Several surgical procedures for cats are done at Dumfries Animal Hospital. The following is not a complete list, so please call us to inquire if a procedure is not mentioned.


Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)
This surgery is done to prevent female cats from getting pregnant. It involves removing the uterus and the ovaries. This also prevents pyometra, a life-threatening infection that intact females can get in their uterus. Having cats spayed at 6 months of age (before they go into heat) also minimizes their risk of developing a mammary tumor in the future. After being spayed, cats will no longer be in heat.

Neuter (Orchiectomy)
Neutering involves removal of a male cat’s testicles, preventing him from getting female cats pregnant. Neutering will minimize the strong urine smell that is common in adult male cats. Additionally, it helps reduce territorial urine marking in the house. The recommended age to neuter cats is 5-6 months.

Growth Removal
Growths on or underneath the skin can occur commonly in cats. Depending on the location and size of the growth, we can discuss removing it. Sometimes we will recommend getting a small sample of the growth first to help with surgical planning. After removing it, we will submit it to a pathologist to determine what type of tumor it is and whether it is benign or malignant.

Cystotomy
In a cat with bladder stones, a cystotomy is an abdominal surgery that allows us to remove the stones for a quick resolution. Bladder stones are usually found or diagnosed with abdominal radiographs and ultrasound. After surgery, a radiograph is repeated to ensure that all stones were removed successfully. The bladder stones will be submitted to the laboratory to find out which kind they are; this will help guide food recommendations to help avoid more bladder stones forming again in the future.