Campaign offers new method of sterilization for male dogs

A no-kill animal shelter in Kapo­lei is offering a limited number of low-cost sterilizations beginning Thursday to introduce a nonsurgical neutering method called "Zeutering" for male dogs.

Up to 150 low-priced sterilizations for dogs and cats will be available until April 29 to kick off the "Zeuterin Comes to Hawaii" campaign, said Stephanie Ryan, founder of the Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Zeuterin is a zinc-based solution that is injected into a dog’s testicles, rendering the dog sterile in 15 minutes, she said. The process doesn’t use anesthesia, and side effects are usually mild, from nausea to leth­argy.

It was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is beginning to be adopted around the country.

Ryan called Zeuterin a first step in "eliminating euthanasia by affordable mass sterilization and controlling the population."

During the introductory campaign, male dogs can be "Zeutered" for $25, female dogs can be spayed for $85 and all cats can be sterilized for $25 at the shelter at 91-153 Hanua St. in Kapo­lei. Zeuterin is available only for male dogs 3 to 10 months old.

"Sterilizations are cost-prohibitive for most people in Hawaii," Ryan said. "We get calls daily from people panicking that they can’t afford the sterilization."

Dog sterilizations usually cost $150 at the shelter. The shelter is introducing the technique in Hawaii with the help of mainland-based nonprofit Animal Balance, which uses mass sterilization to reduce dog and cat populations in island communities.

Ryan said Hawaii’s campaign is the first time the team of visiting veterinarians will use Zeuterin for a mass sterilization in the United States.

She said the team will do 500 sterilizations, including 350 Zeuterin injections, but most of the slots have been filled by animals at the shelter.

The visiting veterinarians will also hold a training session for local veterinarians Friday. To sign up, call the shelter.

Ryan said the technique can help reduce costs and staffing at veterinary clinics in the islands.

To schedule an appointment to have a pet spayed or neutered, email Sarah Smith at sarah@oahu­spca. org or call 725-3165.

The shelter is planning another sterilization clinic in about three weeks.