There are different opinions in society about the sterilization of animals – some believe that this is the most humane way to protect your pet from unwanted offspring on time, and sterilization surgery can prevent various severe diseases in the future. On the other hand, others are convinced that the operation of the reproductive organs distorts the animal, and different side effects often occur later. Sterilization is a surgical operation in which the animal’s internal genitals are entirely or partially removed, and thus, the ability of the animal to produce offspring is interrupted. It is popularly accepted to apply sterilization to female animals and castration to men. In fact, in veterinary medicine, a sterilized animal means a four-legged member of any sex who can no longer produce offspring. However, veterinarians are not categorical – if the owner has brought his dog or tomcat to the clinic for castration, his doctors will understand his wishes.
How Effective as a Method of Contraception?
Sterilization is the most effective method of contraception – it is 100% safe. True, it is an irreversible operation. If bitches and kittens can give birth to offspring after stopping contraceptive use, sterilization precludes this. However, it has significant advantages over other animal methods of contraception. Unlike hormonal contraceptives (both pills and injections), sterilization does not have many adverse effects on animal health!
Although the side effects of the newer generation of hormonal tablets are smaller and less frequent, the risk of complications cannot be completely ruled out – they are pyrometer or inflammation of the uterus and tumors of the mammary glands. Here, however, the proper use of these drugs is also important.
In Denmark, for example, homeless animals are active in feeding cat colonies and adding birth control pills to their food once a week. In this way, the animal’s health is not harmed much – when the tablets are given regularly, the drug does not cause rapid fluctuations in hormone levels in the animal’s body. However, many kitten owners in our country start giving hormonal pills to the animal only when the search has already begun. This changes the level of hormones in the blood exceptionally quickly and can later become the cause of the development of mammary tumors. Sterilization is safer for animal health. An entirely new contraceptive that can be used to sterilize male animals is currently being developed in America, a drug injected into the testicles of an animal. It has a toxic effect on testicular cells by breaking them down. Visually, the scrotum of such a dog or raccoon is no different from the scrotum of the uncastrated brother, but the animal is no longer able to continue the species. However, such a drug is not yet available in many parts of the world. With us – unless the owner is absolutely sure that he does not want to take care of his pet’s offspring – sterilization is the optimal solution.
Can a Pregnant Animal Be Sterilized?
Yes, this can be done, especially if the pregnant animal is homeless. Such an operation causes many unpleasant emotions for veterinarians, but it is better to do it during this period than to euthanize already born babies.
Is There a Possibility That the Sterilized Animal Is Looking Again?
This is possible but more applicable to bitches. If the ovary is not completely removed during the operation (even a tiny fragment of this organ remains), over time, it may regenerate (regenerate) and later cause a search again. If the uterus is also removed, the bitch can no longer conceive, but the opposite sex will be interested in her anyway. To ensure that such problems do not recur, it is advisable to ask your veterinarian before the operation what type of sterilization they are practicing.
Want to know about the pros and cons of pet sterilization? Stay tuned for the second part!
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