When to have surgery on an old cat?
If your cat is that old, surgery is probably not being recommended just for fun. Your veterinarian is probably talking about performing surgery because of a serious reason or even a life or death situation. A complete physical exam and blood work should always be performed before anesthesia.
How to recover from intestinal obstruction in cats?
Recovery of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats When veterinary care is provided promptly, prognosis for affected cats is generally positive as long as there are no surgical complications. Following surgery, pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed and the cat may need to remain in the hospital for several days.
When to remove sutures from intestinal obstruction in cats?
Sutures will need to be removed 7-10 days following surgery, and follow-up appointments will be needed to ensure proper healing. Precautions should be taken to prevent the cat from ingesting objects in the future. This may include covering trash cans and keeping dangerous objects such as string and yarn out of reach.
Are there any complications with anaesthetized surgery for Old Cats?
What are the most common complications and risks with undergoing anaesthetized surgery for old cats (over ~15 years)? Are there any specific anesthetics that are better for older cats? horrible complications following surgery? The reason is that we lost our dear old friend last Friday.
What happens to an old cat in surgery?
The reason is that we lost our dear old friend last Friday. We were informed by the vet that older cats have a low survival rate in anaesthetized surgery, often resulting in acute kidney failure. But the condition with an infected tooth left no other options and the pre-operative screenings said she was in good shape.
Recovery of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats When veterinary care is provided promptly, prognosis for affected cats is generally positive as long as there are no surgical complications. Following surgery, pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed and the cat may need to remain in the hospital for several days.
Sutures will need to be removed 7-10 days following surgery, and follow-up appointments will be needed to ensure proper healing. Precautions should be taken to prevent the cat from ingesting objects in the future. This may include covering trash cans and keeping dangerous objects such as string and yarn out of reach.
What kind of surgery can be done on a male cat?
A perineal urethrostomy (sometimes referred to as a PU) is a surgical procedure that is most commonly performed on male cats with a urinary obstruction.
How old was Maggie when she had surgery?
I agree with sharky, I think it depends on the cat. Our sweet Maggie lived to be just a week shy of her 19th Birthday and she had surgery to repair a hernia ( that resulted from her spay, that was done years earlier ) at the age of 16 and she sailed right through it with flying colors.
How to minimize the risks of cat surgery?
However there are ways your vet can help minimize these risks, including getting a good bloodwork panel done before surgery and carefully choosing any anesthesia meds as well as any post-op meds.
I agree with sharky, I think it depends on the cat. Our sweet Maggie lived to be just a week shy of her 19th Birthday and she had surgery to repair a hernia ( that resulted from her spay, that was done years earlier ) at the age of 16 and she sailed right through it with flying colors.
When to consider euthanasia for an old cat?
If the prognosis is poor or gave and your cat’s quality of life is declining, euthanasia may be suggested. When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find:
Can a 17 year old cat have dental disease?
Tara: In the article, she tells the story of a 17-year-old cat with advanced dental disease. The cat’s caretaker was reluctant to put the cat under anesthesia because of concerns about her general health … Thomas: After all, the kitty already had kidney disease and hyperthyroidism…
How often should I weigh my 12 month old cat?
Throughout its life, it is a good idea to weigh your cat every one to two months. If weight is steadily increasing after 12 months of age, you need to start reducing your cat’s food. Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet.
What to do if your cat goes missing for 12 hours?
While it’s normal for your cat to return a little later than usual from time to time, if your cat has been missing for 12 hours or overnight, especially if this is very unusual for them, there are six things you should do. First, try not to panic.
Why did my cat have surgery on her tooth?
But the condition with an infected tooth left no other options and the pre-operative screenings said she was in good shape. She had undergone surgery several times before when she was younger without any problems, but this time it was as if the drugs never wore off. After three days with few signs of improvement we revisited the vet.
Can a 9 year old cat have surgery?
I have just scheduled my nearly 9year old cat for surgery to remove a fairly large bladder stone. The vet has warned me that surgery is more dangerous for older cats. She seems to be in good shape other than the obvious discomfort from the bladder stone.
Is it a myth that cats are too old for surgery?
Myth: “My cat is too old for anesthesia” You should think twice when your friend or the internet tells you that your cat is too old or sick for anesthesia, and don’t be afraid to seek out an expert about this concern. If your cat is that old, surgery is probably not being recommended just for fun.
Throughout its life, it is a good idea to weigh your cat every one to two months. If weight is steadily increasing after 12 months of age, you need to start reducing your cat’s food. Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet.
However there are ways your vet can help minimize these risks, including getting a good bloodwork panel done before surgery and carefully choosing any anesthesia meds as well as any post-op meds.
Can a 17 year old cat have a tooth removed?
My Tyler, who just turned 17 had a dental w/tooth removal, it was risky as he has high bp, kidney failure and a heart murmur, but it was in an attempt to get him eating again (didn’t work, but boy his teeth are clean and pretty, and a bad tooth is now out).
What happens when an old cat has an infection?
Infections can become more frequent, and your cat’s recovery may only be partial during its last stages. Antibiotic resistance and secondary infections are quite common and can inhibit recovery. Impaired recovery may also lead to future health problems and a further compromised system.
When to take your cat to the vet for blood work?
This is particularly true when it comes to senior cats. Even if your cat just had his regular senior blood panel a few months ago, if your vet recommends blood work, do it. After about age 10, cats age four years for every one calendar year, and a lot can happen in a short time. 2. If your vet recommends other diagnostic tests, listen to her
My Tyler, who just turned 17 had a dental w/tooth removal, it was risky as he has high bp, kidney failure and a heart murmur, but it was in an attempt to get him eating again (didn’t work, but boy his teeth are clean and pretty, and a bad tooth is now out).
Infections can become more frequent, and your cat’s recovery may only be partial during its last stages. Antibiotic resistance and secondary infections are quite common and can inhibit recovery. Impaired recovery may also lead to future health problems and a further compromised system.
This is particularly true when it comes to senior cats. Even if your cat just had his regular senior blood panel a few months ago, if your vet recommends blood work, do it. After about age 10, cats age four years for every one calendar year, and a lot can happen in a short time. 2. If your vet recommends other diagnostic tests, listen to her
What to know about your cat’s surgery pre and post op care?
Listen carefully to post surgical instruction from your veterinary care team and call hospital if you have any questions regarding the post op care for your cat. Safe cat anesthesia requires that close attention be paid to the patient before during and after the anesthesthetic.
How long should a kitten be starved before surgery?
If your older kitten or healthy adult cat is having either sedation or a general anesthetic, then she needs to be starved for at least 12 hours before the surgery. If your cat is younger than 4 months old, has health problems or conditions or is taking medications, check with your veterinarian before withholding food.
Is it normal for a cat to be groggy after surgery?
It is normal for your cat to be groggy or disoriented for a few hours after receiving a general anesthetic Your cat might be a duller version of itself for 24 hours after anesthesia due to the sedating effects of anesthesia
What do you need to know about post op cat surgery?
To prevent post-surgical infections and cross-contamination, surgeries are performed in a room used only for sterile surgical procedures. Surgical attire. Staff must wear disposable caps and masks when entering the surgical suite. Anyone involved in the procedure itself must also wear sterile gowns and single-use gloves.
When to call the hospital for a cat with stitches?
It is better to keep the collar on all the time, rather than to take it on and off. It only takes a few seconds of chewing for a cat to remove her stitches or damage the surgery site. If your cat does succeed in removing any stitches, please call the hospital as soon as possible.
If your older kitten or healthy adult cat is having either sedation or a general anesthetic, then she needs to be starved for at least 12 hours before the surgery. If your cat is younger than 4 months old, has health problems or conditions or is taking medications, check with your veterinarian before withholding food.
How is my 12 year old cat after his tooth was removed?
Our 12-year-old cat had a canine tooth removed more than 2 months ago. Before surgery he was full of life, inquisitive, out-going, never fearful, similar to a 5-year-old boy. After surgery, he is timid, reserved, unsure of himself, clingy…
How much does dental work cost for a 19 year old cat?
Having dental work with extractions done is usually a little pricey. You could be looking at anywhere from $400 to $1400 to do this. If we play the odds, a 19 year old cat may not live a whole lot longer. That may be a lot of money to spend if we only have a short time left.
How old is my 19 year old cat?
My cat, who is a 19 year old spayed male we have had his entire life is fairly healthy. He moves around ok, jumps up on the counter etc. We feed him on the counter because of the dogs, he gets Fancy Feast twice a day and eats some dry food but not much.
When to take your senior cat to the vet?
Even if your cat just had his regular senior blood panel a few months ago, if your vet recommends blood work, do it. After about age 10, cats age four years for every one calendar year, and a lot can happen in a short time. 2. If your vet recommends other diagnostic tests, listen to her
Are there any myths about surgery and cats?
Kelly Serfas, a Certified Veterinary Technician in Bethlehem, PA, contributed to this article. There are many urban legends surrounding surgery and cats. Here I take a rational look at 8 stubborn myths I encounter regularly. 1. Myth: “My cat is too old for anesthesia”
If the prognosis is poor or gave and your cat’s quality of life is declining, euthanasia may be suggested. When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find:
How old should a 17 year old cat be?
17-19 years 83-92 years Probably frail due to loss of bone density, subcutaneous fat and muscle tone. Skin more fragile. Hearing, sight and mobility affected.
How old is a 16 year old cat?
By age 16 your cat’s physical and mental development is very much like that of an 80-year-old person. She has definitely slowed down physically (relative to her prime adult years)and may have developed a number of health problems.
How old do cats get in middle age?
Like people, cats do not live forever. They age at different rates – some slow down at the age of 8, others remain spry into their teens or early twenties. Most glide gracefully from middle age into old age, simply slowing down their pace of life.
What are the chances of a cat dying from anesthesia?
The total chances of a cat dying from anesthesia are 1 in 400. This includes sick and elderly cats. So for a healthy young cat the risk is very very small. Another (small) risk is post-op infection. If you keep a close eye on him and keep in contact with the vet that can be cured quickly.
How long does it take for cat to heal after surgery?
The time required depends on the procedure. Confinement may be in a crate, an upside down baby/puppy play pen, a “cat tent,” a small room or part of a room. It may seem cruel to some, yet preventing jumping and running is critical to allow proper healing.
What to do with a 6 month old kitten?
Spaying and neutering are very common surgical procedures, and by six months of age, most kittens are having one of these procedures done. 2 Females get spayed and males get neutered, but both surgeries are removing the reproductive organs in a kitten.
How often should you check your pet’s incision after surgery?
If you must, you can get water-less shampoo at the pet store – just make sure you don’t use it anywhere near the surgery area. You need to check your pet’s incision twice a day. This is super important because you never know if something abnormal is occurring unless you really check it out.
What kind of surgery did my dog have?
Dog at LSU Vet Emergency Center, La. My dog (Boston Terrier) just had surgery to remove an intestinal blockage as he ate some plastic flowers. they had to cut into his stomach and remove (resect) and part of his small intestines. He tried to eat after 24 hours, but is experiencing ‘regurg’ and has been found to have pancreatitus.
If you must, you can get water-less shampoo at the pet store – just make sure you don’t use it anywhere near the surgery area. You need to check your pet’s incision twice a day. This is super important because you never know if something abnormal is occurring unless you really check it out.
What kind of surgery did my Boston Terrier have?
My dog (Boston Terrier) just had surgery to remove an intestinal blockage as he ate some plastic flowers. they had to cut into his stomach and remove (resect) and part of his small intestines. He tried to eat after 24 hours, but is experiencing ‘regurg’ and has been found to have pancreatitus.
How long does it take for cat incisions to heal?
Most average cats and dogs take fourteen days for their incisions to heal. Side note: that’s about how long it takes for people to heal, too.