Evaluation of Physiological Parameters, Pain Response and Postoperative Complications Following Ovariohysterectomy in Cats

Md. Niyamat Ullah, Md. Gofur, Shah Md. Abdur Rauf and Md. Jalal Uddin Sarder

Background and Objective: Ovariohysterectomy, commonly referred to as spaying, is a surgical procedure performed on a female cat to remove the uterus and ovaries. The approach is primarily carried out to prevent reproduction and provide various health and behavioral benefits. This study aimed to examine the physiological and surgical outcomes of two common ovariohysterectomy approaches, paramedian and flank, in cats. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 female intact cats were chosen using purposive random sampling techniques, with a systematic process for this study during January, 2023 to December, 2024. Chi-square test, t-test and ANOVA tests were used to determine the significance level of 0.05. Results: Physiological parameters such as pulse rate, respiration rate and body temperature showed notable differences between the two methods. Paramedian ovariohysterectomy was linked to a greater risk of hypothermia during surgery, while flank ovariohysterectomy demonstrated more stable physiological responses. Recovery times, incision lengths and surgical durations also differ significantly, with flank ovariohysterectomy associated with shorter operation times, smaller incisions and faster recovery than the midline approach. Post-surgical pain assessments revealed similar patterns for both techniques, with pain peaking at 12 hrs and significantly decreasing by 24 hrs. Analysis of post-surgical lesions showed no significant differences in discharge, edema, erythema, or licking between the two methods, although dehiscence was significantly more common with midline ovariohysterectomy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Flank ovariohysterectomy has more advantages in terms of faster recovery, less invasiveness and more consistent physiological stability. The results will contribute to refining surgical practices and improving postoperative care in veterinary medicine.

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