Castration / sterilization of a dog and a cat: how much does it cost, when to perform [the drug wet Piotr Smentek

Castration / sterilization of the dog and cat

Having a dog or a cat at home, in addition to the numerous advantages resulting from contact with it, may also be associated with certain inconveniences that, of course, we would like to avoid. They can result from sexual behavior and are an innate behavior of the animal for the survival of the species.

We look at several-week-old puppies or kittens playing with their mother with pleasure and delight, but we do not necessarily put ourselves in the role of a guardian of such offspring.

We are also not always able to provide them with a suitable home.

In the following article I will try to explain the issue of castration and sterilization in a simple, clear and understandable way, describing all the pros and cons, benefits and side effects.

You will also learn how to prepare your pet for the procedure and how to care for it after sterilization.

• Dog / cat sterilization
• What is sterilization and castration?
• Advantages of sterilization and castration
  • The burden on the mother's organism
  • The problem of homelessness of companion animals
  • Diseases of the reproductive system
  • Elimination of perinatal hazards
  • Sterilization of bitches and kittens
  • What does the dog castration give?
• Disadvantages of castration and sterilization
• Preparation for sterilization and castration
  • How long does castration take and how much sterilization?
• When to perform castration?
• Castration and sterilization - the price of the procedure
• Care and recovery after castration / sterilization
• What to remember after castration and sterilization?
• Diet after castration and sterilization
  • Food for animals after sterilization
• Castration of a dog and a cat - is it worth it??

Dog / cat sterilization

It seems understandable that the owners of dogs and cats are increasingly interested in treatments aimed at depriving their pets of reproductive capacity.

There is also an increasing public awareness of the benefits obtained as a result of these interventions.

Unfortunately, despite the enormous progress in knowledge, there are still people who view castration and sterilization as harm done to animals or a form of mutilation.

At the same time, these people do not see anything wrong with putting the litters to sleep, drowning, burying or even throwing puppies or kittens to the garbage.

What is sterilization and castration?

Dog castration

Castration is a procedure of infertility, that is, making an individual sterile. The term sterilization, in turn, means making a given individual sterile, that is, depriving him of his reproductive capacity.

Castration is the surgical removal of the gonads that produce germ cells - respectively:

female (ova) for bitches and sperm for males.

In colloquial language, the term sterilization is used in relation to bitches, where she means surgical removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, and castration has stuck to males more and means excision of the testicles.

Both terms are often used interchangeably in everyday practice, which is not a big mistake.

Sterilization and castration of companion animals are currently one of the most common and common surgical procedures that are routinely performed in any veterinary practice.

These treatments, which we must remember, are permanent and irreversible, and the effects that arise from them are sometimes long-term, which will be manifested for the rest of the life of the animals subjected to these treatments.

These are procedures that are very safe for the patient.

Advantages of sterilization and castration

Undoubtedly, perhaps the most important benefit of these treatments is permanent contraception, that is, the inability of animals to have offspring.

The burden on the mother's organism

It must be admitted that each pregnancy and subsequent birth is a burden for the bitch's organism.

It results from the development of the fetus, and then from the birth or rearing of puppies or kittens, especially when there are many of these pregnancies during the female's life.

The problem of homelessness of companion animals

Homeless animals go to shelters

By sterilizing the female, we deprive her of reproductive abilities, thus eliminating the birth of additional puppies or kittens.

In this way, we fight the problem of homelessness among companion animals.

Overcrowded shelters are places where the chances of survival of whole litters, despite the huge efforts of the people working there, are really slim.

Therefore, allowing the uncontrolled reproduction of non-purebred dogs and cats seems irresponsible on the part of caregivers and certainly does not help solve the problem of homelessness or overcrowding in shelters.

Diseases of the reproductive system

It also seems obvious that by sterilizing a female or a female cat we eliminate the risk of getting sick diseases of the reproductive system.

Removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus guarantees that the operated animal will not become ill with diseases of these organs in the future.

So there will be no:

• ovarian tumors and cysts,
• EPC syndrome or endometritis pyometra complex, also known as pyomyositis,
• tumors and diseases of the testes or the prostate gland in males.

Early sterilization (before the first estrus, and not later than the fourth one) also protects against the occurrence of some nipple tumors - it is therefore of preventive importance.

You must remember that all the above-mentioned diseases are really dangerous and occur quite often.

It is especially dangerous pyomyxia, which in a closed form for a long time may not cause specific disease symptoms.

Late recognized pyomyxia is associated with serious systemic complications and is sometimes life-threatening.

Elimination of perinatal hazards

Another advantage of sterilization is the elimination of all perinatal and postpartum problems and disorders.

The most common disorders include:

• hard childbirth,
• inflammation of the uterus,
• inflammation of the mammary gland,
• hormone-dependent diseases, i.e vaginal prolapse, fibroadenomatosis in a kitten or imaginary pregnancy, which may be pathological in severity.

Sterilization of bitches and kittens

As a result of sterilization, any gender-related behavior is also reduced or eliminated.

Bitch treated:

• it becomes calmer,
• she is not distracted, anxious or nervous,
• it is easier to control on walks where it is not exposed to herds of intrusive dogs,
• leaves no bloody stains at home during heat.

On the other hand, after sterilization, cats:

• become much less burdensome for their owners,
• they are quieter because the sterilization procedure eliminates loud vocalizations,
• the cat's sterilization reduces excessive rubbing against human legs.

What does the dog castration give?

Aggressive behavior in a dog

Dogs succumb to natural sexual instincts aimed at covering the female they become more aggressive in relation to people and other animals, they run away more often owners, they get into fights, which often turn out to be badly injured.

Male castration also eliminates marking the area with urine, jumping from other animals or people.

It can be unequivocally stated that sterilization or castration procedures have really many advantages and what has been undoubtedly proven - definitely extend the life of animals, which have been subjected to them.

So, do these treatments have the same advantages and do not entail any adverse effects??

Disadvantages of castration and sterilization

Like any surgical procedure, also castration and sterilization, although they are simple procedures for a skilled surgeon, are associated with certain risks and complications.

They result, for example, from anesthesia or the procedure itself, that is:

• separation of the edges of the wound,
• wound healing complications,
• bleeding,
• infections.

One of the major problems with sterilization, especially in heavier bitches, is post-sterilization urinary incontinence.

It is supposed to result from increased secretion gonadotrophins as a result estrogen deficiency and urethral sphincter incompetence.

It is also impossible to forget about the increased risk of obesity.

It results from a reduction in the level of metabolism and excessive weight gain, reduced physical activity or increased appetite.

Castrated males are more likely to develop diabetes (up to 9 times), which is a consequence of an increase in body weight in these individuals.

Animals subjected to sterilization procedures are also more likely to suffer from certain diseases, such as:

• Hypothyroidism,
• dermatoses due to hypoandrogenism,
• orthopedic disorders, such as rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament,
• cancers - the risk of prostate cancer in castrated dogs increases (fortunately, it is not very common in dogs).

Early performance of these procedures in still growing animals may cause developmental disorders, such as prolonged growth of long bones or developmental abnormalities in the vulva.

Remember that sterilization or castration are treatments that interfere with the body's hormonal balance by eliminating estrogens and testosterone, so they cannot be completely indifferent for obvious reasons.

Preparation for sterilization and castration

Preparing the bitch for the sterilization procedure

Castration and sterilization procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

Therefore, they require the animal to be prepared for carrying them out so that they are safe for the patient.

First of all, you should first check whether the animal is suitable for anesthesia, so that later, without unnecessary stress and unnecessary exposing the patient, the procedure itself should be performed.

So we need to get all the information about the health of the animal in great detail and do even the most basic blood test (morphology and biochemistry).

It is also recommended to examine the patient cardiologically.

Not every heart disease excludes anesthesia, and sometimes it is necessary to choose a different model of anesthesia.

You should also not forget about the clinical examination of the patient before the surgery itself in the office on the day of its performance.

For the safety of your dog or cat, you should not be given food or drink through 12 hours preceding the date of the procedure.

Following these rules and excluding any contraindications will allow you to choose safe anesthesia and optimal antibiotic after the operation itself.

We should remember that the sterilization procedure, although carried out routinely, carries a certain risk, like any surgical procedure, and takes place on an open abdominal cavity.

Therefore, it requires the surgeon not only manual skills, but also an individual approach to each patient.

How long does castration take and how much sterilization?

Sterilization of the bitch - procedure under general anesthesia

Assuming that there are no complications, the castration procedure, including anesthesia and preparation of the patient, takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

The sterilization procedure may take approx 60-90 minutes.

When to perform castration?

In most veterinary surgeries, sterilization procedures are performed after reaching sexual maturity, which is indicated by the oestrus in bitches or cats.

Remember that only the procedure performed before the first estrus reduces the risk of breast tumors as much as 95% in bitches. After the first heat, the risk fluctuates around the limits 8%, and after the other 26%.

This does not mean that the procedure cannot be performed on sexually immature animals, although it is technically more difficult due to the size of the organs removed. Anyway, the sterilization of u 3-6 months bitches if kitten, non-breeding animals are standard overseas.

Male and male males are usually castrated between 7-12 months of age.

While the castration of males, due to the marking of the area with unpleasant-smelling urine, is much more common, hardly anyone decides to castrate a dog at a young age.

Definitely more often castration is carried out in conjunction with prostate diseases, which usually applies to older or prime-aged dogs or dogs showing unfavorable sexual behavior (vagrancy, aggression).

Importantly, while in the case of males, the procedure can be performed at any time, in bitches and kittens, it is best to do it during the so-called sexual peace, i.e. the anestrus phase of the cycle.

We should not perform these procedures during the heat of heat due to much more frequent complications, vessel fragility and bleeding tendency, or the female's reduced immunity.

Castration and sterilization - the price of the procedure

Prices for sterilization and castration procedures are very different and depend on the size of the patient, the amount of materials used, or possible complications during the surgery itself.

As a rule, they are about several hundred zlotys.

It is always recommended to ask the tongue and carefully ask about the price of the procedure in several nearby offices, due to the differences.

For example, we provide the prices of treatments in one of our friendly clinics in Warsaw:

• Cat castration: from PLN 120-190 depending on drugs (eg. what anesthesia).
• Dog castration: PLN 320-420 depending on weight.
• Cat sterilization: 250-300 PLN.
• Bitch sterilization: PLN 300-600 depending on weight.

Care and recovery after castration / sterilization

Cat sterilization - care after surgery

Alone sterilization or castration treatment it is technically simple and does not last long.

Nevertheless, the patient should wake up from anesthesia so that he can safely leave the office.

It takes approx several hours depending on the depth of anesthesia and its metabolism by the body.

During this time, it is good to provide the dog or cat with a quiet place, a cage where, away from noise, it will be able to regain full awareness and provide it with warmth, which is lost during the procedure.

We can provide food and fresh water in a small amount at the earliest 6 hours after waking up.

It's fine during the recovery period limit physical activity, to protect the sutures applied to the wound, as well as all types of collars or postoperative clothes that prevent the wound from being licked.

It is imperative to report to the patient at designated visits to the office in order to assess the wound healing process and administer any necessary medications (antibiotics, painkillers or other medications supporting the convalescence process).

After a period of approx 10 days after the procedure, the skin sutures are removed, if necessary, after which the treatment is considered complete.

What to remember after castration and sterilization?

As a result of a decrease in the rate of metabolism resulting from changes in hormonal secretion, unfortunately, animals subjected to sterilization and castration are at risk of being overweight and obese.

Remember, however, that it is you, the owner, who is responsible for what and how much food your pet eats (how much you put in the bowl and what) and it depends on you whether to maintain a correct body shape or excessively weight.

Diet after castration and sterilization

Diet after castration

In practice, only those individuals whose owners themselves lead a less active lifestyle, and at the same time consume an excessive amount of calories (immobility and excessive eating must end in obesity) gain weight.

Animals after castration we give food with a reduced amount of calories (approx thirty%).

In practice, these are low-calorie foods, avoiding any fatty meats, feeding between meals, high-carbohydrate foods or all types of delicacies.

Remember that the number of meals and their quality should be correlated with the age of the animal, its weight, breed, size, season and activity.

Food for animals after sterilization

In practice, although it is possible to eat a home-made diet, it is much more recommended to use ready-made commercial food for sterilized animals, of which there is a fairly large selection on the market.

These foods, both in dry and wet form, are composed in such a way that they provide all the necessary nutrients, i.e. they are balanced, while providing a reduced amount of calories.

By conditioning the feeling of satiety, they also eliminate the animal's tendency to snack or beg.

These karmas are low fat and low carbohydrate, and at the same time they contain ingredients that accelerate the burning of fats, such as. L-carnitine, which additionally accelerates the conversion of fat into energy.

The right amount of exercise is also extremely important, i.e. physical activity of our dog and cat, without which it is difficult to maintain proper condition and correct body weight.

Do not believe the myths that a neutered or sterilized animal must be fat, because it is absolutely not true.

However, let's be responsible and aware, because the condition and silhouette of the animal depend on us as the owners.

Castration of a dog and a cat - is it worth it??

To sum up - it must be undoubtedly stated that treatments sterilization and castration companion animals are a basic and permanent form of contraception that brings great benefits not only to their patients, but also to their owners.

Side effects of castration and sterilization, although they undoubtedly occur, they seem to be of less importance, the more that we can effectively treat or prevent some of them through proper nutrition.

We should also remember that it is the owners who are responsible for maintaining and ensuring the appropriate quality of life for their pets and preventing homelessness, which are perfectly suited to sterilization and castration treatments.

Perhaps in the future, other, more perfect methods of opposing this sphere of animal life, devoid of side effects, will be developed.

For now, let's use what has been proven so that our animals live better, and we can enjoy their company for longer.

I hope that after reading this article, you already know when it is worthwhile to move castration/sterilization, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments.

I hope this knowledge will allow you to make an informed decision.

If you have doubts about sterilization, or you want to learn more about complications after the procedure, add a comment under the article now - I will answer as soon as possible.

Sources used >>