Population Management Flashcards
Ovariohysterectomy
Spaying by surgically removing the ovaries and uterus
Neutering
Sterilization of males and females
Orchiectomy
(Castration)
The sterilization of a male
Physical results of neutering in females
(ovaries and uterus removed)
Ends heat cycles
No more pregnancies
Physical results of neutering in males
(testicles removed)
Lack of sperm production and cessation of testosterone production
When to sterilize pets
Average age 5-9 months
The youngest time to neuter
8 weeks (with no ill effects)
Heat cycles length in dogs
21 days
Heat cycles symptoms in dogs
Passage of blood from genital area
Irritability and loss of appetite
excessive urination
Heat cycle occurrence
Every 21 days
Dog heat cycle beginning age
5 months (6-9 months)
Cat heat cycle beginning age
As early as 4.5 months
Misconceptions about neutering
-Pet should come into heat before spaying
It is better to be spayed before first cycle, this will reduce the incidence for mammary tumors
Misconceptions about neutering
- Pet will get fat and lazy
With the removal of testosterone and estrogen, some animals have a slower metabolism
- reduce food accordingly
- sterilized young, most animals will stay active
Misconceptions about neutering
- Dog will not guard home after neutering
Dogs will continue to protect their property
only sexual behaviors will be changed
Misconceptions about neutering
- Owner wants kids to see puppies and kittens
- Pet population explosion today
- thousands euthanized daily
- hard to find homes
Advantages of spaying females
- No heat cycles
- no reproduction
- No affects on protectiveness
- Won’t get ovarian/uterine cancer
- lessens aggressiveness
Advantages of neutering males
- No reproduction
- no territory marking (spraying)
- reduced aggressiveness
- less testicular tumors
- inappropriate behaviors reduced (humping)
Neuter
means to spay or castrate an animal
Estimated animals euthanized in shelters each year
3-4 million
12 million?
Human to kitten birth ratio
For every human born, 7 puppies and kittens are born
Cost to tax payer
about $100 to capture, feed, house, and eventually kill each stray animal
Domestication
To train a plant or animal to live in a human environment and be of some use to humans
Domestication (human influence)
To selectively breed an animal for a particular appearance, behavior, and function
TNR
Trap
Neuter
Release
