation process is much easier!

Endoscopic sterilization of dogs and cats has a number of undeniable advantages over traditional surgery:

1. There is no risk of developing postoperative inflammation and complications since there is no direct contact of the surgeon’s gloves with the surgical field.
2. A unique endoscopic technique makes it possible to study the organs and tissues of an animal in detail on a special monitor, thanks to which any concomitant pathologies can be identified.
3. The tiny incisions cause virtually no pain.
4. Post-operative scars (there are practically none) do NOT require special treatment.

This is why endoscopic sterilization is indispensable for most dogs of large breeds, for working and chain dogs - there is no need for special bandages and collars, removal of sutures, or any special conditions of detention.

Additional information

Several methods are used to sterilize cats:

1. Classic- made through an incision in the skin (up to 3 cm) along the central (white) line of the abdomen, through which the uterus is removed. A ligature based on absorbable materials is applied to all vessels. It is also possible to use a coagulator. The uterus and ovaries are removed, after which the incision is stitched with removable or permanent sutures.

2. Through the side incision- the difference from the classic one is the choice of the location of the incision - in this case it is located on the side. It is less traumatic because a blunt method of tissue separation is used.

3. Through a super small incision- the operation is performed using a surgical hook. The dissection of the skin and peritoneum is carried out similarly to the classical method, but the size of the incision does not reach 1 cm. Using a hook, the ligament is picked up, after which the ovary is removed. It is possible to remove the ovary with some part of the ligament or the entire uterus.

4. Laparoscopic method. The use of endoscopic technology allows the complete removal of the uterus and ovaries through several small punctures. The operation is quite complex in technology and requires a highly qualified surgeon and special expensive medical equipment.

Optimal age for sterilization

Most veterinarians believe that early neutering is beneficial for your cat. The recommended age is 5 to 8 months, when the first signs of puberty begin to appear.

How to prepare a cat for sterilization

• The animal should not be fed 12 hours before the scheduled surgery.
• On the day of the procedure, the cat should not even be given water.

Such requirements are due to the possible manifestation of a side effect in the form of vomiting from narcotic drugs used for anesthesia. In case of aspiration of vomit, a serious condition often develops - aspiration pneumonia.

How to care for a cat after surgery

1. After sterilization, the cat will need a soft, warm place where the sun's rays, which irritate the eyes after anesthesia, will not penetrate.
2. The animal should not be disturbed for 24 hours after surgery.
3. Since a cat's eyes do not close during anesthesia, instillation of artificial tears (a special solution for contact lenses) is necessary to prevent the cornea from drying out. A simple saline solution will also work.
4. If there are stitches, they should be checked daily. They must be completely clean and dry.
5. The seams are treated with an antiseptic solution. Additional use of wound healing ointments is possible.
6. If intradermal suturing was used, it is enough to wipe them with a chlorhexidine solution (0.05%).

Dog sterilization

The essence of the procedure

The duration of the operation is 60-90 minutes. The choice of sterilization method is determined by the sex of the animal.

In male dogs, the testes are removed using one of the recommended methods.

Operating on bitches is much more complicated, since it becomes necessary to perform abdominal surgery with access to the abdominal cavity. Only the ovaries or the ovaries and the uterus are removed (ovariohysterectomy). The second method is considered more optimal, since a preserved uterus can later cause the development of pyometra. The duration of ovariohysterectomy is up to 60 minutes.

When is the best time to do it?

Sterilization of males before reaching 6 months is not recommended, since the procedure can cause growth and development delays.

As for females, it is optimal to sterilize them at 4-5 months of age, before their first heat. This will reduce the likelihood of tumors by 200 times.

Before surgery

• Follow a 12-hour fasting diet.
• 4 hours before the start of the operation, do not give the animal water.
• To empty the stomach and intestines of contents, one day before surgery, give the dog Vaseline oil as a laxative.
• If fleas are found, eliminate them

After surgery

• Place the dog on a flat surface.
• After recovering from anesthesia, moisten your pet's tongue and nose with water.
• Limit the amount of liquid.
• Choose soft food (minced meat, pate).
• Treat seams with antiseptics to prevent them from getting wet.
• Place a blanket or protective collar on your dog to prevent damage to wounds.
• Carry out antibiotic therapy prescribed by your doctor.

Dear pet owners. In our veterinary clinic you can sterilize your cat using the laparoscopic method.

From this article you will learn about what kind of operation this is and what its advantage is over other methods.

The following methods of surgical sterilization have become widespread in veterinary medicine:

• Classic - sterilization is performed through an incision in the center of the abdomen, 2-3 cm below the navel. The muscles are dissected along the midline (“white”) line. The uterus is removed through an incision, the blood vessels are ligated with a sterile thread or a coagulator is used. Then the uterus and ovaries (less commonly, only the ovaries) are removed, and sutures are placed on the skin and muscles. The advantages of this method include simplicity and low cost. Disadvantages - the incision is quite large, there is a risk of infection, rejection of the suture material, sutures coming apart with internal organs coming out. It is necessary to regularly treat the sutures and use a protective blanket before they are removed (the sutures are removed on days 7-10).
• Through a lateral incision - the method is similar to the previous one in everything except the location of the incision - it is made on the lateral abdominal wall, dividing the muscles in a blunt manner. There is less risk of sutures coming apart, but more trauma.
• Through an ultra-small incision - the laparotomy method, it is similar to the classic one, but the incision is several times smaller, the uterus is removed using a special hook. With this method, it is more difficult for the surgeon to ligate the vessels, and the risk of bleeding increases.
• Laparoscopic - through one or several small punctures, a camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity, displaying an image on a monitor, and manipulators are used to remove the uterus and ovaries.

Laparoscopic cat sterilization has a number of advantages compared to conventional sterilization:

• Minimal tissue trauma - the puncture has a diameter of up to 1 cm.
• The operation is performed faster than with other methods, which means that the animal is given less anesthesia.
• After removing the uterus, the surgeon can make sure there is no bleeding at all.
• Minimal risk of complications - infection, rejection of suture material, suture dehiscence.
• Less postoperative stress for the animal and no postoperative pain.
• There is no need to treat the postoperative suture or wear a postoperative blanket for 2-4 days.
• Rapid recovery of the animal.
• The doctor can conduct a full examination of the abdominal cavity to identify hidden pathologies.

The only disadvantages include high requirements for the surgeon’s qualifications and the need to purchase special equipment. Because of this, the cost of the operation is slightly higher than with standard methods.

Age for laparoscopic sterilization.

The optimal age is starting from 6-8 months, i.e. when the first signs of puberty appear.

Preparing the animal for laparoscopic sterilization.

We remind you of the importance of undergoing a cardiac examination of your animal before sterilization, to exclude hidden cardiac pathologies, this is especially important for such breeds of cats as British, Scottish Fold, Maine Coon, Burmese, Burmese, Sphynx.

Eight hours before surgery, all food must be removed so that the animal is hungry.

Sterilization.

At the appointed time, you come to the clinic and after examining the animal by a surgeon and anesthesiologist, we take the cat for sterilization.

Stages and technique of the operation, necessary equipment.

The intervention takes 20-25 minutes and includes the following steps:

• Introducing an animal into anesthesia.
• Fixation, preparation of the surgical field - shaving the hair at the puncture site, treating with antiseptic solutions, securing the surgical field.
• Puncture of the abdominal wall with a Veress needle and filling of the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide using an insufflator. This is done to make the surgeon's work easier.
• After filling the cavity with carbon dioxide, a laparoscope is inserted instead of a needle. This device is responsible for lighting, transmitting images to the monitor and maintaining the required CO2 pressure. The doctor conducts an inspection of the abdominal cavity for pathologies.
• Then manipulators are inserted into the cavity, with the help of which the vessels and ligaments of the ovaries and uterus are alternately coagulated and dissected. The uterus is crossed 2-3 cm from the ovary, the removed tissue is removed.
• After the operation is completed, the doctor performs a second inspection to make sure there is no bleeding.
• The surgeon then releases carbon dioxide from the abdominal cavity and removes the instruments.
• A suture is placed at the puncture site.

Postoperative care.

After sterilization, the veterinarian will give you instructions on caring for the animal and answer all your questions in detail.

As we wrote above, during laparoscopic sterilization of cats, suture treatment is not required, and the animal will wear a postoperative blanket for only 2-4 days.

You can use our post-operative hospital and leave your cat with us for some time or pick up the animal immediately after sterilization.

Laparoscopic sterilization at the Aquarius clinic

Our clinic has everything necessary to carry out this intervention. The operating room is equipped with modern surgical and anesthesiological equipment. All doctors performing laparoscopic sterilization have completed special advanced training courses and have perfectly mastered the technique of this endoscopic operation.

If, when getting a pet, the owners do not plan for it to have offspring, then it is timely to think about laparoscopic sterilization of cats and dogs. Of all types of surgical interventions, laparoscopy in animals is considered the most gentle and quite popular manipulation in recent times.

What is better for animals: laparoscopic sterilization or ordinary abdominal surgery?

Removal of an animal's reproductive organs may involve conventional abdominal surgery or laparoscopic sterilization of dogs/cats. Owners often doubt how best to sterilize a cat/dog and which method to give preference to.

If it is decided to perform laparoscopy on a cat or dog, then it is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons of the procedure. Advantages of laparoscopic sterilization of cats (dogs):

• absence of postoperative suture;
• the animal recovers quickly after laparoscopy;
• there is no need to process postoperative sutures;
• blood vessels are ligated and cut off using ligash technology.

Disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery:

• duration of the animal's stay under anesthesia;
• if the trocar is inserted unsuccessfully, bleeding may begin;
• Injury to internal organs (spleen, intestines) is possible.

Abdominal surgery has the main disadvantage - the presence of a postoperative suture (up to 4 cm), which must be processed until the sutures are removed no earlier than 5-7 days later. There is also a high risk of consequences of varying levels of complexity.

In any case, preference should be given to the method that the veterinarian knows best, since only a technique mastered by a specialist to the smallest detail will allow sterilization to be carried out in the best possible way and with a minimum of undesirable consequences.

Types of sterilization of pets and what are their differences

The procedure for sterilizing a cat by laparoscopy can be carried out using 2 methods:

1. Tubal ligation. Females remain in estrus and have a high risk of inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs.
2. Complete removal of the ovaries without affecting the uterus. Estrus stops completely, but there remains a fairly high risk of developing uterine pathologies.
3. Removal of the uterus along with the ovaries. Not only does the animal stop estrus, but the risk of pathologies of the pelvic organs is also minimized.

In addition, chemical sterilization can be used for cats, which involves implanting a hormonal implant under the skin. When laparoscopy is performed on a cat, the procedure is called castration and involves the removal of the testes from males. Laparoscopy in dogs is similar to that in cats. Dogs undergo castration, and females undergo ovariohysterectomy, oophorectomy, or tubal occlusion.

At what age is it better to sterilize a pet?

At what age can sterilization be carried out for each animal is decided individually in consultation with a veterinarian, but there are certain standards:

1. Sterilization of a dog (male) is carried out until he has completely matured (9-12 months).
2. For female dogs, veterinarians recommend sterilization 8-10 months after the first heat.
3. It is better to castrate a cat after 7-8 months. It is important that puberty has already passed, otherwise such a procedure may somewhat slow down its development.
4. It is recommended to sterilize your cat the old fashioned way after the first heat. But modern research shows that earlier sterilization ensures better tolerance of the procedure and faster recovery.

In any case, laparoscopy of animals should be carried out by experienced specialists who, when examining the pet, will determine the advisability of such a procedure at a certain age.

Preparing your pet for surgery

Laparoscopic sterilization is performed without preparation only in emergency cases. For elective surgery, preparation for the procedure involves the following:

1. A set of measures for the treatment of helminthiasis in cats/dogs.
2. Trimming nails to protect the animal from injury while recovering from anesthesia.
3. The animal must be vaccinated, and at least 20 days must pass from the date of the last vaccination to the scheduled laparoscopy.
4. Laparoscopy is performed only on healthy animals, so they should first be fully examined.
5. On the eve of a planned operation, a cat or dog should not be fed for 12 hours before the scheduled laparoscopy, and should stop drinking 3-4 hours before.

If you ignore the last point, then after surgery to remove the reproductive organs, the animal may vomit after the operation, and this is not desirable for fresh sutures.

How is the operation carried out?

During laparoscopic sterilization of dogs, mask anesthesia is used. All manipulations are performed using a laparoscope. To access the internal organs and carry out sterilization, 2-3 punctures are enough, through which endoscopic instruments and a video camera are inserted to visualize the process.

When sterilizing a cat using the laparoscopic method, small holes of 3-10 mm are made. A special endoscopic instrument is inserted into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneoscopy is performed, followed by an ectomy. At the end, the punctures are tightened with a self-absorbing thread or filled with glue. Sterilizing a cat at home is not advisable, as it may require the use of complex equipment.

Caring for the animal after the procedure

During the first time after surgery, animals require special care. Owners should pay attention to the following points:

1. Postoperative blanket. After laparoscopy, the abdomen should be protected with a special bandage (blanket) secured to the back. This is necessary to protect against contamination and the animal licking small wounds from threads.
2. Treatment of postoperative sutures. In the case of laparoscopic sterilization, these are punctures with a self-absorbing thread, which are rarely treated with antiseptics. It is enough to protect them from infection with a bandage.
3. Proper nutrition. It is important to carefully select the diet and provide only fresh food, and special foods are also allowed. These foods for sterilized animals have been specially formulated to help the body recover after surgery.

Caring for dogs after sterilization is practically no different. If the dog is constantly trying to remove the blanket to get to the punctures, then it is advisable to put an Elizabethan collar on it.

What complications can there be?

Laparoscopic sterilization is considered a fairly safe procedure, but there are always certain risks. Possible complications:

1. Bleeding in the abdominal cavity. It may occur due to insufficient efficiency of coagulation of the uterine vessels.
2. Orifice suppuration after laparoscopy. This can happen if dirt gets into it.
3. Formation of a lump at the puncture site. This is how granulation tissue grows so much that it goes away only 3-4 weeks after laparoscopy.

Internal bleeding can be caused by an insufficiently performed operation or the animal falling/jumping when recovering from anesthesia, so owners should be especially attentive to their pet during this period.

How much does laparoscopic sterilization of cats and dogs cost?

The price for sterilization depends on the following criteria:

1. complexity of the operation (planned/emergency);
2. age, weight and general condition of the animal;
3. time spent on laparoscopy;
4. quality and quantity of consumables;
5. qualifications of a veterinarian.

To perform laparoscopy, you must contact a trusted veterinary clinic and be prepared to pay an average of 4,000 to 6,000 rubles.

Laparoscopic sterilization is a modern way to rid your pet of unwanted offspring and many other problems. The procedure with miniature punctures (without an incision on the abdomen) and a shortened rehabilitation period will allow the animal to return to normal life within 24 hours.

Puberty in cats occurs at the age of 7-9 months. This means that the time has come when your pet’s body is ready to reproduce. And for those who do not plan to breed and adopt kittens, the time has come to think about methods to prevent reproduction.

Today, the most effective method is sterilization; it is safe for cats and solves a number of problems associated with hormonal changes that affect the character of the pet. Sterilization of cats using the laparoscopic method is a cavityless operation, the most gentle.

What is sterilization

The sterilization procedure itself is a surgical method of removing reproductive organs. It is carried out using the cavity method and laparoscopically., that is, through small incisions. The second is considered preferable, since the postoperative recovery period is much faster and easier.

Types of cat sterilization:

• spaying. After such an operation, the cat stops estrus;
• removal of the uterus and ovaries. It is believed that this laparoscopic operation is the most optimal from a medical point of view. It not only solves the issue of ridding Murka from pregnancy, but also has a positive effect on her health. Now you don’t have to worry about the occurrence of various inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs. Since both the uterus and ovaries have been removed, the cat is not at risk of such diseases.

Neutered cats live a normal life, just like their unsterilized cats.

Optimal age for laparoscopic sterilization

There are so many doctors, so many opinions. This also applies to the issue of laparoscopic sterilization of cats. Some claim that such an operation can be done at any age and it is better to let the pet give birth at least once. Others, on the contrary, are categorical on this issue and insist that the owners must make a decision when the kitten reaches six months of age. That is, puberty has not yet occurred and the cat does not experience instinctive needs for motherhood.

In any case, it is better to consult a veterinarian and make a joint decision.

Preparation for laparoscopic surgery

No special preparation is required for laparoscopic sterilization. Preparing a cat for sterilization comes down to several points:

• at least three weeks must pass after the last vaccination
• It is better to take tests in advance, if you decide to perform the operation on a middle-aged cat, this will help avoid problems with recovery from anesthesia; an examination by a veterinarian is mandatory. The cat must be healthy at the time of laparoscopic surgery.
• if your pet is allowed to walk outside, you need to carry out a procedure to clean it of worms and fleas,
• Since cat paws with sharp claws can scratch post-operative wounds, it is better to trim the claws.

During the consultation, the veterinarian is obliged to warn the owner of the dog about when it is possible to feed it, and then exclude both food and water for a certain time before sterilization. This is approximately 12-18 hours. If the deadline is not met, the cat may vomit after the operation, and this is not advisable for fresh stitches.

Laparoscopic procedure

The surgical method of laparoscopy is a closed method of sterilizing cats, allowing surgery through small punctures.

It is carried out with the mandatory use of general anesthesia. Since the time passes quite quickly, a minimal amount of anesthesia is given. Huge the advantage is minimal intervention in the body(unlike abdominal surgery, when a large incision is made on the abdomen), hence the rapid recovery and absence of complications.

Laparoscopic sterilization, either partial or complete, is performed with special surgical instruments to remove the ovaries and uterus using a small video camera. They are inserted into the abdominal area through incisions approximately 1 cm in size. The image from the camera is enlarged and sent to the monitor, this allows the surgeon to perform the operation by manipulating the inserted instruments.

Positive aspects of laparoscopic sterilization

I would like to note the obvious advantages of this method of sterilizing pets:

• suitable for cats of any age, from a six-month-old kitten to a mature murka, the only limitation can be health status,
• since there is a large incision on the abdomen, this helps to avoid various infectious diseases that may bother you in the postoperative period, therefore the course of antibiotics for prevention is more gentle,
• sutures are made with surgical threads, which dissolve over time without leaving a mark, their processing is reduced to only one or two times,
• and, what is very important, laparoscopic surgery causes a minimum of problems and pain for the cat, and the return to a normal lifestyle occurs very quickly.

Cat behavior after laparoscopic sterilization

After laparoscopy, a cat’s behavior and lifestyle practically do not change. Unlike abdominal surgery, the recovery period takes little time and passes without any restrictions.

Since general anesthesia is used during laparoscopic surgery, it is natural to feel drowsy and lethargic, which lasts for several hours and usually goes away by the end of the day.

Owners should be more careful immediately after the operation. The effect of anesthesia may cause the cat to wake up several times and try to get up. Naturally, weakness leads to some disorientation in space, and this can threaten the pet with injuries due to falls or blows. Take care of her, try to calm her down, caress her and put her in her favorite place to rest. Soon the effect of the anesthesia will completely wear off and she won’t even remember the unpleasant moments.

After laparoscopy, the cat should not receive food or drink for approximately 10-12 hours. The veterinarian will warn you about this. Follow his advice strictly, and your pet will soon recover and enjoy life again.

How to care for a cat after laparoscopic surgery

As a rule, after undergoing laparoscopic sterilization, the animal recovers very quickly. Some clinics offer to leave the pet under observation for some time, most are sent home after surgery with some important advice. If you are offered the first option, then you should not refuse, this means that the doctor has reasons for this. Let the cat remain under medical supervision and, if something happens, she will be provided with qualified assistance.

The operation of laparoscopic sterilization is much more complicated than castration of cats. Therefore, you should not neglect your doctor’s advice. Any surgical intervention, even if not as complex as abdominal surgery, requires no less attention from the owner and the veterinarian.

As already noted, after undergoing anesthesia used for a laparoscopic procedure, the pet may sleep for several hours and be lethargic.

This condition is absolutely normal. By the evening she will feel better, she will have an appetite and a playful mood. And by the next morning nothing should bother her. If lethargy persists after 24 hours, it is necessary to urgently show the cat to a doctor.

Although your pet usually recovers quickly from laparoscopic surgery, it takes some time for the wounds to heal. In order not to damage the integrity of the seams, you need to follow a number of rules:

• avoid too active games with the cat for several days,
• do not allow her to lick stitches, wounds, or under any circumstances scratch them; if necessary, apply a bandage.

Review your pet's diet, for which you can consult a doctor. Neutered cats can gain weight quickly, leading to obesity and health problems. If you prefer to feed your cat natural food, reduce the portions and watch the calorie content. There are foods specially designed for such cats. They are optimally balanced and ideal for pets who have undergone sterilization.

Is there an alternative to laparoscopic sterilization?

Veterinarians and breeders of tussocks are unanimous on this issue that there is no alternative to laparoscopic sterilization. It is very difficult to watch a pet suffer several times a year. This is not only a psychological test for the entire family where the animal is kept. It’s not easy for the cat herself.

Giving special tablets and drops is also not the best option. Any medicine clearly affects the functioning of internal organs. Who would want to shorten the life of their pet?

How to reduce unwanted consequences after surgery to zero

Any operation carries a certain risk. Therefore, laparoscopic sterilization of a cat requires careful attention to the issue of choosing a clinic and a doctor. Here are some tips that owners who decide to sterilize their cats should focus on:

• The laparoscopic sterilization procedure is not cheap, but there is no need to save money. Pay attention to the conditions under which the operation is proposed, specify what tools will be used,
• check how qualified the doctor is in the matter of sterilization. Read reviews both about the clinic itself and the operating doctor to know all the pros and cons of performing the procedure in this particular clinic. Collect for yourself a certain rating of veterinary hospitals and don’t be too lazy to take your pet to the other end of the city, if it turns out better there,
• Do not under any circumstances agree to undergo laparoscopic surgery at home. Such an intervention requires sterile conditions and materials, high-quality implementation, anesthesia and observation,
• Be sure to consult with your doctor about preparing your cat for laparoscopic surgery and strictly follow all recommendations. The well-being of the pet will depend on this.

Pros and cons of sterilization

Laparoscopic sterilization of cats has no disadvantages; complications almost never occur after it.

The advantages include such points as not just the absence of pregnancy, but also the dulling of signs of sexual activity. The cat stops asking the cat. And also the positive aspects of laparoscopy are that there is a reduction in the risk of various diseases of the genital area: tumors and infectious diseases of the uterus.