Neutering your kitten is a common surgical procedure which involves removing the the testicles. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, is recommended for all males and is ideally performed at four to five months of age, based on the 2016 guidelines set forth by the AVMA, the Winn Feline Foundation and the Veterinary Task Force for Feline Sterilization. This is an outpatient procedure and our patients are discharged the same afternoon.
Benefits of neutering include greatly reducing the risk of testicular cancer, avoiding marking and behavioral issues related to hormone cycling, minimizing reproductive tract diseases, and reducing pet over-population. Overall, this procedure will greatly improve your pet’s quality of life.
At Brentwood Animal Hospital, we take great care in our surgical preparation and monitoring. All patients are required to have a thorough physical exam, complete blood count, and chemistry organ function profile prior to general anesthesia. After these screening tests, a custom protocol is created for each patient, involving sedatives, gas anesthesia, anti-nausea medication, and pain management. Monitoring equipment is used to evaluate heart rate/rhythm, blood pressure, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen levels throughout the length of the procedure. IV fluids are also used to improve anesthetic recovery. Our AAHA-accredited hospital has a state-of-the art surgical suite and utilizes the highest standards in sterilization, significantly decreasing the risk of bleeding and infection.
Most patients recover from anesthesia within 24 hours. However, we recommend restricting activity for at least 1 week after surgery in order to ensure appropriate healing. We offer a “onesie” or Medical Pet Shirt in order to protect the incision during the healing process. In some cases, an e-collar is also required. Post-operative pain medication is considered standard and is used after each procedure to ensure your pet is comfortable during their recovery period.
It is our pleasure answering any questions you may have regarding the procedures performed at Brentwood Animal Hospital. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or appointment with any concerns.
