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| Neutering - Spaying and Castration |
In
female dogs, spaying will of course stop unwanted pregnancies but
is also carried out for a number of other reasons such as cases
where phantom pregnancies
are a problem for the bitch. Intact (non-spayed) bitches also seem
to be at increased risk of cancers and infections. An intact bitch
who is not mated has been shown to carry an increased risk of pyometra
(uterine infection) with each season she experiences. Other research
has looked at reported increased risks of mammary tumours in intact
females.
In male dogs, neutering is most often performed for fertility reasons
and also to decrease certain unwanted behaviours.
While some vets spay and castrate dogs as a matter of course, others
believe each case should be judged on its own merits. Looking at
the various pros and cons of neutering can help an owner decide
what is best for their dog. Many believe that neutering should only
be done for medical or social reasons and is not a procedure that
should be carried out for reasons of convenience to humans.
Pros of Neutering
- Eliminates risk of pyometra in females (pus-filled infected uterus).
- Believed to decrease the risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer)
in females.
- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterine
cancer in females.
- Stops unwanted pregnancies.
- Stops phantom pregnancies.
- Can improve a bitch’s mood if they are prone to depression
during their cycle.
- Can decrease behaviours in males such as hypersexuality, roaming
and dominant or aggressive behaviours. Such behaviours include relentlessly
seeking bitches, humping, leg cocking indoors, aggression shown
to other males.
- Can make dogs calmer and more obedient.
- Future problems with additional dogs or even children are lessened.
Cons of Neutering
- Can affect the coat, making it thick and heavy.
- Can affect the dog’s weight, making them more prone to weight
gain.
- Females may be more at risk of metabolic and hormonal conditions
such as diabetes and Cushing’s disease.
- Research shows that neutering may predispose males to cruciate
ligament rupture. Females may also be more prone to joint and ligament
problems.
- Neutering has been associated with possible incontinence later
in life or even immediately following the surgery, but there are
a number of effective treatments available. Research seems to suggest
that in females, incontinence can largely be avoided if the bitch
is spayed after her first season but also suggests that spaying
before the first season reduces the risk of breast cancers.
- Other dogs can be confused by a neutered male. The neutered male
may be constantly mounted and picked on by other males.
- In some cases, aggression can actually be made worse.
What
Does Neutering Involve?
Neutering is done under general anaesthetic. With a dog, the
testicles are removed and the dog is generally home the same
day. Spaying a female is more invasive and is a significant
operation. It is more painful than male castration and carries
slightly higher risks due to a longer time required under
anaesthetic. The female’s ovaries and uterus are removed
and the dog may be kept in over night for observation. |
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Although surgery and general anaesthetic always involves some risk,
the procedure is generally considered to be routine. This is always
worth discussing with your vet though, so the vet can take your
own dog's age and health into account.
When To Neuter?
With
females it is often thought that the best time to spay is at 9-12
months old, mid way between their first season and the next. Mid-cycle
is preferable because the uterus has minimal blood supply at this
time (less risk of haemorrhage) and hormone levels are low (less
risk of hormonal disturbances). However, as the risk of problems
increases with each season, some believe the female should be neutered
before her first season. The younger and fitter the bitch the easier
the operation will be. In males, castration is usually performed
at around 6-9 months old. |
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D for Dog www.dfordog.co.uk |
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