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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
What is the difference between castration and sterilisation?
What is the difference between castration and sterilisation?
When we talk about a procedure intended to cause permanent infertility, it has become customary to speak of castration for males and sterilisation for females, yet these are two completely different procedures.
What does castration involve?
Castration means removing the testicles in males and the uterus and ovaries in females. This eliminates, for example, territory marking, heat cycles, false pregnancies and sometimes unwanted behaviour towards other animals. The procedure also protects against common tumours of the reproductive system, such as mammary or testicular tumours.
What does sterilisation involve?
Sterilisation means tying and cutting the fallopian tubes or the vas deferens. The uterus and testicles are not removed. Females can still come into heat and males may still show unwanted behaviour, but the procedure makes fertilisation impossible.
What is chemical castration?
Chemical castration is used in males in the form of an implant (chip) that stops hormone production. It is placed under the skin and works for several months. This option is often recommended, for example, for anxious dogs.
Another method is hormonal contraception, particularly in female cats, but this is something we definitely do not recommend. It leads to a higher incidence of tumours and to pyometra!
What are the contraindications to castration?
The animal must be healthy at the time of surgery. It is not advisable to operate while the animal is in season. Behavioural issues such as separation anxiety or reactivity to the surroundings can also be contraindications to castration.
What diet after castration?
After the procedure, the animal’s hormone balance is disrupted, so it may be prone to gaining weight. Castrated animals need a special low-fat diet until their hormones settle.
How to prepare a dog or cat for castration?
Before every procedure we ask for blood tests. Depending on the patient’s age, the chosen profiles may differ in the number of parameters. This depends on your pet’s age, general condition and past illnesses.