Guidelines for latest feline and canine sterilization practices and other reproduction control methods

Photo: Artem Zakharov/Adobe Stock

To help veterinarians effectively apply their knowledge on surgical and medical methods for controlling reproduction in dogs and cats, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) published global guidelines, “WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats.” The guidelines, aimed at ensuring the welfare of these animals, detail the latest evidence-based scientific options for reproduction control and the many existing sterilization techniques.^1,2

The document—a comprehensive 136 pages—discusses current sterilization practices and newer approaches, encompassing both surgical and nonsurgical methods. It examines the health advantages and disadvantages associated with each approach, while also addressing relevant ethical considerations. Additionally, it examines the effects on behavior and longevity resulting from both gonadectomy and hormone-sparing sterilization methods.² The document also provides detailed instructions on how to perform the various types of surgeries, providing figures, diagrams, step-by-step images, suture pattern photos, and real-life photos of the various surgeries to help veterinarians perform novel procedures.

The guidelines were created by the WSAVA Reproduction Control Committee, which was chaired by Stefano Romagnoli, VMD, MS, professor in the Department of Animal Medicine at the University of Padova in Italy. To create the document, the committee collected hundreds of scientific publications encompassing all aspects of canine and feline sterilization, contraception, health impacts, and decision-making processes, according to the release.²

As stated in the document, the guidelines provide information on¹:

• Achieving control of reproduction in dogs and cats with (spay-neuter, vasectomy, ovary-sparing techniques) or without surgery (through the use of hormones, vaccines, locally sclerotizing agents).
• The benefits and the detriments of both approaches for the long-term health of dogs and cats.
• The most cost-effective and ethical reproduction control strategies in shelter animal populations and non-owned dog and cat populations.

According to the guidelines, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sterilization methods and reproduction control for these animals. Instead, “[f]or owned pets, such a decision should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the owner with due consideration of species, sex, breed, purpose and lifestyle of the pet as well as financial constraints,” according to the guidelines.¹

“The best options for reproduction control in dogs and cats are the ones that have the least long-term health concerns,” the document stated.¹

The guidelines also discussed how reproduction control methods for animals in shelters may differ from those for owned pets, explaining that policy makers of shelters “will only agree to” permanent sterilization options that are cost-effective, and oppose alternatives that retain sexual behavior in pets that could reduce the likelihood of adoption and lead to an increase in pet abandonment.

“Conversely, vasectomy and ovary-sparing surgery should be offered as an alternative option to gonadectomy following proper consultation with the prospective owners of large and giant breed dogs at risk,” wrote the guidelines’ authors. The recommendation is supported by a study published 2023, which found that gonadectomy increased the risk of overweight or obesity in most dogs compared to those that remained intact, according to the document.^1,2

The guidelines also highlight the notable concern of surgical site infections in patients undergoing a procedure. Yet, data on antimicrobial prophylaxis is limited and conflicting, the authors mentioned.^1,2 Due to the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance, the guidelines discussed avoiding prophylaxis in routine sterilizations that are brief, conducted in a clean environment, and lack additional infection predispositions. Additionally, the authors stress that effective pain management is essential for all surgical procedures without exception.^1,2

“Management of surgical pain begins before surgery, is maintained through the surgical procedure and is continued afterwards. Multimodality management of pain is preferred. Local anesthetic techniques are particularly appropriate as they may provide excellent analgesia without causing systemic side effects,” wrote the authors.¹

The document emphasized the importance of veterinarians staying up-to-date on reproduction control approaches. “Small animal practitioners need to acquaint themselves with current knowledge regarding reproductive control offering a host of novel approaches replacing the potentially harmful practice of routine gonadectomy of young dogs and cats,” it stated.¹

“Veterinarians play a crucial role in guiding these decisions, weighing the risks and benefits to ensure the best outcome for the animal, the client, and the broader community,” read the summary.

References

1. Romagnoli S, Krekeler N, de Cramer K, et al. WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2024;65(7):424-559. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13724
2. WSAVA guidelines address methods, risks, ethics of pet reproduction. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 24, 2024. Accessed July 24, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/wsava-guidelines-address-methods-risks-ethics-pet-reproduction