My cat just died after a spay. I'm really upset. What can I do?

Question

I am so upset. After trying to wait until she was out of heat we decided to go ahead and do the spay. We paid the extra money for pre-op bloodwork and everything came out perfect. She went through the surgery fine, woke up afterwards and was walking around, and then when the vet went in to check on her a little later, she wasn't breathing and they weren't able to bring her back.
I don't know what to do. I feel so terrible. I had such a bad feeling about the spay, I didn't want to do it while she was in heat but it was either do it now or wait until after the 18th of January, due to the holidays and travel.
Our vet was very sympathetic. She wrote off all costs and even offered to out of pocket to have her cremated if we wanted. I know she feels horrible that this happened, and she's a wonderful vet, so I know this didn't happen because of negligence.
I'm just trying to make sense of it. I wish I knew what happened, but I'll never know. Why could it have happened? What can I do?

The vet suspects a congenital defect. She said she probably would've had problems whether we had the surgery now or later. Everyone was shocked. The vet said most problems arise during or right after surgery and it's extremely rare for them to wake up, walk around and then just pass away without warning.

Sexy Trini, don't even doubt that you should get your cat spayed. This really doesn't happen often. I've had cats my entire life, every one has been spayed and every one was ok afterwards. This was just a freak thing.

Answer 1

The death of a loved cat is always very heart breaking.Think about getting another cat, maybe go to your local aspca or animal shelter and adopt another cat that you can love.

Answer 2

I foster for a local shelter, and have watched many kittens get neutered.

I lost one on the table.. he just simply died in the middle of surgery. While there was no obvious murmurs or heart defects, the diagnosis was a congenital defect... was very hard to take. I kept in touch with a woman who adopted two of the siblings, and several months later one of them appeard to have a heart attack and simply died.

it is possible to do everything right and still lose cats. It is very hard to take.

I can't rule out negligence - but a vet that open and honest and willing to credit you for this sounds like they aren't covering anything up. Often if there is a cover up they become hostile and secretive and still expect you to pay for their expenses.

What can you do? not much you can do now. Not much you could have done previous either. Even if you hadn't put her through the surgery there is a good chance her heart would have given out anyway..

If you need time, give yourself some time, then consider adopting from your local shelter - especially if they test/vaccinate/neuter before adoption.. that way you know you are getting the best clean bill of health you can get.

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure that your cat was your beloved pet. It also seems that the vet's did all they could to save her.

No one will ever know exactly what happened that caused her to die, unless a necropsy (animal autopsy) is performed.

If you want your cat's ashes, then I recommend that you take the vet up on their offer to have her cremated. Also, whenever any animal 'goes under', there is that small chance that they won't make it, which is why you have to sign off. I know that she woke up afterwards, but there may have been something in the gas or maybe internal bleeding due to the surgery. We just don't know.

Try and remember the good times that you had with her. This will help you with your grieving.

Answer 4

I'm really sorry to hear of your loss, anyone who has ever loved or had a pet & lost them will know this feeling.

Like your vet has said, sometimes these things happen & we all wish we could do more to prevent it.. Please don't second guess yourself with, if only I'd done this or if only I'd done that, as you'll never find the answers..
I know that horrible feeling about not wanting to do something, as several months ago I sent my cat in for some dental work, I couldn't relax until I had her home safe with me. The vets always do blood work prior to any op & they check the vitals every 5minutes but for yours to wake up & walk around & pass away was unusual..
I wish I could say something to take away your loss but if I can suggest one thing & that is to just remember her as the best friend you had.. Give yourself time to grieve & ignore those who try to tell you to get another to replace her, you can't just replace our friends like that.. Give yourself time & eventually another will choose you..
Your vet sounds like a reasonable person as most would've still wanted payment..

I wish I had something better to add, but for now I'll just send you my prayers..

Feel better soon..

Answer 5

There are risks with any surgery-for animals as well as humans. Her death is unlikely related to the fact that she was in heat. One of the most common reasons for death during/after surgery are complications related to anesthesia. Serious risks of general anesthesia include changes in blood pressure or heart rate or rhythm, heart attack, or stroke. Insertion of airways also may cause an increase in blood pressure (hypertension) and heart rate (tachycardia). There could have been any combination of effects. And she may have had a previously undiagnosed medical condition that you are unaware of.
I am a pet owner and animal lover and know how difficult it is to lose one. I would suggest you try not to focus on the hows/whys and concentrate on grieving and saying good-bye. I'm sorry for your loss.

Answer 6

I'm sorry for your loss. Sometimes bad things happen to good people (and pets).

I know it may be difficult, but I think you should go to a shelter and get another cat. She'll already be spayed and you'll be rescuing a cat that may otherwise not have a chance at life.

Answer 7

I'm very sorry to hear about your cat!
My cat died 2 months ago after having his teeth cleaned by the vet.we were just outside the vet taking him home and he died in his basket,i was so gutted i wanted to get sick because i thought he was out of the woods.
I also had a bad feeling about taking him to the vet but he had to go!
I still feel bad now but you will feel better one day and as time goes on you will be able to make sense of it.at the moment your so upset that it's hard to get your head around what has happened.
just take comfort in that you gave your cat a great life and loved her very much!
Hope you start to feel better soon!

Answer 8

I am sorry for your loss.
Just don't run right out and get a new cat until you have healed though, it's not fair to a new kitty when you are still thinking about the old one so much.
I waited about three months to get a new kitten. I can't say I don't still miss the one before her, and it's been almost 5 years.

Answer 9

I am so sorry for your loss. I have two cats at home and I had an appointment to have one of them spay this morning( had to cancel it). After reading your story I don't know if I can go and take them anymore. I am in the exact position you are in and I guess I will wait until after the holidays. But I am really hesitating right now. I don't want to lose my babies.

Answer 10

As for a death of any member of your family, counseling is always a good idea. It may sound silly for an animal, but animals have a big impact on our happiness and so many are dear members of the family.

Talking to someone to reason it all out and lay out the guilt you feel will do you a world of good.