County Animal Hospital

Why neuter or spay?     When is anesthesia required and why?     Local vs. general anesthesia     How well is my pet monitored while under anesthesia? SURGERY We are a member hospital of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). As such, we comply with AAHA standards for surgery. These standards specify (among other things): Surgery is to be performed in a room dedicated solely for this purpose. Strict sterile technique must be observed. Some aspects of sterile technique are summarized here: The patient is shaved and scrubbed in an adjoining scrub room and then brought into the operating room (O.R.). The surgeon scrubs in a dedicated scrub area outside of the O.R. The surgeon wears a cap, mask and new sterile gown and gloves for each surgery The surgical instruments are placed in special packs and sterilized prior to surgery. A separate pack is used for each patient. No one is allowed into the operating room during surgery unless they are properly attired (cap and mask) and in general, hospital traffic is prohibited from the O.R. The surgical site is protected by use of sterile disposable surgical drapes. The O.R. is meticulously disinfected after use. These precautions are important in preventing infection of the surgical site and the transmission of infectious diseases between patients. Why Neuter or Spay? There are several reasons why you should neuter your male dog or cat. Firstly, neutered male dogs tend to be less aggressive and easier to train. Intact (not neutered) dogs and cats mark their territory by lifting their legs and urinating (dogs) or spraying urine (cats). Their territory is often indoors. Neutering generally prevents this behavior from developing. Neutered male dogs are less likely to run away in search of females. Neutered cats are less territorial and fight less often. Neutering prevents most types of prostate disease and testicular cancer in dogs. Neutering your dog or cat prevents him from contributing to the birth of unwanted puppies or kittens. Female dogs should be spayed before their first heat because it reduces the chance of developing breast cancer later in life. The heat cycle of female dogs involves 14 to 21 days of vaginal bleeding, which is hard on home furnishings. During this time male dogs will be attracted to the home of females in heat from far and wide. Females will try to get away to be bred by these would be suitors. Just as importantly older unspayed female dogs and cats are prone to life threatening uterine infections called pyometra. Spaying prevents the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens. There are several widely held misconceptions about spaying and neutering. Spayed or neutered pets do not become fat and lazy unless they are overfed and under exercised. Most dogs will be naturally protective of their home and families. Neutered dogs still make good watchdogs. Neutering pets does not deprive either them or their owners of their masculinity. Dogs and cats are not men and don't care about their "manhood". ANESTHESIA Anesthesia is required when your pet undergoes surgery, other painful procedures or certain diagnostic tests. Local vs. general anesthesia Local anesthesia is used when minor procedures are performed on cooperative patients. This is accomplished by injecting a numbing medication into the skin around the surgical site. The animal is fully awake and able to move. General anesthesia is used when the patient needs to be asleep. It produces a state of unconsciousness with no pain sensation. This is required for most major surgeries, dental work and some diagnostic procedures. Some of the advantages of general anesthesia include: the ease with which the length and depth of anesthesia can be controlled, better relaxation and pain control, the ability to provide breathing support if necessary and rapid recovery. There are three steps to general anesthesia: In the first, called pre-anesthesia or pre-op, your pet is given an intramuscular injection of a sedative plus pain medication. The pre-op is custom tailored to your pet depending on age, breed, organ function and other factors. In the second step, induction, a drug is given intravenously to make the patient drowsy enough to allow placement of a tube into the windpipe. This endotracheal tube has two functions. Primarily, it is a means of getting the gas anesthesia-oxygen mixture to your pet. Another function is to seal the windpipe and stop fluids from entering the lungs. The last step is maintenance of anesthesia. We only use Isoflurane, the safest gas anesthetic available and one that is routinely used in people. All animals undergoing surgery receive medications to relieve pain. Monitoring during anesthesia During anesthesia, your pet is closely observed. A technician is always present in the operating room with the doctor. Breathing is monitored visually, the pulse is felt and the complexion checked. In addition, electronic monitors used on your pet include breathing, pulse, blood pressure, ECG, and a measurement of how much oxygen is in the blood. Back to Top Copyright ©1999-2000