fbpx skip to Main Content

Cat Castration


 

One of many challenges faced by the veterinary profession in the current health crisis is the interruption to student learning.   Universities in many areas across the world have had to eliminate face-to-face teaching, a decision that affects veterinary students more than most, because of the high level of practical, hands-on training involved in DVM programs.   Social distancing measures affect final year students undertaking clinical placements as well, now that veterinary clinics are forced to minimise contacts, and operate on an emergency basis only, with skeleton staff.

Cat castration is one of the surgeries vet students are keen to learn first. And luckily that is something we can help with, having recently filmed the fabulous Dr Abbie Tipler from Veterinary Specialist Services, demonstrating this procedure.   Abbie uses an open, instrument-less technique, and has a neat trick for draping the surgical area, which makes the procedure as straightforward and economical as possible. If you are a vet student and you familiarise yourself with the steps involved and tips provided by Abbie, I believe you will feel more confident and ready for action as soon as the practical classes and clinical placements start up again.

Vet school is tough enough as it is and all of us who have been there feel for you all. We will do our best to keep the videos coming so you can learn from some of the best clinicians in the country while you are in lock down.

About the Presenter

Dr Abbie Tipler BVSc MANZCVS (Surgery) is a resident small animal surgeon at Veterinary Specialist Services in Brisbane. After graduating from Massey University in 2005, Abbie worked for several years in a combined GP/orthopaedic referral practice in the UK, before returning to Australia and continuing to pursue her passion for surgery by attaining her ANZCVS memberships in Small Animal Surgery and subsequently undertaking her residency. Abbie has previously been elected as head examiner for Memberships in Small Animal Surgery for the ANZCVS and is an educator for VetPrac. Abbie is also a friend and previous work mate of mine, and is one of those vets you love to be rostered on with, because of her friendly, upbeat demeanour, work ethic, and typical surgeon’s enthusiasm for tackling challenging cases.

Need to know more?

Detailed surgical guides to cat castration can of course be found in the veterinary texts, including the recently updated Small Animal Surgery Expert Consult by TW Fossum (2018) and in Veterinary Surgery Small Animal 2e by Tobias and Johnston (2017).

Dr Abbie Tipler founded the hugely popular Facebook group Small Animal Surgery Discussion Page, which has become a real touchstone for vets seeking advice on surgical cases from peers. It’s also a great group for vet students and recent graduates to stalk if you want to learn more about surgery from some really experienced clinicians.

Veterinary Specialist Services operates first class facilities in Underwood, Carrara, Jindalee and Toowoomba, Queensland. VSS welcomes referrals from general practitioners for emergency or complicated cases requiring specialist input or management.

Back To Top