Updates on Sterilization Recommendations age, breed specifics, OVE vs OVH vs chemical implants

Course overview

This panel discussion will delve into the evolution of surgical sterilization procedures for dogs and cats, since the inception in the 1930s. Initially, ovariohysterectomy was the primary method performed in females, with proposed benefits, along with population control, including a reduced risk of mammary neoplasia. Over time, there has been a shift towards pre-pubertal neutering with some preferring pre-pubertal ovariectomy, and laparoscopic ovariectomy and some have even considered the ovary-sparing hysterectomy. Furthermore, there have been significant advances in hormonal methods for long term sterilization, especially with the development of depot GnRH agonists. However, research has highlighted that the benefits of these procedures may not be as straightforward as once believed, with potential associations with increased risks of non-reproductive neoplasia and increased joint disease in some dog breeds. The impact of neutering on the risk of urinary incontinence and development of obesity cannot be ignored. Given these complexities, veterinarians, breeders, owners, and shelter managers face challenges in making evidence-based decisions regarding the most effective sterilization methods and timing, especially considering the influence of animal breed on disease risks. An esteemed international panel of world-renowned specialists will explore the benefits and risks of various sterilization procedures performed in dogs and cats, aiming to navigate the current evidence landscape, providing insights to guide clinical decision-making.