Long-term outcome of castration in dogs and cats in the county of Araçatuba, SP

Abstract

In the small animal obstetrical practice, the elective sterilization is still the safest and most effective method of population control. This surgical procedure consists of the removal of ovaries, oviducts and uterus in the case of females and the removal of testis in males. Frequently the orchiectomy is performed for modify or eliminate undesirable behavior patterns as, for example, the aggressiveness. Objective: to monitor the postoperative period of castrated animals through an university extension project. Method: the present study evaluated 262 felines (171 females and 91 males); 58 dogs (43 females and 15 males). The 320 animals were castrated by an University Extension Project “Sterilization in Dogs and Cats” by students of the 4th year of the Veterinary Medicine Course, UNESP, Araçatuba, considering especially the low-income community. Approximately one year after the surgery, the owners of these animals were contacted by telephone and interviewed using a structured interview protocol considering the postoperative period. Results: of evaluated felines 66.4% (174/262) gained weight, 66.4% (174/262) decreased activity, 23.3% (61/262) changed the hair coat and 40.1% (105/262) were less aggressive with other animals and people. It was verified that there were no significant difference of these parameters between the sexes (p> 0,05). In relation to the behavior modifications, 39.6% (36/91) of the male cats still rambled, but 72.2% (26/36) of these animals showed less roaming behavior and 12.1% (11 cats) still manifested mating behavior. Considering the females, 8.2% (14/171) continued presenting estrus signs and 12.9% (22/171) still attracted males. In the dogs 77.6% (45/58) gained weight and 32,8% (19/58) decreased activities, 13.8% (8/58) showed modified hair coat and 32.8% (19/58) increased appetite, there were no significant difference between the sexes. Considering the male dogs, 60% (9/13) still tried to mate females and 60% (9/13) demonstrated less aggressiveness. In relation to the dogs, 7% (3/43) showed estrus behavior and 11.6% (5/43) still attracted males. In both species occurred a correlation between less activity and weight gain; and between the increased food intake and the weight gain. Our study revealed that the percentage of surgical procedure in adult animals (82.1% dogs and 83.1% in cats) were higher, nevertheless the procedure is considered safe in younger animals. The elective sterilization represents an effective aid in population control, reduces unwanted behavior patterns and does not cause any harm to the patients