Early-Age Sterilization Video
"Many people remain unaware of the staggering number of unwanted cats and dogs, including kittens and puppies, who are put to death each year in our animal shelters in addition to the millions who also die of exposure, starvation, and injury. By adopting an early-age sterilization policy, veterinarians in private practice and animal shelter personnel can take a leadership role in curbing companion animal overpopulation by ensuring that the animals under their care do not accidentally reproduce," said Laurie Siperstein-Cook, DVM, an AVAR consultant in the making of the video. "Early-age sterilization is safe and effective. These surgeries have been performed in animal shelters for more than twenty years, and current research studies show that many of the concerns about the effects of performing surgery on young animals are unfounded. The university is happy to facilitate the making of this videotape and encourages private practitioners and shelters to adopt an early-age policy," said John Pascoe, BVSc, Executive Associate Dean of Academic Programs for the School of Veterinary Medicine. The videotape runs 19 minutes and can be ordered through the AVAR or through the university for $15, plus shipping and handling. Videos ordered through the AVAR may also be borrowed for up to two weeks with a $20 check made payable to the AVAR, $15 of which will be refunded when the video is returned. To order, send a check or money order to AVAR, P.O. Box 208, Davis, CA 95617-0208 and include a mailing address. For U.S. residents, add $5 for shipping, non-U.S. residents, add $8. Videos may also be ordered through the School of Veterinary Medicine at 530-752-1324 or http://www.calf.vetmed.ucdavis.edu |
In a joint effort, the AVAR and the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine have produced an instructional
videotape which encourages veterinarians to perform sterilization surgeries on animals as young as 6 to 16 weeks of age, thus helping
to curb unwanted births. "Early-age Neutering: A Practical Guide for Veterinarians" provides an opportunity for veterinarians who haven't
performed surgery on younger animals to learn about surgical technique, anesthesia, and the benefits of pre-pubertal surgery.