Castration is not mandatory for pets and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, explains the veterinarian; learn about myths and care

Veterinarians talk about castration and how it can help with pets' health. Although it is not mandatory, castration is one of the most talked about and performed surgeries in the animal world. In some homes, all pets are neutered, but in others, owners are not adept at the procedure. In an interview with g1, veterinarian Gabriel Brosco explains the importance of castration, demystifies information surrounding the topic and points out in which cases the pet needs to go to the operating room. ? Join the g1 Bauru and Marília channel on WhatsApp The procedure is simple: in females, the doctor removes the ovaries and uterus, while in males the testicle is cut. “Castration is a surgery performed by a veterinarian to prevent the animal from reproducing”, explains the professional. Although not all owners are familiar with the method, the veterinarian states that it works to prevent diseases such as uterine infections and testicular tumors. Gabriel Bosco, veterinarian, points out the benefits and importance of castration Personal file In addition, there is a reduction in the risk of testicular tumors and problems related to the male's prostate. “[Neutering] can also reduce behaviors influenced by hormones, such as running away, marking territory and even fighting,” he adds. ? What are the biggest myths? Understand the importance of castration in animals Disclosure/Government of SP According to the veterinarian, there is a belief that the animal gains weight. However, the procedure works to reduce energy expenditure by the person, which is not a problem if there is exercise. “What causes weight gain is excess food associated with lack of physical activity”, he explains. Other than that, there are those who believe that the female needs to have offspring before being castrated. “This has no health benefits”, denies the veterinarian. Or those who believe that the pet's personality changes after surgery, which is focused on the animal's hormones. "It is also common to hear that the animal 'will lose its personality'. This does not happen. What changes are some behaviors related to hormones, but it continues with the same way of being", he points out. ? Does everyone need castration? Castration is recommended for dogs and cats Magnific According to the veterinarian, not all pets need it. Even though castration is recommended for dogs and cats, cases must be analyzed individually and according to demand. Therefore, it is analyzed together with the professional responsible for the animal's well-being. “The animal’s breed, age, size, health status and even lifestyle need to be considered”, he argues. ? Differences between pets that are neutered and those that are not Castration does not replace care such as good nutrition, vaccination and veterinary care Mauricio Sordilli/Prefeitura de Suzano As previously stated, castrated animals are less likely to present reproductive diseases, in addition to having fewer behaviors related to sexual hormones. Meanwhile, unneutered dogs may be more predisposed to certain illnesses and behaviors such as running away, fighting and marking territory. “It is important to remember that each case is unique, and castration does not replace care such as good nutrition, vaccinations and veterinary care”, emphasizes Gabriel. ? Care Surgery removes the female's ovaries and uterus. In males, the testicle is cut Piracicaba City Hall After the surgical procedure, there is a series of medical care that owners must adopt in order to recover and adapt to the animal's “new” life. “The main thing is to maintain rest, prevent the animal from licking the surgery using a collar or surgical clothing”, explains the veterinarian. In addition, it is necessary to correctly administer the prescribed medications and observe whether there are signs of inflammation or opening of the stitches. In the long term, the greatest prevention is weight control. "As some animals start to use less energy, it may be necessary to adjust their diet and encourage exercise and play. With this care, castration tends to provide many benefits throughout the pet's life", he highlights. Where to carry out castration? In Bauru (SP), the Ethical Control of the Canine and Feline Population Program aims to promote population and zoonosis control through castration. The program is aimed at low-income families and the animals must be in good health to undergo surgery. How to register your animal: Fill out the registration form at the CRAS closest to your residence, from Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm; Have a Social Identification Number - NIS; Bring your ID, CPF and proof of residence to register. For more information, contact SEMMA at (14) 3234-6849/3214-3796 or SEBES at (14) 3237-8624/3214-3796. In the city of Marília (SP), the low-cost castration service is carried out through a partnership between the Municipal Health Department and partner clinics. There are 9 clinics available to choose from in Marília. The cost of neutering is R$100 for dogs and R$80 for cats, regardless of sex. If other medications are necessary, as recommended by the clinic's veterinarian, these must be authorized and paid for by the owner. The municipality sends the kit of materials to the clinic and the cost of the procedure is paid by the tutor, directly to the partner clinics on the day of the procedure. There are three options for registration: By calling Environmental Surveillance: (14) 3401-2054 By the City Hall website, using the link. In person at Ganha Tempo (Av. das Indústrias, 294) or at Environmental Surveillance (Address: Av. Srg. Ananias de Oliveira, 966 - Cascata) São José do Rio Preto (SP) To request the neutering service for dogs and cats through São José do Rio Preto City Hall, the interested party must fill out the online form or go in person to Poupatempo or North Regional City Hall. After placing the order, the Animal Welfare team will contact the owner to schedule a day, time and location. Only the owner or person authorized in writing may take the animals on the day of surgery. The procedure is free of charge, the owner/owner will only pay for post-operative medications. Documents required for registration: ID, CPF, proof of address in São José do Rio Preto in the name of the applicant. The documents must be physical for the request at Poupatempo and North Regional City Hall. Canine castrations are carried out in two places: at the Pet Park, during Castration Mutirões, periodically, and at the Castration Center, which operates next to the Unirp Veterinary Hospital, from Monday to Friday, uninterruptedly. Cat surgeries are carried out at the Veterinary Hospital and the Zoonosis Control Center (CCZ). Pet Park (Castration Units) Address: Avenida Philadelpho Manoel Gouveia Neto, 2250 Telephone: (17) 3513-5050 (Animal Welfare) E-mail: secretariabemestaranimal@riopreto.sp.gov.br Castration Center – next to the Unirp Veterinary Hospital Address: Rodovia BR 153, s/n, km 69 Telephone: (17) 3513-5050 (Animal Welfare) E-mail: secretariabemestaranimal@riopreto.sp.gov.br Questions and information can be sent to the email secretariabemestaranimal@riopreto.sp.gov.br or by telephone (17) 3513-5050. Araçatuba The services are provided by the public veterinary clinic of the Meu Pet Program, of the Government of the State of São Paulo, and are free. Consultations are carried out, according to the city hall, at an appointment via in-person appointment (without bringing your animal). Appointments are not made by phone or Whatsapp. The agenda is open weekly on the first business day of the week (normally Monday), organized on a first-come, first-served basis. Specialized cardiologist, ophthalmologist and oncologist services are provided after prior consultation at the clinic, performed only for animals that are already patients. On the day of the consultation, the tutor is advised to bring the following documents: ID or CPF or CHN; Proof of residence in the city of Araçatuba; If the pet is in an emergency situation, that is, it requires immediate action from the veterinarian as it is in intense suffering or imminent risk of death, no appointment is necessary. Castrations are surgeries considered elective, without urgency. For more information, you can access the clinic's website by clicking here, or calling (18) 98103-3281. The clinic is located at Rua Doutor Luiz de Almeida 175 - Novo Paraíso - Araçatuba. Jundiaí For free neutering of dogs and cats, you must register yourself and your animal(s), clicking here. After registering, you must wait for contact from the Animal Welfare Department to schedule castration. Therefore, it is important to keep your data (address, telephone and email) up to date. It is also possible to include or remove an animal from the registry. The waiting time for surgery will depend on the total number of animals registered in Jundiaí, the epidemiological criteria adopted by the department and the availability of places for surgery. The maximum age of an animal for castration in joint efforts is 8 years.