The effects of different orchiectomy techniques on postoperative pain in cats

Orchiectomy is one of the surgical procedures used to prevent uncontrolled reproduction and unwanted behaviours in cats. This study aimed to define the appropriate technique of ligation, square knot and 8-shaped knot techniques, which are commonly used orchiectomy techniques, in terms of postoperative pain, postoperative short-term complications and patient welfare. Thirty-six healthy cats of different ages and breeds were brought to the Surgery Clinic of the Animal Hospital. These cats were randomly allocated into three groups. The ligation technique was applied to the first group (GI, n=12), the square knot technique to the second group (GII, n=12), and the 8-shaped knot technique to the third group (GIII, n=12). Venous blood was collected from the cats in the study to determine blood cortisol levels, and a blinded investigator evaluated the groups according to the Glasgow Feline Composite Pain Scale (CMPS-Feline). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in blood cortisol levels. A statistically significant difference between the groups according to CMPS-Feline was found in Group I. As a result, Group II and III techniques were found to be recommendable due to the low postoperative pain. However, when using these techniques, the age of the patient undergoing orchiectomy, the spermatic cord’s resistance, and the operator’s experience should be considered.