Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or traditional age in cats

Abstract

Prepubertal gonadectomy may be performed safely in cats without concern for increased incidence of physical or behavioral problems for at least a 3-year period after gonadectomy.

Veterinary attitudes towards pre-pubertal gonadectomy of cats: a comparison of samples from New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom

“…These have been cited as potential issues in early literature (e.g. Romatowski 1993), however all subsequent explorations of the effects of patient age on post-surgical complications or developmental problems conclude that there is little or no foundation to these concerns (Howe et al 2000;Reichler 2009;Bushby and Griffin 2011). We suggest that rejection of pre-pubertal gonadectomy may fail to consider the wider implications of cat overpopulation, including high euthanasia rates for unwanted cats (Spain et al 2004).…”

“…in terms of pain experienced) during a critical developmental phase, as opposed to older more developed cats, remains relatively unexplored. There are few short-term (Howe 1997) or long-term side effects following pre-pubertal gonadectomy (Preston Stubbs et al 1996;Howe et al 2000;Spain et al 2004) and there are potential behavioural benefits for early-age neutered toms (Spain et al 2004). Reviews of the topic continue to suggest that the benefits outweigh the costs, with the caveat that a practitioner must consider the anaesthetic risks to the patient (Bushby and Griffin 2011;Joyce and Yates 2011), consider its individual health parameters and consult with the owner (Reichler 2009).…”

“…Pre-pubertal gonadectomy in cats is defined as 'neutering well before the onset of puberty' (Howe et al 2000) and is any time prior to 23 weeks. The traditional age for gonadectomy is 6 months (Howe 1997) with a normal range of 5 to 9 months (Preston Stubbs et al 1996;Root Kustritz 2007).…”

Gonadectomia pré-puberal em cães e gatos

“…Felinos castrados, independente da idade, possuem menor coeficiente térmico, maior massa corpórea, escore corporal e quantidade de gordura falciforme, em comparação aos inteiros, e apresentam risco 3,4 vezes maior de se tornarem obesos, necessitando menor energia de manutenção; 33% menos calorias para fêmeas e 28% para machos (ROOT et al, 1996a;HOWE et al, 2000, KANCHUK et al, 2002NGUYEN et al, 2004;2004b). Os estudos são controversos a respeito da obesidade em cães castrados.…”

Gonadectomia em gatas impúberes: técnica anestésica

“…Durante a cirurgia de pacientes pediátricos, deve-se estar atento para a hipotermia e hipoglicemia, as quais os filhotes são predispostos 1,2 , bem como ao período de jejum ao qual o animal é submetido e ao excesso de soluções antisépticas nos pêlos 2 . Geralmente os pacientes pediátricos se recuperam rapidamente da anestesia e devem ser alimentados em 1 a 2 horas após o procedimento cirúrgico 3 . Por outro lado, os tecidos pediátricos são friáveis e, portanto devem ser manipulados delicadamente, considerando que o pequeno volume sanguíneo torna a hemostasia meticulosa de extrema importância 1,4 .…”