As a cat owner, you naturally want the best for your pet. Sometimes your cat may experience health problems that require surgery, such as removal of the uterus. This may be necessary due to various causes, such as infections or tumors.
In this blog, I explain how such problems occur, what symptoms your cat may show, what happens during the surgery and what the approximate cost will be. This information will help you be better prepared and choose the right care for your cat. It is important to be well informed. So that you and your veterinarian can make the best decisions for your cat’s health.
How does a uterine infection develop?
Uterine inflammation in cats, also known as pyometra, is a serious health problem common in unsterilized female cats. This condition occurs when the cat’s uterus fills with pus, a thick, infectious fluid. But how does this actually occur?
After each heat in which the cat does not conceive, a hormone that prepares the uterus for possible pregnancy remains active. This hormone can sometimes cause too much mucus to be produced in the uterus. When this happens, the uterus can become an ideal place for bacteria to grow, especially if there is an opening for these bacteria to enter.
The symptoms of a uterus infection can include not wanting to eat, lethargy, a swollen belly, and sometimes you may see pus or a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina. It is important to take your cat to the veterinarian quickly if you notice these signs, as pyometra can be life-threatening if left untreated.
The symptoms of a uterine infection
An uterine infection in a cat, also known as pyometra, is a serious condition that you can quickly recognize by a few distinct symptoms. Watch for the following signs in your cat:
- Listlessness: Your cat is less active than usual and seems tired or exhausted.
- Little to no appetite: You may notice that your cat does not eat much or is not interested in her food at all.
- Bloated belly: Your cat’s belly may appear distended, which may be a sign that the uterus is filled with pus.
- Vaginal discharge: There may be a dirty, pus-like or bloody discharge coming from the vagina. Sometimes this discharge has a very unpleasant odor.
- Fever: Although harder to notice, your cat may have an elevated body temperature.
If you see any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. A uterus infection is an emergency that must be treated quickly to avoid serious health problems or even death.
What happens during surgery?
When a cat has a uterus infection and needs surgery, we call it a uterus removal or a “spay.” Here is how such an operation usually goes:
- Preparation: First, the cat is given anesthesia so she sleeps and feels no pain during the surgery.
- The surgery: The veterinarian makes a small incision in the cat’s abdomen. Through this incision, the veterinarian can see and reach the uterus and sometimes the ovaries.
- Removal: The veterinarian removes the uterus and any ovaries that may also be infected or causing problems. This helps prevent the infection from coming back.
- Suturing: After removing the uterus, the veterinarian carefully stitches up the incision.
- Recovery: After surgery, the cat stays with the veterinarian for a while to recover from the anesthesia. She is given painkillers and must take it easy until she is fully recovered.
This surgery will help your cat regain health and prevent further serious health problems.
The cost of a uterus removal?
The cost of removing the uterus in a cat, which we call a spay, can vary depending on where you live and which vet you go to. In general, you can expect the price to be somewhere between 200 and 600 euros. This price can vary due to a few factors:
- Type of clinic: Surgery at a regular veterinarian is usually cheaper than at a specialist or animal hospital.
- Complexity: If the uterine infection is very severe, the surgery may be more complicated and take more time. This can increase the cost.
- Location: In some cities or areas, costs may be higher because of general living costs.
- Aftercare: Sometimes there are additional costs for medication, aftercare or checkup visits after surgery.
It is a good idea to ask for price quotes from several veterinarians in advance so that you have an idea of what the surgery will cost. Also, remember that this is an important surgery that can improve your cat’s health and well-being. Curious about the cost of a uterus removal in a dog? Then read the blog cost of a uterine infection in a dog.
Get pet insurance
Do you have a pet, such as a cat or dog? Then it’s smart to think about pet insurance. At Pet Insurance Compare we offer a wide range of pet insurance policies. So you can always find an insurance policy that suits your pet and your budget.
Pet insurance helps you with vet bills if your pet gets sick or has an accident. This could be a simple treatment, or it could be major surgery such as a uterus removal. Without insurance, these costs can be high, and with insurance you are covered for this.
With us you can compare different insurance policies. So you can quickly see which insurance offers the best coverage for the best price. Think about your pet and your wallet, and choose pet insurance. Take a look at our cat insurance page and find the insurance that suits you and your pet.
