Early-age neutering of dogs and cats

Abstract

A study was made of anaesthetic protocols and surgical techniques for neutering dogs and cats between 6-14 weeks of age. To prevent distress in human interaction and reduce fear-imprinting, pre-anaesthetic medication was used. Litter mates were housed together in a warm quiet environment prior to surgery. Food was not withheld for more than 8 h to prevent hypoglycaemia. Tiletamine/zolazepam (11 mg/kg) was used to anaesthetise male kittens for castration, and isoflurane or halothane was administered in a face mask if supplementary anaesthesia was needed. Midazolam (22 mg/kg) mixed with ketamine (11 mg/kg) in the same syringe was given i.m. as a preanesthetic drug combination for use in spaying kittens, followed by endotracheal intubation and administration of isoflurane. Atropine, midazolam and oxymorphone were mixed in the same syringe and were given i.m. to male puppies and 15 min later propofol i.v. After surgery the effects of oxymorphone were reversed with i.v. administration of nalbuphine. Female puppies were given atropine and oxymorphone i.m. and 15 min later propofol i.v. The puppy was then intubated and isoflurane was administered to maintain general anaesthesia. The surgical and post surgical considerations are described in detail. It is concluded that early age neutering of animals in an animal shelter means that neutering takes place prior to adoption and follow-up resources could be directed elsewhere within the shelter programme.