It can be painful to watch your cat go through a surgery.
There are many reasons why a cat might need to have stomach surgery. Some of these reasons include spaying, consumption of foreign objects, diagnostics, cancer or other reasons. There are different types of surgeries that are performed on the stomach such as spaying and abdomen exploratory as well as emergency surgeries. There are steps you will need to take to care for your cat before and after stomach surgery.
Function
There are several reasons why a veterinarian might suggest stomach surgery as an option. The most common reason is spaying. A more dangerous reason for stomach surgery is the consumption of a foreign object. Cats love playing with anything string-like. Playing also involves chewing that sometimes involves eating. This can be dangerous to the cat as string can either form blockage or tie around organs and cut them or prevent function. Cancer is another possible reason for stomach surgery. If your cat is vomiting, experiencing digestive problems or swollen or bloated in the abdominal region, then your veterinarian might suggest exploratory surgery to figure it out.
Types
There are three times of feline abdominal surgery: optional, mandatory and emergency. Optional abdominal surgery includes spaying, medically known as ovariohysterectomy. The purpose of this surgery is to remove the ovaries and the uterus from a female cat so that she can no longer reproduce. This will also prohibit her from being in heat and trying to mate. Spaying a cat that you do not intend to breed can also benefit your cat's life, eliminating risks for complications with the reproductive system. Mandatory abdominal surgeries include abdominal exploratory surgery that is done to diagnose and fix an unknown problem with a cat's abdominal regions. Emergency surgeries include the removal of an obstruction caused by consumption of a foreign object such as strings, hairpins, rubber bands and other household items.
Process
Once the cat is under anesthesia, the stomach region will be shaved so that it is easier to work there without entanglement, infections and sight obstruction. The next steps will very depending on what type of surgery it is. For obstruction removal and abdominal exploratory surgeries, an incision will be made on the abdomen and then the stomach. For obstruction removal, the object will be removed and the incision will be stitched. For exploratory abdominal surgery every organ will be examined and the next step will be determined by what is found.
Before Stomach Surgery
A cat should not eat under any circumstances for at least 12 hours before stomach surgery. Cats should drink normally. Owners of the cat should talk to their veterinarian about all the risks, what to expect, what the procedure is, how long it will take and if there is any other information or preparation needed.
Post Stomach Surgery
Cats will need plenty of rest after stomach surgery. Owners should make sure their cat is resting for a couple of weeks and does not overexcite itself with playtime. Depending on the surgery and the reason for the surgery, cats that have had stomach surgery might need to follow a special diet for a couple of weeks. Veterinarians will most likely prescribe pain medication. Owners should talk to their veterinarian about any signs they should watch out for, such as not eating, not drinking or vomiting.
