Spaying while in heat?

Shivi111

Our kitten (just nearly 5 months old) went into heat yesterday (not fun!) we had planned to have her op done at end of January as vet recommended 6 months old. I rang today to let them know she's in heat and they have said they'll do her operation on Monday. We definitely don't want her going into heat again, so distressing for everyone, but I'm seeing mixed messages about the safety of operating while she's in heat... Anyone have any insight?
Getting her done was never in question, and I do want her sorted out asap, but I wonder if she will be at increased risk, I wonder if we should we hold off for a week, or will she have cycled again by then? Anyone any experience of having the op done while in heat?

Nody

I'd hold off because being in heat there's more blood in the uterus (and by extension higher risk for a complications) and waiting until heat is over will reduce that risk; if you can be 100% vigilant on keeping her indoor I'd wait even if that do mean some noisy days ahead (our local vet straight out refuses to neuter while in heat as we had a cat handed over to us in heat when it came up).

Raised Eyebrow

I don't have much knowledge of cats but I do know with dogs they don't recommend neutering when in heat because of a higher risk of haemorrhage as Nody said. Leave her a few weeks and keep her inside. It is not worth taking a chance.

boomerang

I'm sorry as it's off topic but I am so tired of hearing vets advise neutering kittens at six months - for this reason! 15% of litters are born to kittens under six months old! They can come in heat at four months.

Shivi111

Thanks all for the input, I'd a long chat with vet and, as poor kitty was so uncomfortable and was causing issues with the other cats (they were very upset by her 'strange' behaviour & while normally friendly were acting very aggressively towards her and each other) we opted to go ahead with the op today, so she's gone and we can get an update at 2pm (I hate this part!)

Boomerang, I agree 100%, we asked our vet to take her for early spay a couple of months ago and they wouldn't, would be great to have had this done before we got to this point!

Shivi111

Just to update, everything went perfectly for Willow and she's home safe and sound. Has to wear the cone of shame for a week, which she hates, but small price to pay, this time next week she'll be good as new