Assisted Desexing Program

Adults: your cat should be fed dinner and then all food sources and treats to be removed by 9pm the evening before surgery. No food, or treats are to be given to your pet on the morning of surgery. Your cat must have access to fresh water at all times over night.

Kittens: under 16 weeks of age should be fed dinner the night before surgery AND fed a small breakfast (1 tablespoon of soft food) around 7:00am the morning of surgery. Ensure they have access to water at all times.

An empty stomach is critical for anaesthesia – please remember no treats, no crumbs, and no outdoor access.

All anaesthesia and surgical procedures involve some risk including unforeseen complications and loss of life. This risk is higher in older animals, animals with pre-existing medical conditions and animals with undetected disease.

We minimise these risks and likelihood of complications by using a carefully selected anaesthetic drug protocol, placing patients on intravenous fluids (a drip) throughout the procedure to maintain their blood pressure and each anaesthetic is monitored closely by a veterinary nurse.

If complications occur emergency care deemed necessary by the attending Veterinarian will be provided. In the rare event of cardiopulmonary arrest (heart stops beating), the staff will commence closed chest Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and contact you for further instructions.

Please ensure you tell us about any known medical conditions and medications your cat is taking. If your cat is currently taking medication, please give the normal dose at the usual time. Please do not give the medication with food at the morning dose. If the medication must be taken with food please contact your vet for special instructions regarding their medication before surgery. Be sure to inform the staff when you arrive on the day of your pet’s surgery.

Pre-anaesthetic blood tests can minimise risks by alerting the veterinarian to underlying conditions that might not be obvious but could still cause complications. As a low-cost desexing service, we are unable to offer pre-anaesthetic blood tests. You have the option of attending a local veterinary clinic for a pre-anaesthetic blood test prior to the day of desexing. If you choose to do this, please bring a copy of the results to your appointment.

If your cat also needs to be microchipped a source number needs to be provided to the Vet Clinic. You can obtain your cat’s source number from the seller/breeder/rescue centre from where you purchased your pet.

If this is not possible, you can also go to the Pet Exchange Register website and obtain your own.

There is also a microchip form that you will need to be filled out with your details and the cat’s details. We can assist with this if needed.

Cats must be in a secure, safe cat carrier when attending the clinic. All cats will be admitted to the Peninsula clinic on the morning of the procedure. When you arrive, you will be asked to read and sign an admission form. By signing, you are also giving us consent to give your cat an anaesthetic and perform a surgical procedure. A staff member will explain the day’s proceedings to you and answer any questions you may have.

Please arrive for your cat’s admission for surgery at 8:30am.

Prior to surgery your cat will be checked by the vet. During this examination, the vet will listen to your cats’ heart and perform a physical check. If any concerns for your cat’s health are noted, surgery will be postponed, and we will contact you immediately. Any minor health concerns identified will be discussed with the owner at discharge.

We will clip a small patch of hair on one of your cat’s front legs and place an intravenous catheter. We will use this catheter to administer the general anaesthetic. If needed, they will also receive intravenous fluids through this line. They will also receive a small injection of pain relief under their skin that will last 3 days.

Female cats will have a thin tube passed into their airway once anesthetised and this is how we will keep them asleep for their procedure, using an anaesthetic machine. They will also receive warm air therapy both during and after the operation to help maintain their body temperature.

A small, round tattoo will be placed in each cats left ear to show that they are desexed.

After their operation, your cat will be placed in a very warm, quiet recovery area before being placed back in their pen. Once fully awake, we will offer a small meal.

Once your cat is recovered and had a snack, you will be called and advised when your cat will be ready to go home. Please make sure you are contactable throughout the day. At discharge, a nurse will go through post operation instructions with you and answer any questions. A discharge information sheet will also be given to you to take home explaining detailed home care.

RSPCA Victoria Community Outreach team

Email: outreach@rspcavic.org.au