can a fixed cat go into heat

Bởi

Do fixed cats go into heat? Once a female cat is spayed, she will no longer produce estrogen or have ovaries, which means she will no longer go into heat. While there may be some rare cases where remnants of ovarian tissue remain, causing some heat-like symptoms, this is not typical for a spayed cat.

Stump Pyometra

Following spaying, a tiny remnant of uterine tissue is left inside the abdomen where the tract is severed. Until female hormones are present, the stump will remain a small, dormant mass of tissue. On the other hand, this tissue will be active if hormones are flowing because of an ovarian remnant or another source of estrogen. Pyometra is the term for an infection of the uterine tissue that can develop over time. If a stump pyometra is suspected, exploratory surgery may be required to remove it and locate the ovarian remnant that supplied the hormones. Vaginal discharge may be observed when a stump pyometra develops, and the cat may also exhibit other symptoms of illness such as fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Your veterinarian will assist in choosing the best course of action for your cat’s care.

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Cats

A female cat’s uterus and ovaries are surgically removed during an ovariohysterectomy. Following such a removal, the female experiences no more symptoms of heat associated with estrus. Nevertheless, some female cats who have undergone such surgery still display the behavioral and/or physical indicators of estrus, and it is discovered that some ovarian tissue was left behind after the surgery and was not removed. Estrus behavior will persist if such tissue is still functional and continues to release hormones. Such symptoms are typically seen within few days after surgery.

  • Excessive vocalization
  • Signs of heat (e. g. , elevation of pelvis to facilitate intercourse [lordosis]).
  • Restlessness
  • Head rubbing
  • Rolling around
  • Deviation of tail
  • Swelling of the vulva
  • May allow sexual intercourse to take place
  • Failure to remove both ovaries completely during surgery
  • Presence of abnormal ovarian tissue
  • Supernumerary ovary (excessive number of ovaries – rare)

A complete medical history of your cat’s health, the beginning of its symptoms, and when and if it underwent an ovariohysterectomy are all necessary to provide. Typically, the history will include behavioral changes and estrous signs that have occurred even following a successful surgical procedure to remove the uterus and ovaries. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination following the completion of the patient’s history. The routine laboratory tests consist of a CBC, a biochemistry profile, and a urinalysis. It is typical for the outcomes of these tests to fall within acceptable bounds.

More precise hormone testing on your cat might reveal higher-than-expected levels of progesterone and estrogen in a post-surgery cat. Your cat’s estrus status can also be ascertained by performing a cytological analysis on samples obtained from the vagina. Moreover, ultrasound can be used to detect the presence of any ovarian tissue remnants. But occasionally, abdominal surgery might be necessary to confirm the existence of ovarian tissue. If that turns out to be the case, that’s when these leftover tissues can be removed.

Your veterinarian will discuss with you the possibility of a second surgical procedure to remove any remaining functional ovarian tissue once a confirmatory diagnosis has been made.

Following the removal of ovarian tissue remnants, the prognosis is excellent. All abnormal symptoms should resolve soon after surgery.

For a few days following surgery, patients having an ovariohysterectomy or a follow-up procedure to remove leftover tissue will require pain medication. For certain patients, preventive antibiotics are also used to stop infections. Administer drugs as directed and adhere to dietary and medication guidelines. Consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any additional medications or supplements.

Not sure whether to see a vet?

Our vet-created Symptom Checker asks you a few questions about your pet’s symptoms and provides you with the most likely causes and recommended course of action.

FAQ

Why is my cat still acting like shes in heat after being spayed?

If a spayed cat shows signs of heat, it is possible that there is ovarian tissue still in the body and producing estrogen. This can happen for a few different reasons. In rare cases, a small piece of ovarian tissue could be left behind during surgery, allowing continued secretion of estrogen and signs of heat.

Can a neutered cat still go into heat?

Neutered male cats cannot experience heat, as the removal of their testicles eliminates the production of the hormone testosterone that drives their mating behaviors. However, there are a few reasons why a neutered male cat might exhibit behaviors that are similar to a female cat in heat.

Can a cat spay fail?

This isn’t as uncommon as one might think. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. However, sometimes a vet can fail to remove all of these parts (they might incorrectly assume the animal was born with one ovary, etc.)

Do spayed female cats still have the urge to mate?

When a female cat is spayed, the ovaries are removed along with the uterus. So she is no longer producing the hormones that cause her to go into heat. Without these hormones she will not be interested in mating. This applies even if she has mated before.