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WHY SHOULD WE NEUTER OR SPAY OUR PETS?
Actually few people know most of the facts surrounding the benefits of sterilizing their pets. Perhaps this article can help you make an informed decision on this matter.
The term “spay” is used commonly in reference to sterilizing the female gender. In surgical terms, we do a complete ovario-hysterectomy ---a removal of the reproductive unit consisting of the two ovaries, two uterine horns and uterine body. This renders the pet unable to reproduce ie, go into “heat” and get pregnant. Briefly, the operation entails a pre-operative physical, pre-operative blood analysis, intravenous fluid therapy, anesthesia, abdominal surgical intervention, post–op recovery, pain management, and minimal home care. Recovery time is usually considered optimum at time of suture removal in 10 days.
The term “neuter” is commonly used in reference to the sterilization of the male gender. In surgical terms it is called a castration or orchiectomy ie, a removal of one or both of the male reproductive organs (testes). This renders the pet sterile and unable to reproduce. Briefly, the operation entails a pre-operative physical, pre-operative blood analysis, intravenous fluid therapy, anesthesia, prescrotal surgical intervention, post–op recovery, pain management, and minimal home care. Recovery time is usually considered optimum at time of suture removal in 10 days.
The benefits of spaying your female pet include:
1. Elimination of unwanted pregnancies.
Being a responsible pet owner by helping curb the rapid
pet-over-population problem that is occurring in the El Paso
Community is encouraged. Over 60 dogs and cats (approx
25,000 per year) are being euthanized daily in our
community. These numbers will decrease if community
minded people, like you, will do their part by sterilizing their
pets.
2. Reduction of incidence of breast cancer (dogs)
Breast cancer in dogs has been linked with the estrogen
hormone. Spaying at an early age can eliminate or greatly
reduce the risk of breast cancer in your dog.
3. Elimination of future reproductive disease
About 15-20% of female unspayed dogs will have
reproductive complications (ie.uterine infections) that
require them to be spayed at an older and less vital time
of their life. Sadly, many reproductive infections can simmer
for months before being detected, which can lead to
multiple organ damage and a shortened life span.
4. No More Heat Cycles
Dogs going into heat (a 21 day cycle) tend to be messy
since the female has a blood tinged discharge for 7-9 days
initially. As the female progresses into full estrus, the odors
of heat (pheromones) signal unwanted male intruders to
your surroundings. Some females can get so anxious to
breed they will seek out male companionship at all costs
(jumping the fence etc). The female/male interactions
bring the risk of an unwanted pregnancy, possible fight
wounds that have to be addressed medically or surgically,
and un-welcomed exposure to disease and parasites.
The benefits of neutering your male pet include:
1. Elimination of unwanted pregnancies.
The saying “It takes two to tango” refers to the fact that males
are equally to blame for the alarming pet-over-population
problem in this community. We must all take measure of the
problem and do our part in resolving the tragic killing of
unwanted dogs and cats.
2. There are behavioral benefits to neutering both dogs and
cats.
a. Dogs
1) Reduction of certain types of aggression.
It is well documented that male dogs are less
aggressive towards each other when they have
been neutered. Also, records show that a higher
percentage of the bite wounds inflicted on public
citizens are from non-neutered (more aggressive)
dogs.
2) Reduction of territorial marking
Along with puberty comes the instinctive desire to
mark territory which includes household furniture
etc. Neutering lessens this behavioral tendency.
3) Reduction of sexual urges and roaming behavior
Sexual behaviors like leg humping, masturbation,
and roaming to seek female companionship are
eliminated to a large extent when a dog is neutered
as a young dog.
Note: Neutering does NOT cause a change in personality,
guarding instincts, intelligence, playfulness and
affection.
b. Cats
1) Keeps the male cat closer to home
Non-neutered cats tend to roam over a large territory
which puts them into contact socially with other
cats. This promotes unnecessary breeding,
spread of disease (feline leukemia etc), possible
altercations requiring veterinary attention, and loss
of life due to trauma (hit by car / attack by dog).
2) Reduces territorial marking (inappropriate
urination) behavior in the household.
Non-neutered (“Tom”) cats instinctively mark vertical
objects as a means of establishing territorial
boundaries in their environment. Neutered cats are
less likely to appropriate this behavior, unless
stimulated to do so by the presence of a high
population of cats in the household or
neighborhood.
3. There are medical benefits to neutering both dogs
and cats
a. Dogs
1) The hormone testosterone produced by the
testicle can promote several problems in non-
neutered dogs as they age.
* Benign hyperplasia of the prostate
Similar to the human side this is a benign
enlargement of the prostate that results in urine
flow problems.
* Perineal hernia
Testosterone hormone tends to cause weakness
of the levator ani muscle (pelvic wall) reducing
normal displacement of feces from the rectum out
of the anus. This problem has to surgically
repaired.
* Peri-anal adenoma (tumor) development
These are benign tumors that develop
secondary to male hormone stimulation and grow
in and around the anus. They tend to break
open and bleed and usually have to be surgically
removed.
* Rectal tissue hyperplasia and fistula formation.
Over time non-neutered dogs develop very thick
tissue around the rectum/anus which develops
fissure cracks that harbor infection and
inflammation. This problem is medically treated
but can be a long term challenge.
* Testicular cancer
Note: Neutered male dogs rarely develop these problems when neutered early in their life!
b. Cats
1) The medical benefits for cats stem from the fact that
the neutered cat remains closer to home and has
fewer environmental and social interactions reducing
the risk of disease and trauma.
Dispelling some myths:
1. Dogs and cats that have a litter are better pets.
Having puppies and kittens is probably the hardest stress that
a dog or cat can endure. The real fact is that the mother is
exhausted and somewhat debilitated after having a litter and
nursing them for 4-6 weeks. Most mothers are glad to see
their progeny adopted away from the household so they can
get back to their normal surroundings stress free.
2. My pet’s personality will change
Again this is simply not so. The personality that you have so
much adored from the beginning of your relationship with your
pet is the same personality that will endure post spay or
neuter. Male dogs actually have a personality change when
they become more mature, so the personality you enjoyed
while they were young is the personality you will keep if you
neuter or spay at a young age (4-6 months).
3. My pet will become fat and lazy.
A sterilized pet does require less calories for energy
conversions but we do not recommend any diet adjustments
until your pet is mature (full grown). Consulting with
your veterinarian about your pet’s body score and diet is
always advisable before your make any diet changes. As it is
in the human world, weight gain is connected primarily
to over eating, so adjustment of calorie intake is the
appropriate measure when desiring weight loss.
4. I’ll find a good home for the puppies or kittens!
It is estimated that 50% of the puppies and kittens given away or
sold to new homes will be sadly euthanized within 2-3 years of
acquisition.
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