Cléo (who I'm fostering) was spayed yesterday. All my previous cats were spayed on their bellies, but this time it was done on her side. I always thought there would be a hole on each side, but it’s just one incision on one side, and it's smaller than the midline ones. Why has the method changed? What’s the difference between the two? Why do some vets do it on the belly (like my usual vet) while others do it on the side (like the rescue's vet)?
Translated from French
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That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of that!!! I suppose it must be the same thing... anyway, don’t count on me to know any more, I’m rubbish at animal surgery!!! lol
I agree with you but I promise it’s true. If you can, ask your vet one day because I think it’s really weird. My sister has a Siamese and her vet, who's based in Ham, told her the same thing too. Let me know if you ever end up asking, thanks in advance!
Well, your vet is being a bit thick then. If her ovaries have been taken out, I don't see how she could possibly be coming into season. It’s just like with us—we wouldn't have periods anymore if we didn't have our ovaries.
That’s exactly what I told him, you’re right, but he told me the cat could still go into heat. I swear it’s true, if you want just give your vet a ring and ask, you’ll see, because I find it totally absurd too.
If the ovaries are removed, then there won't be any seasons, @Jocya. It's the same thing that's taken out whether it’s done through the side or the belly.
My vet doesn't want to do the flank spay. He explained that with an incision on the side, you need a special little tool to reach the ovaries—it’s shaped like a tiny ladle—but he isn't keen on it. He prefers to open the tummy because he told me that with some cats done through the side, it can go wrong and the cat can still go into heat. Obviously, she wouldn't have any more litters, but she’d still have seasons. It doesn't happen to all of them, but it is a possibility. So, he’s sticking with opening the belly; he told me it was much better and more reliable.
I know this method is fairly new and considered quite innovative. Perhaps the whole point is actually to make the incision smaller? As for your last question, it’s probably just down to medical perspective—a bit of an old school vs new school thing, maybe? :)
