ANSC 250 1st Edition Lecture 7 Outline of Last Lecture I Early animal sheltering II Humane Sheltering III Animal sheltering across the country IV Pet Overpopulation film Outline of Current Lecture I Definitions spay neuter heat pet overpopulation II Estrous cycle of female cat III IV V VI VII VIII Estrous cycle of female dog Benefits of spay neuter Pet overpopulation Pets with no owners Myths about spay neuter Mission of Spay Illinois Current Lecture I Definitions A Spay removal of ovaries uterus and oviducts of a female animal ovariohysterectomy B Neuter removal of the testicles of a male animal castration C Heat refers to an animal s estrous cycle when they become fertile and are most receptive to mates D Pet overpopulation The phenomenon where there aren t enough shelters for the number of animals in a given community II The estrous cycle of the female cat A Estrous cycle of cat may be induced as early as 4 5 months of age B Female cats are polyestrous i Their reproductive systems are only active during breeding season ii They will have multiple estrous cycles during breeding season iii The average size of a litter is 4 5 kittens However its not uncommon for litters to range from 1 9 kittens I Estrous cycle of the female dog C Varies depending on breed and size These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute D May begin around 6 months of age and as late as 18 months in some larger breeds E Cycles occur on average every 7 months i Varies from 4 12 months F Smaller breeds 2 10 puppies G Larger breeds anywhere from 5 20 puppies I Spay and Neuter why its so great H What is spay neuter i A simple surgical procedure to sterilize an animal ii This procedure prevents the animal from breeding in the future I Why spay and neuter your pets i Happier healthier pets J Females i No heat cycles ii Less desire to roam iii Risk of mammary gland tumors and ovarian or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated iv Live longer happier lives K Males i Reduces or eliminates spraying marking ii Less desire to roam iii Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated and incidence of prostate disease is decreased iv Live longer happier lives II Benefits of spay and neuter L Combating companion animal overpopulation M The US alone faces companion animal overpopulation totaling in the millions i Until we can find good homes for every pet many shelters across the country are forced to euthanize healthy animals ii Spay neuter is the single best way to prevent animal overpopulation N Community and state benefits i Unwanted and stray animals can be a danger to the public causing a number of health issues 1 Bite ii Capture impoundment and eventual euthanasia of unwanted animals costs taxpayers and private humanitarian agencies over a billion dollars each year III Companion animal overpopulation O Realities i Illinois 1 127 000 cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters in Illinois every year 2 That s 348 every day ii The only safe humane and sustainable way to put an end to this devastating trend is through widespread access to affordable spay neuter surgery iii Responsible Pet Ownership begins with spay neuter P What about the pets w no owners i Low cost spay neuter for animal shelters 1 At our clinic we offer financial assistance and often subsidize spay neuter for shelter and rescue partners ii Trap Neuter Release 1 TNR involves the brief capture transport surgery and ear tip of feral cats before returning them to their colony 2 There are a few organizations working on TNR in Illinois As a registered non profit Spay Illinois uses all overhead funds to finance TNR efforts in downstate areas like Kankakee county Q With so many benefits why isn t everybody doing it i Lack of information 1 Many folks simply don t know that there are so many health benefits to spaying and neutering their animals 2 Others may not know that there are VERY affordable and accessible options for veterinary care and spay neuter surgery nearby 3 Many people are unaware of the appropriate age to schedule their pets spay neuter surgery We recommend beating the heat and spaying before 5 months of age R Misinformation i I want to become a breeder b c it s a great way to make some money 1 Not only is it incredibly short sighted to forget about the thousands of perfectly healthy puppies and kittens already in shelters facing euthanasia on a daily basis raising litters is actually a financial burden The cost of raising little far exceeds the cost of a spay neuter surgery ii My pet is too young for spay neuter surgery 1 Cats and dogs can safely undergo spay neuter surgery before 5 months of age There are so many benefits to spaying before your pet s first heat cycle IV Dispelling spay neuter myths cont S Misinformation i I ve heard there s health benefits associated with allowing your pet to have at least one litter 1 Actually medical science indicates that the opposite is true Spay neuter surgery is proven to reduce and even eliminate the risk of certain cancers and it also alters certain behaviors that result in injury like aggression and tendency to roam ii Financial reasons 1 Spay and Neuter Surgery costs hundreds of dollars and I simply cant afford a procedure like that at this time a Sure many full service vet clinics may charge upwards of 250 to perform the procedure but its important to keep in mind that many national state and local programs exist to help families on a budget provide affordable quality vet care to their animals too Many programs through county animal control and participating vets can offer vouchers for surgery for remarkably low prices or often times for free V What do you do at Spay Illinois T Low cost spay neuter i Our work is guided by the idea that the only humane way to end the suffering and euthanasia of companion animals is through widespread access to low cost spay neuter surgery 1 Residents can bring their pets directly to the Pet Well Clinic 2 Transport days 3 Reduced fees for Feral Cats and Pit bulls 4 Referral program for customers who don t live near our clinics we will refer a participating veterinarian for reduced pricing U Vaccine clinics i Every pet over should have access to quality affordable preventative veterinary care 1 Low cost vaccine clinics throughout the state a Special pricing for individuals receiving food stamps and those receiving SSDI V Pet Well Clinics W Adoptions Program i Work w partner