A ‘Paw’sitive Choice: Benefits of Spaying and Neutering your Pet

Sterilization is the broader term used to denote the process of rendering an animal incapable of reproduction. It’s useful in stray animals as a population control measure and among pet parents as a way of controlling certain behaviours associated with hormonal changes while attaining sexual maturity.

Snipping for Love

In male pets this can be achieved by an orchiectomy or a vasectomy the latter being less preferred. Orchiectomy is a simple, general procedure that involves the removal of the testes of the male. Removal of both testes renders the male animal benign or easier to manage, prevents the seeking behavior of females in heat, and also controls aggression. An added benefit is the prevention of the development of prostatic cancers. The surgery is usually performed in dogs by open method via a pre-scrotal approach under general anesthesia. Once the testes are squeezed out the blood vessels are ligated to prevent haemorrhage.

In female pets, sterilization is done by an ovarioectomy commonly called spaying in which the ovaries are removed. Another form of birth control in females is a procedure called ovariohysterectomy which involves the additional removal of the uterus along with the ovaries. A veterinarian may choose either of the two procedures depending condition of the female or as a treatment or control of a disease process. Both these procedures vastly reduce the chance of mammary tumors and unwanted estrous behavior and bleeding. Both these procedures have a ventral midline approach and a flank approach which may be decided by a veterinarian upon general examination of the animal. It’s of utmost importance that in both procedures the organs to be removed are removed completely and the ligation of blood vessels and other associated structures is done precisely.

Post-Op Care is Crucial

Post-operative care in both females and males involves prevention of licking of wounds by an Elizabethan collar and rest with no running, jumping or rough play for at least two weeks post-surgery. Complications are rare but may arise due to the dehiscence of sutures in the vasculature or on-site of the surgery. Follow your vet’s advice and be regular with giving any medicines that he/ she may have prescribed for your furry friend.

Breaking Myths –

The Truth about Spaying and Neutering

Pet parents are concerned and therefore take into account every bit of information before considering a life-altering change in the lives of their beloved pets. Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about spaying and neutering.

• Pets too have sexual desire and their right to pleasure is denied

For animals’ the carnal process of sex is more of a physiological process where they do not mix emotions of pleasure, animals indulge in sex necessary for conception only, they have specific breeding seasons.

• Is a minimum of one litter good before spaying?

Animals with no intention of breeding must be spayed preferably before the first heat. Various studies suggest neutering before the first heat keeps your pet healthy.

• Depression after spaying is not manageable

In many cases spaying mimics menopause and impacts mood swings and stress. Post-operative discomfort might cause depression but it is manageable. You can use interactive toys, proper pain management therapy, exercise (after recovery), a diet that stimulates appetite to keep your beloved pet happy and healthy!

• Males get aggressive after neutering

Usually, pets tend to become calmer and show better temperament after neutering. Testosterone and estrogen levels are reduced therefore aggression decreases. However, if your pet is operated on after he reaches sexual maturity it might take some time to develop a better temperament.

• Pets tend to get obese

Spaying reduces metabolic activity almost by 30% and this is more prevalent in large breed dogs, however dietary intervention, therapeutic options, and exercise can help keep your pet’s weight in check!

• It will diminish intelligence or ability to learn and play

Spaying and neutering do not interfere with cognitive learning processes.

The Gift of Health –Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

In males –

• It reduces the chances of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland)
• Reduces sexual aggression and prevents traumatic accidents
• Reduces spray urination or mounting habits

In females –

• Reproductive health-related issues are reduced
• Prevents breast cancer
• Prevents messy spotting during the heat cycle
• Risks of pyometra and pseudo-pregnancy are reduced
• Helps control pet population

Another major benefit of spaying or neutering is that perianal tumour and hernia can be prevented in older dogs once this procedure is done.

Cautious About Side Effects

Urinary incontinence – refers to the involuntary passage of urine, urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) decreased urethral resistance. Spaying may lead to this condition in female doggos. However, you don’t need to worry. Get in touch with your vet as this condition can be managed without affecting the health of your pet.

Bone and joint issues – neutering or spaying animals before they reach sexual maturity might lead to ill development of height, muscle mass, and bone formation as testosterone and estrogen play crucial roles in bone and mass formation. The age and health of your pet must be taken into account before surgical intervention.

Love and Responsibility with a side of ‘Precautions’

• Talk to your veterinarian in detail about pre-operative and post-operative care to be rendered
• Discuss all possible complications and ways out of it beforehand
• It is crucial to consider the right age, and health status of your pet
• Emergency medicines prescribed by your veterinarian are to be kept on board
• Your pet must be provided with aseptic conditions for healing, good nourishment, and mental support.

Thinking of Strays with ‘ABC Programme’

ABC Programme refers to the Animal Birth Control programme. It’s an essential step to curb the unnecessary killing of innocent stray animals by municipalities due to overpopulation and crowding. Communities, municipalities, and the agencies responsible for the birth control procedure must cooperate to prevent overpopulation by efficiently running these programmes.

The are numerous benefits of this scheme. It prevents overcrowding and hence also prevents associated problems such as the influx of zoonotic diseases such as rabies etc and the occurrence of biting incidents or other disturbing activities to the community. On the other hand, it reduces the occurrence of automobile accidents affecting stray animals and injuries due to fighting among themselves. Hence these programmes are a keystone to developing communities where stray animals and urban communities live harmoniously.

In the Indian subcontinent, ABC programmes are mainly run for dogs and rarely for other animals. It’s the need of the hour due to the widespread population of stray dogs in the country. NGOs are the driving force behind the success of these programmes. They play a crucial role in achieving the aim of the community of reducing the stray population while also paying heed to the prevention of cruelty towards dogs while achieving the aforementioned aim.

(Jonathan Moses George – 4th year BVSC.AH Arawali Veterinary College; Snigdha Bhattacharjee – 3rd year BVSC.AH Arawali Veterinary College; Founder Nirvana Animal Welfare)