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Original poster

What are the risks with cats and GA?

16 replies

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 11:46

Lola is being spayed today. I took her in to the vet this morning and left her. Feeling really bad Is there a serious risk from a GA?

OP posts:

bella29 · 27/04/2009 11:50

No, tiny risk - modern anaeasthetics are very safe, and with a young healthy animal there shouldn't be any problems.

Did they say you could call later to see how she is? It is nerve wracking waiting, I know!

HTH

MarthaFarquhar · 27/04/2009 11:52

my 16 year old moggy has had 2 GAs in the past 2 years for dental treatment. She has bounced back from each in no time at all, so I'm sure a younger cat will be right as rain.

Original poster

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 11:54

Thanks both.

Yes she is young and healthy.

bella - I have to call at 2 to see if she's been done.

OP posts:

bella29 · 27/04/2009 12:07

Won't be long now, but I know it seems like ages!

Take comfort in the fact that if there had been a serious problem they would almost certainly have called you by now

She'll be home and running round before you know it x

Original poster

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 12:09

Thanks bella

I know it's daft but I have this awful guilty feeling. Perfectly healthy little beast and I've asked the vet to cut big bits out of her for our convenience.

But I know it has to be done. Ah well. As you say not long now....

OP posts:

bella29 · 27/04/2009 12:14

It's not just for your convenience - healthwise it is better for her too

Original poster

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 12:23

I suppose.

Thanks for your comments bella It helps a lot.

Not long till i can ring.

OP posts:

bella29 · 27/04/2009 12:30

Original poster

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 12:31

I'm not that anxious.

OP posts:

Original poster

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 14:04

I just rang. Lola is fine and just coming round. Wish I could be there though. Picking her up about 4.30.

OP posts:

MarthaFarquhar · 27/04/2009 14:07

Great news - it must be a huge relief .

Original poster

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 17:18

It was. Well she's home. Very pleased to see us, still a bit groggy, shaved in places and very hungry (but not allowed to eat much yet)

OP posts:

EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 17:44

Aww poor thing. Hope she's well Orm. How old is she by the way? Not sure of best time to get a moggy spayed...

Original poster

OrmIrian · 27/04/2009 17:49

8m star.

They can have it done from 6m of age I beleive. Much later than that and they risk getting pregnant (assuming that you let them out of course).

OP posts:

EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 17:52

I've heard that you can get it done from 8 weeks but there's no conclusive proof yet if it's helpful or hurtful (or neither). Ours are only indoor cats, but I've heard if you don't spay it can have effects on their health? Anyone advise on that?

beautifulgirls · 27/04/2009 21:40

Unspeyed cats are at risk of pyometra later in life - basically a severe infection in the womb necessitating emergency spaying and can be life threatening. There is also a much higher chance of getting mammary tumours (cancerous in many cases) in unspayed cats as hormones play a large role in whether or not these might develop. Apart from that if you have ever witnessed a cat in season it can be difficult to live with - many cry almost yelling sounding (though not) as if they are in pain! If yours are that way inclined it will be happening every 3 weeks or so if not mated.

More and more vets are spaying earlier these days though 8 weeks is rather young for the average surgery to be considering, though not uncommon in some rescue shelter situations. 4 months is about the youngest general practice vets will consider, but even so many are still not spaying until about 6 months old. There is however a chance a 6 month old could be pregnant by that age if she has been out and about whereas 4 months old is probably a much much safer bet to avoid pregnancy - hence why more surgeries are starting to do them younger. The best thing to do is call your vet and ask, and if you prefer to do them earlier and they are not willing call about and see if other local vets are willing. Speaking personally I have had no problems with spaying cats at 4 months old and they recover very well.

Hope that helps.

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