Health Issues

Why Spay and Neuter?

By Dr Rachael Ramesar

What do "spay" and "neuter" really mean? Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Most animals can go home in the evening following surgery, and are back to normal within 3-4 days of surgery. If skin sutures or staples are used, they must be removed in 7-10 days. The best time for spaying or neutering is at four to six months, but there are advantages to the procedure any time.

Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.

	Medical Conditions	Cancer	Behavioral
Female Dogs	*Pyometra, false pregnancy, Transmissible Venereal Tumors**	Ovarian, uterine, breast cancer	Decreased aggression, attracts male dogs, bleeding
Female Cats	*Pyometra, false pregnancy, Feline Leukemia, Feline Aids**	Ovarian, uterine, breast cancer	In heat behavior: screaming, rubbing on things, wandering
Male Dogs	Prostate infection, Transmissible Venereal Tumors	Testicular, prostate cancer	Marking territory, wandering, fighting, aggression
Male Cats	Prostate infections, Feline Leukemia, Feline Aids	Testicular, prostate cancer	SPRAYING!!! Wandering, fighting, aggression

*PYOMETRA is an emergency situation where the animal’s uterus fills with pus and requires emergency surgery. It is very common in older, unspayed female animals.

Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
Spaying and neutering prevents unnecessary litters. Over 2 million healthy animals are euthanized each year because of irresponsible breeding.

MYTHS

1) My pet's personality will change.

Any change will be for the better. After being altered, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs or cats, have a better personality, and will be less likely to wander.

2) We can sell puppies or kittens and make money.

Even well-known breeders are fortunate if they break even on raising purebred litters. The cost of raising such a litter -- which includes stud fees, vaccinations and other health care costs consumes most of the "profit."

3) My pet will get fat and lazy.

Neutering or spaying may diminish your pet's overall activity level, natural tendency to wander, and hormonal balances, which may influence appetite. Pets that become fat and lazy after being altered usually are overfed and do not get enough exercise.

Spaying and neutering carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It's a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.

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