 Get Twitter buttons |
To neuter or not to neuter?
Neutering applies to both dogs and bitches but often it is the owners of males that have the biggest quandary over whether to have their dogs castrated or not, particularly when every female dog in the park appears to be ‘in season’. The opinions are varied even between vets, so we have listed some of the pros and cons.
The final decision is yours, however we do urge you to discuss the matter with your own vet. Each case is individual and your vet may have strong reasons for advising you one way or the other. Also he or she can advise you on the best time to have the operation performed.
The dog in this picture shown ‘tied’ to his mate has been neutered.
There’s nothing effeminate about him!!
Note the observer behind!!!
The dog in this picture shown ‘tied’ to his mate has been neutered.
There’s nothing effeminate about him!!
Note the observer behind!!!
MALE DOGS
PROS
• The most obvious reason is for contraception and that is why most Rescue Centres make neutering compulsory
Intact males can exhibit unwanted behaviour through the influence of testosterone particularly in the presence of bitches ‘in heat’ these include:
• Wandering – not only is this exasperating for the owner but also can be a nuisance to the bitch’s owner too. A dog in the pursuit of a bitch can potentially cause a road traffic accident.
• Aggression towards other males particularly in the presence of bitches ‘in heat’.
• Inappropriate mounting of adults, children, other animals and inanimate objects due to sexual frustration.
• Dogs having to living in close proximity of ‘in season’ bitches may become anorexic, constantly howl, suffer restlessness and weight loss and general malaise.
• Aggression towards other males particularly in the presence of bitches ‘in heat’.
• Inappropriate mounting of adults, children, other animals and inanimate objects due to sexual frustration.
• Dogs having to living in close proximity of ‘in season’ bitches may become anorexic, constantly howl, suffer restlessness and weight loss and general malaise.
NB. It is generally believed that early neutering can prevent these unwanted behaviours but will have less affect when performed on the older dog.
Medical reasons :
• Reduces the risk of testicular tumours particularly where there is an increased risk in dogs whose testicle(s) has/have not descended (Cyptorchidism or inguinal testicles)
• Reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
• Reduces the risk of perianal fistulas (a small unnatural cavity around the outside of the anus)
• At present the data is not conclusive, but it is suggested that neutering may reduce the risk of diabetes
• Reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
• Reduces the risk of perianal fistulas (a small unnatural cavity around the outside of the anus)
• At present the data is not conclusive, but it is suggested that neutering may reduce the risk of diabetes
CONS
• When the operation is carried out before one year of age, it can increase the risk of bone cancer that is significant in medium to large breeds.
• Increases the risk of developing an underactive thyroid
• Increases the risk of progressive cognitive impairment in geriatric dogs (senility)
• Increases the risk of obesity that leads to many other health problems. (This can be controlled with diet and exercise).
• Increases the risk of orthopaedic disorders
• Increases the risk of an adverse reaction to vaccinations
• Increases the risk of cardiac haemangiosarcoma (a malignant tumour that can rupture and bleed)
Please remember, if a dog (whole or castrated) develops one of these diseases, there are other factors to be taken into consideration including genetics and environment.
BITCHES
A happy mistake.
This bitch was 10 years old when she gave birth
to these pups by two different fathers!
• Increases the risk of developing an underactive thyroid
• Increases the risk of progressive cognitive impairment in geriatric dogs (senility)
• Increases the risk of obesity that leads to many other health problems. (This can be controlled with diet and exercise).
• Increases the risk of orthopaedic disorders
• Increases the risk of an adverse reaction to vaccinations
• Increases the risk of cardiac haemangiosarcoma (a malignant tumour that can rupture and bleed)
Please remember, if a dog (whole or castrated) develops one of these diseases, there are other factors to be taken into consideration including genetics and environment.
BITCHES
A happy mistake.
This bitch was 10 years old when she gave birth
to these pups by two different fathers!
PROS
• A sound method of contraception
• If spayed before 2.5 years the incidence of mammary tumours is greatly reduced
• Bitches may become snappy when close to oestrus (being in season) due to hormone swings
• During ‘heat’ bitches bleed and make a mess in the house (some more than others)
• Nesting behaviour can occur in association with false pregnancy
• Some bitches may lactate that can lead to a risk of developing mastitis
• During oestrus females attract the unwanted attention of whole males
• Virtually eliminates all risk of pyometra, a serious and potentially fatal illness to which intact females are susceptible
• Reduces the risk of perianal fistula
• Removes the small risk of uterine, cervical and ovarian tumours developing
• If spayed before 2.5 years the incidence of mammary tumours is greatly reduced
• Bitches may become snappy when close to oestrus (being in season) due to hormone swings
• During ‘heat’ bitches bleed and make a mess in the house (some more than others)
• Nesting behaviour can occur in association with false pregnancy
• Some bitches may lactate that can lead to a risk of developing mastitis
• During oestrus females attract the unwanted attention of whole males
• Virtually eliminates all risk of pyometra, a serious and potentially fatal illness to which intact females are susceptible
• Reduces the risk of perianal fistula
• Removes the small risk of uterine, cervical and ovarian tumours developing
CONS
• Performed before the age of one year it can increase the risk of bone tumours
• Increases the risk of heart haemangiosarcoma particularly in certain breeds
• Increases the risk of underactive thyroid
• Increases the risk of obesity leading to other health problems (can be controlled with diet and exercise)
• A small percentage of bitches may become incontinent
• Increase risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis and vaginitis especially if spayed before puberty
• Increased risk of orthopaedic disorders
• Increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations
• Increases the risk of heart haemangiosarcoma particularly in certain breeds
• Increases the risk of underactive thyroid
• Increases the risk of obesity leading to other health problems (can be controlled with diet and exercise)
• A small percentage of bitches may become incontinent
• Increase risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis and vaginitis especially if spayed before puberty
• Increased risk of orthopaedic disorders
• Increased risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations
For female dogs the health benefits associated with spaying may outweigh the risks, but in either sex, many of the long-term health risks and benefits are dependant on the age and the breed of the animal and should be weighed up against the non-medical factors. For some pets neutering is the answer but it is not a case of ‘one size fits all’.
Medical References
G. England, P.Concannon, S.Schafer-Somi Editors. (2008) Reproductive biology and medicine of domestic and exotic carnivores. International Symposium on Canine and Feline Reproduction. 6th Biennial EVSSAR Congress. European Veterinary Society for Small Animal Reproduction. Reprinted in IVIS (International Veterinary Information Service) with permission of the Symposium Organisers.
| Debbie Connolly Bites Back |
| Jane Common - Getting Around With The Hound |
| Kate Bendix - Taking Itch Out Of Your Bitch |
| Subscribe to our newsletter and you'll receive regular emails keeping you up to date on our latest news, special offers and exclusive member only deals! |
