The Decision to Spay or Neuter

Puppies and kittens do grow up...

Although a lot of the information below is common knowledge, we hope it will be informative and help pet owners make an informed decision about spaying and neutering.

The broad term "neutering" refers to surgically sterilizing an animal. Sterilization of a females is more commonly referred to as "spaying". Sterilization of males is called "neutering".

Myths About Spaying and Neutering

Pets become overweight after spaying/neutering.
Females will tend to have healthier appetites due to the change in estrogen levels after spaying. Both males and females will not suffer gains in weight if they are fed appropriate amounts of the proper diet. It is important to measure out your pet's food to avoid overeating. Remember that daily exercise should still be a part of your pet's routine.

Pets become lethargic after being spayed or neutered.
While spaying and neutering may slow down your pet's metabolic rate, their metabolism is also slowing due stage of life. While they are still growing, growth rate is definitely slowing down.

Females should have at least one litter or one heat prior to spaying.
Please see below - the benefits of early spaying.

Males should father at least one litter prior to neutering.
Please see below - the benefits of early neutering.

Pet Overpopulation
As a veterinarian, I am an absolute animal lover. However, I still strongly believe in the benefits of spaying and neutering of pets. There is a serious pet overpopulation problem in our area as in many other regions. This leads to a large population of strays on our streets as well as to overcrowding of our shelters with unwanted pets. Many of these animals are "put to sleep" because homes cannot be found for them. This is not a pleasant thought but it is a reality. One trip to the local shelters will confirm that your female pet does not need to have just one litter nor does your male pet need to have "just one chance" to breed.

While almost everyone agrees that puppies and kittens are cute, it is important to remember that they do grow up. Pet ownership is a big responsibility - pets require lots of time, love, attention and yes, there is a financial responsibility that comes along with them.

Spaying
The spaying of a female cat or dog is an abdominal surgery which involves the removal of both the ovaries and uterus. To make this procedure safer, a pre-anesthetic blood test is required to ensure the patient can tolerate the anesthetic. After surgery some animals tend to be a bit sluggish for a few days but complete recovery is usually seen within a short period of time.

When to Spay
Female cats and dogs are best spayed at six months of age. It is myth that females should experience one heat cycle or have one litter before spaying. In fact the exact opposite is true.

Benefits of early spaying
We all know that neutering your pet will prevent unwanted litters. What you may not know is that neutering your pet may save them from undesirable traits and cancer.

If your pet is spayed before she ever has a "heat" there is absolutely no risk for unwanted pregnancies and her risk of mammary cancer later on in life is virtually eliminated.

It is not uncommon for pets to become unexpectedly pregnant when the unneutered
male dog roaming through the neighborhood "smells" the intact female in heat. The female actually releases a substance called pheromones which attract males from far and wide. Unfortunately, many females are successly bred on their first heat which has them giving birth as early as 9 months of age. Since these females are still very physically immature their birth canal is often too narrow to allow a natural delivery. Many of these kittens and puppies then require veterinary attention. Sometimes they need injections and assistance with birthing and other times they actually require a caesarian section. Dogs and cats are not physically mature enough for breeding until 2 years of age.

With spaying prior to the first heat, the risk of development of mammary cancer later in life is almost zero. While there is still a benefit to spaying even if your female pet has experienced her first heat, research has proven that it is the first heat cycle that is the utmost importance in this regard.

Furthermore, pyometra, an nfection of the uterus which can cause very serious illness, can be prevented by spaying at an early age. Treatment for pyometra involves surgical removal of the infected uterus along with medical treatment. There is risk of uterus rupture possibly leading to abdominal infection. The surgery is being performed on an already ill animal and is therefore higher risk than a routine spay. Pets with pyometra may vomit, have increased thirst, decreased appetite and activity. While this problem is more commonly seen in dogs, it is also observed in cats.

Castration
Male cats undergo castration, more commonly are referred to as "neutering". This procedure involves a general anaesthetic and the surgical excision of the testicles. Recovery from a neuter tends to be quite rapid, often being back to their old selves as early as the next day. Male cats and dogs are best neutered at the age of six months.

Certainly, the most common reason for neutering your pet is to prevent overpopulation. Perhaps you never thought beyond that. Neutering is also an extremely valuable tool to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Benefits of early neutering
Spraying is observed in intact male cats. This is excessive urinating or marking of urine generally on vertically placed objects - couches, curtains and walls for example. Spraying generally starts in tomcats as early as 7-9 months and once the habit starts it will often but not always stop when the tom is neutered. The answer is to neuter prior to when spraying is noted. Males that are neutered at 6 months of age rarely show this type of behavior.

Other behavioral problems often develop in intact male dogs and cats. This is due to the hormone testosterone which is produced by the testicles. Males will often show aggression towards other animals or people. A change in behavior is often noted in males at 2 to 2 ½ years of age regardless of previous personality. While neutering can help to curb this behavior, it is more effective in preventing aggressive tendencies when performed at a young age.

Many physical ailments may plague an intact male. Testicular diseases, including cancer, are eliminated as the testicles are removed during neutering. Furthermore, non-neutered males are at an increased risk for the development of prostate disease including cancer, infection and benign enlargement.

By spaying or neutering your pet, you will have a happier, healthier animal. This in turn will make your life with those special pets even more enjoyable!

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