OBJECTIVES

The presented work has the objective to analyze the different behavior answers due to an ovariohysterectomy (OSH) in hundred female dogs of several race and ages. Observing mainly, the common changes that are often quoted in the literature, that is: higher aggressiveness, inactivity and overweight. Works about OSH in female dogs quote the possibility of an increase of the aggressiveness with family's members as a consequence of the castration in female dogs. If the same is carried out in animals that have already shown a dominating characteristic, the chances of this behavior are 50%, and this modification appears right away after the surgical act (some weeks until some months after). Other discussed factor and observed by female dogs after the OSH are the overweight, inactivity and lethargy, it looks important to underline that there are changes in the levels of physical activity with growing age, in young animals (until 3 Years) there was no decrease of activity.

MATERIALS

The data collection was concentrated in the period of January to December 2001, at the Department of Animal Reproduction, from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnic (FMVZ) of the University from São Paulo (USP). Animals has age between two and twelve years that would undergo an ovary hysterectomy in the Veterinary Hospital from the FMVZ or in the private clinic Mr. Cão, giving a total of hundred female dogs. The dog owners that would accept to answer individually the questions were re-contacted by phone six months later for another questionnaire. The questionnaires themselves were developed in a way that the owner could answer between alternatives (close questions), making easier the analyses of results. There were around 100 questions regarding the environment of the animal, medical historic, sexual life, eating and hygienically habits, social behavior, besides demographics data of the owner. The whole data was tabulated and analyzed by comparison.

RESULTS

By this time 100 of the first questionnaires were answered and 71% of the second; knowing that out of this, six female dogs died, two escaped and one did not do the surgical act. When we asked the owners about the changes observed after the ovary hysterectomy, we had the following answers: The female dogs were more aggressively, in 3.2% with house animals and 14.5% for strangers and members of the family; 17.7% where less active; 14.5% quieter; 12.9% were more docile; 9.7% had a nicer coat; 9.7% more possessive; and 5% less aggressive. It looks important to mention that some female dogs presented more than one change. For 21% of the owners the female dogs have not change anything in their behavior. Also an increase of weight was mentioned by 38.7% of the owners; when we compared the weight of the female dogs before and after (n=61; 14,16  10,66; 16,16  12,17kg, respectively), we observe an increase in the weight after the surgical act nevertheless not significant (P= 0,1919).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that aggressive female dogs and/or dominants should not be submitted to an ovary hysterectomy out of convenience. Nevertheless the other animals do not need further restrictions for this surgical act.