Fixing cats and dogs
Dr. Forsythe: I recently had my cat fixed and found out that there were many health benefits for her in having the surgery done. I always thought the biggest reason for getting her spayed was to control population explosions with cats, but according to my vet, there are numerous health benefits also. My cat almost died from an infection in her uterus, and I am lucky that the operation saved her life. I was surprised to find out that I should have gotten this surgery done for her many years ago and it would have prevented the infection from ever happening in the first place. You may want to let other people know this information, too. They should get their pet fixed to prevent a dangerous problem in the uterus, not only to prevent the cat from having kittens. Also, if the owners knew how much it would help their cat, maybe they wouldn’t mind paying so much for the surgery before their cat gets very sick like mine did. The vet told me it would have cost less to do the surgery when she was younger and before she got the infection.– A grateful client
Dear Grateful: I am glad you are aware of the benefits of having your cat spayed. In your cat’s case, it saved her life. In addition to eliminating overpopulation and reducing the number of needless euthanasias performed every day across this country, spays are indicated for many reasons: ovarian disease, uterine disease, behavioral problems, vaginal hyperplasia, diabetes, epilepsy, and mammary tumor prevention. Yes, there is a cost for the surgery, but the cost is much more when the operation needs to be done when your cat becomes gravely ill rather than when it is scheduled as a routine sterilization. Cats who get “fixed” tend to live longer, healthier lives than those who remain “in tact.” I’m glad you took care of your pet and I appreciate your comments nudging me to get this important message out. Sometimes we in the veterinary community take for granted that folks are aware of the importance of spaying and neutering. However, in case some don’t, your letter serves as a good reminder that the health benefits of spaying are tremendous, much more than simply an exercise in “population control.” Thanks for your input. And good luck with your kitty. – Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I have a very small Yorkie, only about six pounds, and she needs to have her anal glands drained about once a month. Every time we take her to our veterinarian, one of the technicians whisks her to the back to empty her glands out. We always hear her scream and yell like she is being tortured. This only lasts for about a minute while they are getting the glands taken care of, but it is awful listening to our little baby yelp. My wife tells me I should just walk back and watch, but I don’t want to be known as that “over worried “ dad. The trouble is every time we take her in, the same thing happens, she cries and yells like somebody is hurting her. What should we do? When they bring her back out to us, she is fine, even her little tail is wriggling. Am I being too worried and paranoid or is this something I need to mention to the vet? – Worried about my pet
Dear Worried: I always think it is a good idea to discuss any worries you have with your veterinarian. If you are bothered by something, your veterinarian and his (or her) staff would want to know what your concerns are being addressed. Nobody wants to think his pet is being harmed at the veterinary hospital!! If your pooch is crying and screaming, ask questions and request to be present while they express her glands. It may be that she is a sensitive and fussy little pet, one who dislikes having her back end poked around with AT ALL! It could also be that she suffers from a chronic form of infection in her anal glands, and the material is possibly thick and toothpaste-like, making it very hard to press out, even with a small, lubricated, gloved hand. It must feel like torture to you waiting and wondering why your little dog is hooting and hollering so much. I know myself well enough to know I’d be going insane if I were in your situation. I’d probably have a “Terms of Endearment” moment reminiscent of Shirley McClain demanding “I want another injection for my daughter” if my dog was out of my site but I could hear cries of pain.
Watching what is going on will very likely put your mind at ease – and you may even find that while she fusses and vocalizes, her little tail may be wriggling. You’ll also be able to see the veterinary staff apply gentle but loving restraint while the veterinarian expresses the glands – and you’ll probably see staff members petting and consoling your little dog at the same time: this may not be the picture you had in mind sitting in the lobby, huh? Perhaps this will make the process more tolerable for you and your pet. But, if on the other hand, you sense that the process is too stressful for either your little Yorkie or yourself, you can discuss having the veterinarian use some sedation in the future to lessen the anxiety your pet feels during the procedure. I hope these tips will alleviate the stress and strife of these recurring vet visits. The key is open and honest communication. Everyone wants the best thing for your little Yorkie, and I hope that this information will help you move forward in a positive direction. – Dr. F.
