Ovariohysterectomy
The ovariohysterectomy (from Latin. Ovary = " ovary ", Greek Hystera = " uterus " and εκτομή = "excision") is an advanced form of castration female animals. During this procedure, not only the gonads (gonads), i.e. the ovaries, but also a large part of the uterus are surgically removed. For other reasons, the operation is usually performed with removal of the entire uterus and under a different name ( hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy ; hysterectomia cum adnexibus bilateralibus ) also in women.
Since changes in the uterus sometimes occur when the ovaries are removed alone, this form of castration was preferred for dogs , rabbits and ferrets in particular . More recent studies, however, cast initial doubts about the usefulness of this practice. However , this operation is usually indicated in the case of an ulcerated uterus or tumors of the uterus.
advantages
In addition to ovariohysterectomy due to the disease, this operation is mainly carried out on animals to prevent undesirable sexual behavior, reproduction or hygienic aspects associated with heat (bleeding, etc.). This indication is controversial from an animal welfare point of view .
Bitches castrated before the first heat are significantly less likely to develop tumors of the milk bar . In female ferrets that are kept without a partner, the removal of the gonads is necessary in order to reduce the onset of permanent sack , as this can lead to the overproduction of estrogens with a subsequent fatal bone marrow depression.
disadvantage
The castration of females has several potential effects. Most often, a significant increase in weight is observed after removal of the gonads, which can be counteracted with strict feed rationing.
The effects associated with a hormonal change are also much more obvious:
- Urinary incontinence : As a late consequence of castration, it occurs within the first 2 years after the operation and is caused by a decrease in the tension in the sphincter of the urinary bladder and urethra . Incontinence occurs on average in 10% of all castrated bitches and is therefore the most common undesirable side effect. The risk for animals over 20 kg body weight is increased. In addition to the administration of sympathomimetics such as ephedrine or estrogen preparations , surgical prophylaxis is possible. In this colposuspension , the uterine stump is sutured to the abdominal wall, which makes the occurrence of incontinence less likely.
- Changes in the nature and behavior of the animal (see also castration consequences ).
- Puppy fur: The growth of the undercoat is particularly noticeable in long-haired breeds ( spaniels , long-haired dachshunds ). The animals get a silky-looking coat that looks similar to puppy fur.
- Vaginal inflammation: If a bitch is neutered before her first heat and then suffers from young dog vaginitis , this disease can turn into chronic vaginal inflammation.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Martin Kessler (Ed.): Small animal oncology . 2. through Parey at MVS, 2005, ISBN 3830441037 .
- ↑ Susi Arnold-Gloor et al .: Vaginitis caused by bacteria . In: Peter F. Suter and Hans G. Nobody (eds.): Internship at the dog clinic . 10th edition. Paul-Parey-Verlag, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 3-8304-4141-X , pp. 878-879.