1. Why is it important to have my cat spayed or neutered?
2. Why is it recommended that we do Pre-surgical Bloodwork before my cat has surgery?
3. What is the purpose for having my cat on fluids during surgery and afterwards in recovery?
4. Does Southeast Community Animal Hospital always use pain injections either before or after surgery?
5. How do I know if my cat needs to have pain medication after surgery?
6. What should I look for after surgery at the incision site as well as the cat's general health?

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Why is it important to have my cat spayed or neutered?

Males

1. Pregnancy prevention
2. Longer life span due to decrease roaming, fighting, and chance of being hit by car.
3. Eliminates testicular cancer
4. Decreased urine spraying

Females

1. Prevents possibility of life threatening uterine infection
2. Prevents pregnancy
3. Heat Cycles which can be very annoying behavior.

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Why is it recommended that we do Pre-surgical Bloodwork before my cat has surgery?

• While we always do a thorough pre-surgical exam some abnormalities may not be detected with just an exam. Bloodwork more closely evaluates liver and kidney parameters, electrolytes, red blood cells and platelets. For example, if an animal has low platelets that could interfere with blood clotting, which is essential for a successful surgery.

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What is the purpose for having my cat on fluids during surgery and afterwards in recovery?

1. Maintains hydration; animal must be fasted from food and water prior to surgery
2. Helps maintain blood pressure
3. In event of adverse anesthetic reaction, we have instant access to bloodstream with possibly life saving medications
4. In rare event of hemorrhage giving fluids is initial treatment

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Does Southeast Community Animal Hospital always use pain injections either before or after surgery?

• Yes, once the animal is off gas anesthesia there is NO lasting pain control unless we supplement it with pain medications. The more painful the procedure the more pain medications are required.

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How do I know if my cat needs to have pain medication after surgery?

• Possible signs of pain include the following: not eating well, limping, is painful when you touch the surgery site. Each animal will respond differently. Cats may also exhibit increased hiding behavior. It is best and most effective to treat the pain before it starts than to treat when already painful.

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What should I look for after surgery at the incision site as well as the cat's general health?

Males

1. There are no sutures. The incision should stay closed. Mild redness and finger width swelling are normal for first few days.
2. Never should have discharge.
3. In adults scrotal swelling is common and will resolve within about 2 weeks.

Females

1. Sutures typically placed.
2. Mild redness and finger width swelling first couple of days.
3. No cream-colored discharge.

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