SPAYING and CASTRATION a veterinary visit presentation Initial materials for this unit were developed by Aubry Ivy, 3rd-year veterinary student, Texas A&M University.

What is Neutering? Neuter - means to spay or castrate an animal Advantages of neutering Prevents disease in animals Behavioral benefits to neutering Prevents over-population If there is a local animal shelter, call them to get statistics. Alternatively, ask the teacher if he/she wants to make this a pre-visit project, where students collect this information. A field trip to the shelter could also be a good idea.

Why neuter animals? Animal shelter statistics Low adoption rates leave large numbers of animals homeless It is estimated that 6-8 million dogs and cats enter shelters every year, of whom 3-4 million are euthanized Neutering in reduces animal shelter burden by controlling population

Dog Castration Surgery (neuter) Click the link below for pictures of a dog castration The pictures are real time from a castration surgery, not for the squeamish. Be sure to ask if you have any questions about the procedure or reasons for neutering. When in the ppt. show mode, click on this link and elaborate on the photos at the Web site. Add information about castration in your own practice. Students would like to see and handle the actual instruments you use (don’t provide surgical blades), suture needles or anything that might cause accidental injury. http://www.grassmere-animal- hospital.com/surgery_photos.htm

Myths about spaying & castration: MYTH: It's better to have one litter first. (Before the neuter) FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier and have the lowest cancer risk.

Myths about spaying & castration: MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth. FACT: Instead, children should learn that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others. Another option is adopting a pregnant female.

Myths about spaying & castration: MYTH: But my pet is a purebred. FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed and purebred.

Myths about spaying & castration: MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered. FACT: It's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets. Also consider the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary bills.

Myths about spaying & castration: MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens. FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.

For every human born, 7 puppies and kittens are born. U.S. Pet Statistics An estimated 52 million dogs and 57 million cats live with U.S. families. For every human born, 7 puppies and kittens are born. More than 12 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year. Millions more are abandoned in rural and urban areas. http://www.animalworldnetwork.com/bsurpetstat.html

As many as 25% of dogs entering shelters each year are purebreds. More U.S. Pet Statistics As many as 25% of dogs entering shelters each year are purebreds. Approximately 61% of all dogs entering shelters are killed. Approximately 75% of all cats entering shelters are killed. http://www.animalworldnetwork.com/bsurpetstat.html

The Cost of Not Neutering It costs approximately $100 to capture, house, feed, and eventually kill each stray animal -- a cost which you, the taxpayer, eventually pay.

Resources http://www.petpopulation.org/ (National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy) http://www.hsus.org/ (Humane Society) http://olliejazzturtle.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/statisticsonpetoverpopulation.doc (Humane Society) http://www.brazosanimalshelter.org/index.htm (Brazos Animal Shelter) http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/spay-neuter/spay-neuter_brochure.pdf (AVMA Spay and Neuter Brochure to print)