A Comprehensive Guide to Preoperative Examinations for Dog and Cat Sterilization

Seamaty SMT-120VP Vet Chemistry Analyzer

A Comprehensive Guide to Preoperative Examinations for Dog and Cat Sterilization

1. The Importance of Dog and Cat Sterilization

**Disease Prevention: Sterilization can significantly reduce the risk of reproductive system diseases in dogs and cats. For female dogs and cats, it can prevent pyometra, mammary tumors, and other conditions; for males, it can help avoid testicular cancer and prostate issues. Additionally, sterilization reduces the likelihood of ovarian and uterine cancer.

**Controlling Reproduction:Sterilization is one of the most effective ways to prevent overpopulation. A pair of adult dogs or cats and their offspring can produce hundreds of young in just a few years. These offspring may end up as stray animals due to inadequate care, adding to the social burden.

**Behavioral Improvement:Sterilized dogs and cats often show improved behavior due to changes in sex hormones. For example, male dogs and cats may reduce territorial marking behaviors (such as frequent urination) and exhibit less aggression. Female dogs and cats will no longer yowl frequently due to heat, reducing the risk of fights or escape attempts caused by attracting mates. Sterilized pets are generally more docile and have a more harmonious relationship with their owners.

2. Preoperative Examination Procedures

When preparing to sterilize a dog or cat, comprehensive preoperative examinations are crucial to ensure the pet's health and the safety of the surgery. Here are some important tests to consider:

**Complete Blood Count (CBC):Measures blood parameters such as red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets to detect diseases or potential health issues caused by changes in blood cells, such as anemia, infection, or inflammation.

**Biochemical Analysis: Tests for glucose levels, kidney function, liver function, and electrolyte levels to help identify potential kidney problems, diabetes, liver dysfunction, and to assess anesthesia risks and adjust the anesthesia plan accordingly.

**Coagulation Function Tests: Includes prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen (FIB) to prevent hemorrhagic shock during surgery due to coagulation problems.

**Antibody Testing: Ensures that the pet has received the necessary vaccinations and that the vaccines are still effective, reducing the risk of post-operative infections due to weakened immunity, such as canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia.

**Cardiac Examination for Specific Cat Breeds: For certain cat breeds prone to heart issues, such as British Shorthairs, Sphynx cats, and Persian cats, it is recommended to conduct a cardiac examination before sterilization. This can be done by measuring the cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP to ensure good heart health and avoid unexpected situations during surgery.

**Other Tests: Such as ultrasound and X-ray examinations.

3. Postoperative Care Instructions

**Diet Adjustment: In the initial post-operative period, pets may experience reduced appetite due to pain. It is advisable to provide easily digestible food, such as post-operative recovery canned food or dog food softened with warm water.

**Wound Care: Keep the skin around the wound clean and avoid contamination by urine or feces. Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent the pet from licking or biting the wound. Ensure the collar is the right size so as not to impede the pet's normal activities.

**Activity Restriction: Restrict the pet's activity for at least two weeks post-surgery to prevent the wound from reopening or becoming infected. Avoid strenuous activities such as running and jumping. Prepare a comfortable, warm resting area for the pet, and consider putting clothes on them in cold weather.

**Monitoring Postoperative Recovery: It is recommended to test CRP/SAA levels after surgery. If levels remain high, additional treatment may be necessary.

Conclusion

Sterilization of dogs and cats is significant for both the health of the pets and the ecological balance of society. Preoperative examinations and postoperative care are indispensable components of this process.