Basically, this term is heard by pet owners who are not indifferent to the fate of their pets. But overall, medical sterilization is the same for all living things. This is an operation during which complete destruction of microorganisms occurs with the help of special items. In simple terms, sterilization involves the process of cleaning and neutralizing the instrument with a view to further action. If you just want to put medical cans for your child, then all the devices used must be sterilized.
On the philistine examples
So what is sterilization? This is a medical procedure , involving the complete destruction of microorganisms, as well as their vegetative forms. In the course of work, medical instruments and disinfectants are used.
Sterilization is necessary when treating wounds, both large and small, during any medical operations, starting from the same cans and mustard plasters and ending with injections. Also, sterilization is needed for all objects that were in contact with the wound, contaminated with blood or drugs. In the sterilization process, the result is the death of vegetative, spore pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in the sterilizing material. Gradually, complete collateralization is achieved, that is, the slightest signs of life on the object disappear.
Why all this?
Having understood what sterilization is, I want to know why it is still needed. It should take into account the fact that the term is comprehensive, and therefore the evidence for this may be different. Let's analyze the purpose of sterilization. This is a procedure used in medicine, microbiology, gnotobiology, as well as the food industry and many other fields. In fact, this is the basis of asepsis, which is of great importance in the fight against hospital infection, as well as in the postoperative prevention of purulent inflammation. After the operation, the person is very weak. It becomes a tasty food for hordes of microbes and pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, medicine knows cases of hepatitis B infection or HIV infection after surgery. In order to avoid such a prospect, all instruments, drains, and dressings are sterilized . If during the operation of the mucous membrane touch instruments or devices that can cause damage to it, then they must be processed. Moreover, the air in the operating room, the hands of the doctor and nurses are disinfected.
Analyze the process
Sterilization methods can be divided into physical and chemical. The first group includes the steam, air, radiation and ultrasonic method. But chemical sterilization can be gas or carried out with solutions of chemical preparations. Each of the methods is relevant in its own way, and they need to be applied only based on the recommendations of specialists. Of course, most methods cannot be applied at home.
The most popular air sterilization method, carried out in a dry oven. It is recommended for dry metal, glass and rubber products. The process is carried out either on special machines or in open containers. By temperature and time, two modes of air sterilization are distinguished. In the first case, it will take an hour and 180 degrees Celsius. The second option is longer - 150 minutes at 160 degrees. To the objects of sterilization it is necessary to provide a free air supply. Sterilization at high temperatures is called thermal, and at temperatures below 100 degrees - cold.
Species features
The technical complexity of radiation and ultrasound sterilization is so complex that the amateur will not master it. Therefore, it is very fortunate that there are many of these methods. The ideal method will not cause distortion, external and qualitative changes. With chemical sterilization, the product does not become toxic, but ceteris paribus often thermal methods remain a priority. In everyday life, an ordinary person will not be able to carry out a complex process, but, fortunately, we do not have to carry out operations or suture wounds in the field. The maximum of our capabilities is to treat the cut, remove glass fragments or debris from the wound, and disinfect the wound. Most often, for such actions we use an alcohol solution, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. The main thing here is not to overdo it and not dare to fill an open wound or mucous membrane with such a tool, otherwise the fountain of pain will block all rational thoughts.
In the animal world
And what is sterilization for our pets? This is also a kind of neutralization and destruction of microorganisms, but not on a soulless instrument. This is a surgical intervention in the reproductive function of animals. The result will be the loss of a pet's ability to reproduce offspring. The operation is very specific, and it is carried out by a qualified specialist. Only a competent approach avoids complications, especially when it comes to females. In the case of them, a full abdominal operation is performed, which has its consequences and requires care for the animal in the postoperative period.
For stray animals, surgery is not only a way to control numbers, but also the ability to avoid many different diseases. The meaning of the term "sterilization" becomes clear to the owners only after a fruitful consultation with the veterinarian. This operation allows you to eliminate hormonal disruptions, aggression and various diseases of the genitourinary system. Sterilization allows you to extend the life of the pet.
Pros and cons
In talking about what sterilization is for animals, it remains only to weigh all the pros and cons in order to decide on a decision. The positive aspects of this procedure are obvious - improving the health of the pet, extending its life, reducing the risk of various diseases, including cancer, endometritis, pyometra, cysts. But there are also disadvantages, which include the need for anesthesia for surgery, possible complications. Doctors advise doing sterilization for the health of the pet, and for their own peace of mind for him. If, for example, your dog has reached eight years of age, then sterilization will protect it from oncology, the risk of which seriously increases over the years.