Are there any nonsurgical options to sterilize a female?

As some of you know, Addie had a reaction to the isoflurane anaesthetic used on tuesday and they had to abort the spay operation before they had even made the first incision. Thankfully, she has recovered. The vet feels that if we bulk her up, we could try again as she suspects Addie's intolerance was the result of her svelte condition. We're going to try to put some weight on her, but I'm not convinced that she doesn't have some other issue. Obviously, more bloodwork and exams would be done before we make any decisions, but I'm really hesitant to try again. I'm going to do some research into anaesthetic alternatives. But in the meantime, I'm wondering if anyone knows of a nonsurgical alternative to sterilize a female cat. I know there is at least one for MALE cats, but I haven't found any mention of female.

I don't want her to be in danger by putting her under again, but we want to end the cycles that come with an unspayed female, especially this time of year. She goes into heat and she, a very vocal cat under normal circumstances, is SO loud and annoying, at all hours of the day or night. Nobody can get a good sleep and we live in an apartment building, so there's the neighbours to consider. Is there anything we can do? I mean, short of mating her LMAO (that's a joke, btw, we would certainly NEVER do that!). I just want a safe alternative that we can all live with. She can't be happy being in heat with no possible release of....tension.... And it definitely drives us nuts. Any suggestions?
Please help!

There is a type of birth control available in Europe, I don't know if it's available in Canada. What I have read about it among breeders they don't like it because of possible side effects. If she can't safely be given anesthetic for a spay though it could be a viable option.

You might also ask for a referral to (or search out on your own) a veterinary facility with a veterinary anesthesiologist who specializes in difficult cases. It's possible there are alternative forms of anesthesia that the average vet wouldn't employ.

I recall that one TCS member in Greece I think (sorry I am terrible at remembering names) had an awful experience with a feline contraceptive injection - if I recall correctly, her cat got pregnant anyway and lost the kittens as they were deformed I think. I don't think it's that effective and I don't know that the full side-effects and long-term health implications have been fully researched.

I would try to consult a specialist in feline anaesthesia - there are various different options and there may be safer ones that are less risky for a cat who has previously reacted badly to one kind of anaesthetic.

Yep I agree, I would try to search all avenues before you attempt to have her put under again. I would panick after what you have been through if they tried to do it again.

Im sure it would be ok but try everything else first

Claire
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I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you. I'd be very interested to find out if you come up with another solution for Addie. I'm in a similar situation with Precious.

I don't know much about anaesthesia...but I was under the impression that the isoflurane was the 'safer' alternative that could/should be used when an animal is higher risk. I think that's what another member suggested I look into for Precious. That is scary that Addie had a reaction...now I'm not too encouraged about our situation.

I hope all that is needed is a little weight gain. Good luck with that...and weight gain vibes for Addie.

I want to second Emmylou's suggestion. When our Abby developed a problem that we thought might require surgery, we took her to a veterinary specialist, and I was stunned by the difference. There really is another, higher level of veterinary skill available. Where I live, we found that doctor through a "veterinary referral" office... but I don't know how you'd go about it in Canada.

I do think, though, that any procedure, with any vet, will be safer if Addie gains a little weight. Have you tried KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer)? Since it's liquid, it makes it easy for the kitty to take in lots of calories without consuming more bulk than she likes.

Good luck with her! She's such a lovely girl...

I don't think I'll go with the injectable contraceptive. It seems like it wouldn't be very definitive. I'd like something that renders her permanently sterile. Plus, I don't know if we could even get it here.

My vet is pretty high end, but I'll talk to her about a specialist. She, for one, is confident that she can work through this. She says that in all her years of practising, she's only ever had one cat that could not tolerate anaesthetic at all. I'm also going to talk to her about the possibility of using balanced anaesthesia, which is the combination of more than one type to reduce the necessary dosage, and therefore cardiovascular side effects, of the drugs. I'm going to ask about the possibility of trying a combination of nitrous oxide and halothane when I next speak with her.

As far as the KMR, CarolPetunia, she doesn't like it. She also doesn't like wet food. She likes her Royal Cannin kitten, but just doesn't have a huge appetite. We're going to try a few more wet food varieties as well as some raw meat and see how she takes to that.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

please be very careful, I am glad to hear that they were able to stop the spay procedure in time. My Buddy went in for skull x-rays and a rhinoscopy and it nearly cost him his life in January. We were at the best rated animal hospital around, but he reacted to the ketamine concoction of anasthetic and nearly didn't make it. I hope you find a way without having to put her through too much medical experimenting. best wishes!

loving Cilla always,

Gina

Originally Posted by ginamarina

please be very careful, I am glad to hear that they were able to stop the spay procedure in time. My Buddy went in for skull x-rays and a rhinoscopy and it nearly cost him his life in January. We were at the best rated animal hospital around, but he reacted to the ketamine concoction of anasthetic and nearly didn't make it. I hope you find a way without having to put her through too much medical experimenting. best wishes!

loving Cilla always,

Gina

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Sorry to hear Buddy had a hard time! Ketamine/diazapam does have a higher instance of side effect than isoflurane, which Addie reacted to, so our list is short already. We're definitely going to take our time making this decision and discuss it fully with the vet.

I have been following how things went before and I am hoping that you can fatten Addie up and find a safe way to get her fixed. Wether surgery or another method. I hope that you just keep looking till you find the right thing for her, sounds like you've got a good vet that is thinking about her!

I would expect that her problem was related only to isofluorane and she probably wouldn't experience problems with another anesthesia. Sevofluorane and even injectable anesthetic agents (ketamine, telazol, xylazine, valium, etc) would be alternatives.

A board-certified surgeon would definitely be a good way to go since they are generally very experienced with "high-risk" situations. That's the route I would personally explore. At least a consultation would be a good use of time and $.