Spay/Neuter Surgery for Female Cats
These instructional videos show the technique used at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance to perform a surgical spay for female cats. Included are step-by-step instructions in several different methods.
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Incision Placement
This video explains the differences in surgical spay incisions and what variables determine incision placement and length. You’ll learn how to best place an incision in both canine and feline patients and see the process demonstrated step by step.
Spay Hook Use
This instructional video shows how to use a spay hook to locate the uterus in a spay surgery. Also included are troubleshooting tips for its usage.
Ovarian Pedicle Tie
The ovarian pedicle tie (OPT) is an efficient autoligation technique exclusively performed on the ovarian pedicle in feline spays as an alternative to ligation with suture. It’s performed in a similar manner as autoligation of the male feline cord. Based on our findings noted below, the ASPCA's research recommends that general veterinary practices consider its use:
- Is as safe and possibly safer than traditional ovariohysterectomy (OVH) using sutures with a comparable risk of hemorrhaging (only 9 of 15,927 cats—0.12%—experienced a pedicle-related hemorrhage, and all were corrected intraoperatively without serious complication or death)
- Is 30% faster when compared to the traditional OVH, allowing you to do more spays or perform other patient care
- Has potential health benefits to the animal by reducing anesthetic time and its associated risk
- Potentially lowers the risk of patient complications from foreign bodies (sutures)
- Requires no special equipment
- Relies on a tie that many veterinarians are already familiar with from neutering male cats and male puppies
Breaking the Broad Ligament
Learn why it’s necessary to break down the broad ligament in spay surgeries for both feline and canine patients. In this video, we demonstrate best practices step by step, and give tips for working with the broad ligament.
Strangle Knot
Watch this instructional video to learn the strangle knot, used during feline spay/neuter surgeries. Also included is advice on how to avoid common pitfalls during the procedure.
Gravid Uterine Artery Ligation
Watch to learn the proper way to perform a gravid uterine artery ligation. We’ll also provide handy troubleshooting tips.
Closure for Female Cats
These instructional videos show the technique used at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance to close surgical spay incisions for female cats. Included are step-by-step instructions in several different methods.
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