Feline bilateral orchidectomy, also known as castration or neuter, is the removal of a male cat’s testicles (gonads) and epididymis and some of the blood vessels, nerves, muscles and ductus deferens (feline version of vas deferens for humans, the tube connecting the testciles and epididymis to the urethra) while leaving the other internal reproductive structures intact. This procedure eliminates the chance for the male cat to get a female cat pregnant about four weeks after the procedure is performed. Sperm may be present in the reproductive tract for weeks after the procedure. Depending on the sexual maturity of the cat when castration if performed, this procedure greatly reduces the risk for reproductivehormone associated cancer. Castration also eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer and testicular infections (orchitis). Castration likewise reduces unwanted behaviors like spraying to mark territory and aggression that leads to fighting with other cats. Castrated males require about ⅓ fewer calories, too.
Complications of the procedure may include bleeding and infection. Other complications associated with anesthesia include shortterm vomiting or diarrhea, ileus (decreased gut motility or decreased movement of food in the intestines), and death.
Home Care Instructions
- Most castration patients with an uneventful convalescence will be fully recovered in 2 weeks (the amount of time for full depth skin incisions to heal). Usually progress exams and follow up appointments are not necessary.
- Castration involves some major blood vessels; your pet should be kept quiet with restricted activity for 34 days in possible.
- To reduce the possibility of postoperative swelling and infection, it is imperative that the surgical site be kept clean and dry for at least a week. Please take care that your cat’s environment is particularly sanitary during this time.
- Your pet should also be prevented from excessive licking or chewing at the surgical sites for about a week. If an ecollar (Cone of Shame) is needed, please see the front desk staff.
- Please examine the area around the incision about twice a day for 10 days; if excessive swelling, redness, pain, or discharge is noted, please contact us at Pickrell Veterinary Clinic.
- If there are any general signs of illness (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea, lack of energy, lack of appetite, fever (greater than 102.5), pale gums and/or mucous membranes, distended abdomen), please do not hesitate to call. There may be mild vomiting or diarrhea for a day or so after the anesthesia. MAture dogs may be slower for 35 days as they recover from this surgery. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call.