Sterilization and Castration

Understanding the difference between sterilization and castration

The sterilization is often used as a generic term, but different interventions should be specified:

• Females : It is usually ovariectomy (ablation of the ovaries) or ovariohysterectomy (ablation of the ovaries and uterus). We usually talk about sterilization For bitches as for pussy.
• Males : We use the term castration for dogs and cats, which consists of surgical removal of the testicles. The vasectomy in dogs also exists as a less common alternative.

These interventions are carried out under anesthesia and suppress both reproductive function and the production of sexual hormones. In some cases, a method of chemical castration can be considered as a temporary and reversible solution for dogs.

A soft and stressless operation

For the sterilization of your animal, we use a discreet intradermal suture technique, without apparent wires. It promotes rapid recovery and limits post-operative care at home. Its benefits:

• Accelerated healing;
• A very discreet scar;
• Your animal can't shoot at stitches with his mouth, so:
  • No dressing necessary;
  • The collar is often avoidable, for a more serene return home.

Why do you sterilize or castrate your pet?

Benefits of Sterilization for Females

Sterilisation of females, whether it be pussy or bitcheshas many health and behavioural benefits:

• Prevention of unwanted litters and contribution to the fight against animal overpopulation
• Elimination of heat-related inconveniences such as blood loss, vocalization and male attraction
• Significant reduction in the risk of breast tumours, especially when the intervention is performed before the first heats
• Removal of pyometer risk (serious uterus infection) which could endanger the life of the animal
• Prevention of nervous pregnancy (pseudogestations) which can be stressful for animals

In the absence of surgical sterilization, There are temporary solutions such as contraceptive implants.

Benefits of castration for males

Owners often wonder why castrate their animals. Here are the main benefits for dogs and cats:

• Reduction of territorial behaviour as urinary marking and fugues
• Decreased aggressiveness against other males and excessive libido
• The question often comes up: Does castration make the dog less aggressive? In most cases, there is actually a reduction in aggressive hormone behaviour
• Prevention of prostate disorders and testicular tumours
• Limitation of vagrancy and the risks of accidents or associated fighting

Yes. Dog castration significantly reduces aggressiveness due to sexual competition, especially towards other males. In any case, it is essential to discuss with our veterinarian the relevance of surgery to correct a behavioural defect.

How old are you to sterilize or castrate your animal?

For cats

• Female : Lideal age for sterilization a pussy is located before the first heat, usually to 5-6 months
• Males : Intervention is recommended 6 months for cats, before the appearance of territorial marking behaviour
• The castration can sometimes be performed from 3-4 months in the kittens in specific cases

👉 Consult our arrival guide of a kitten

For dogs

• Female : Intervention is recommended before the first heat, usually between 6 and 7 months for small breeds
• Males : LIdeal age for castration of a dog varies according to size: 6-7 months for small dogs and 10-12 months for large dogs
• The very early castration of puppies is generally not recommended except in special cases

👉 Discover our puppy arrival guide

Recovery after sterilization or castration

The healing time After castration is usually about 7 to 10 days for a cat, while it can vary from 10 to 14 days for a dog depending on its size and the surgical technique used.

Other Surgical Services

Our veterinary clinic in Paris 17 also offers other types of surgery complementary to sterilization surgery:

• Orthopaedic surgery : treatment of fractures, ligament ruptures and bone malformations
• General surgery treatment of tumours, hernias, wounds and other common conditions