Feline Castration

Question 1

Patient Prep

Answer 1

Once the cat has been induced, the testicles are shaved. The skin can then be prepped aseptically.

Question 2

Patient Positioning

Answer 2

The most common way to position a cat for a castration is by placing the cat in lateral recumbency with the uppermost hind limb pulled cranially. The limb very rarely requires positioning aids to keep it in place. Another position is dorsal recumbency with the hind limbs tied together and pulled cranially; positioning aids will be required to maintain this position.

Question 3

Instruments and materials

Answer 3

It is best practice for all instruments used in any surgical procedure to be sterilised, but often this is not the case for cat neuters. A surgical kit should be made up containing: a pair of haemostats, scalpel handle (if the surgeon prefers one), swabs, and some plain or rat toothed forceps. A scalpel blade will also be selected – size 15 is standard. A drape is not often required, unless the cat is overly fluffy and the surgeon has concerns that the hair of the patient may enter the surgical site.

Question 4

surgical Procedure

Answer 4

A single incision is made over each testicle. For a closed castration, the incision is only made into the skin and not through the vaginal tunic; this is visualised and identified as a white glistening tissue. Each testicle is pushed out through the incision and pulled cranially to break the scrotal ligament and fascia (remaining fascia can be stripped away using gauze). Some surgeons will use an absorbable suture material and tie off the spermatic cord, or some will use the haemostats and tie the spermatic cord in a knot. Once a secure knot is placed, a scalpel blade will incise the cord to release the testicles. The wound is left to heal via secondary intention healing.

Question 5

Post op

Answer 5

Recovery from this procedure is very quick. Common complications post operatively include, haemorrhage and scrotal haematomas. During the surgical procedure appropriate haemostasis is required to avoid such complications. Like all procedures, the nurse will be required to clean the surgical site post operatively, to ensure no blood is left on the cat’s fur. There is no revisit required unless the owner is concerned. An Elizabethan collar should be placed to prevent the animal from licking the surgical site, as this often causes bleeding.