Neutering Information nsite.com



16046452730500Neutering InformationWhy do we do it?Desexing (neutering) involves removal of the reproductive organs in males and females. It is undertaken to primarily prevent unwanted pregnancies and subsequent overpopulation. However, there are several other benefits to neutering your pet. These benefits include:Decreased incidence of some tumoursMammary cancer – risk is <0.5% in bitches spayed before puberty, 8% risk when spayed after 1 season and 26% when spayed after 2 seasons.No uterine, ovarian or testicular cancer.Eliminates fatal uterine infections (pyometra).Prevent bitches coming on heat and associated behaviours.Decreases roaming (both males and females)Prevents heat behaviours and vaginal spotting.BehaviouralReduces spraying, marking or humping.Can reduces some aggressive behaviours.Possible side effects?As with all procedures there are benefits and possible side effects that need to be weighed up.ObesityRemoval of reproductive organs is the single largest risk factor for the development of obesity. This occurs as a result of increased appetite and decreased metabolic rate.Your pet’s weight is completely controllable by diet - it is important to remember that all guide dogs are neutered and are kept at an appropriate weight. However up to 68% of dogs are obese and these numbers do not seem to be changing so it is something to keep in mind.Urinary incontinence and bladder stonesHormonally dependant urinary incontinence occurs at a rate of 5-30% in desexed animals, with those desexed before 5 months being more likely to develop incontinence. The research has also found that the rate of kidney & bladder stones is three times higher in desexed animals.Endocrine (hormonal) diseasesNeutering increases the risk of some endocrine disease. For example, the risk of diabetes doubles with neutering as it is influenced by obesity. There is also a 30% increase in the risk of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).Muscular and skeletal considerationsResearch has found that neutering before puberty delays growth plate closure and results in lengthening of long bones (e.g. femur). This has important considerations for disease processes like hip dysplasia. While hip dysplasia is a disease process with many factors that contribute (e.g. diet, genetic factors), the literature suggests hip dysplasia is seen up to twice as often in desexed dogs. Similarly, cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament rupture is a multi-factorial degenerative disease in the knee which we commonly see in middle aged and older dogs. While there are many factors that increase the likelihood of ligament rupture, as with hip dysplasia, the delayed growth plate closure has been linked to changes to the shape and angles of the knee. This puts more pressure on the cranial cruciate ligament. Research suggests that the incidence of cranial cruciate disease is doubled in the desexed pet population compared to entire dogs.BehaviouralAs with many of the diseases discussed above, your pet’s behaviour is influenced by a range of factors. There is increasing evidence that neutering may exacerbate fear aggression, and increase the expression of noise phobias, separation anxiety and submissive urination.Our recommendationsNeutering is an individual discussion between owners and their veterinarian, as every circumstance is different. For example, the recommendations for when to neuter will change depending on breed, number of pets at home, security of the yard, etc.Our general recommendations are:We still prefer desexing overall as it does decrease unwanted pregnancies, cancers and potentially fatal uterine infections.Desexing after puberty is preferable in dogs as there is evidence to show that it does decrease the risk of cranial cruciate rupture and possibly hip dysplasia as well as urinary incontinence.It is unlikely that the other conditions listed above are affected long term when comparing neutering before or after puberty.However, owners must consider that desexing after puberty means that you will have to monitor your animals more closely to prevent unwanted pregnancies.What about cats? The consensus in the research suggests cats do not appear to have the same number of side effects and are much more reproductively productive breeders. They also have more challenging reproductive behaviours (spraying, calling) which makes neutering more appealing. When to neuter your pet (general recommendations):Our general recommendations are as follows:Cats male and femaleWe recommend neutering at 5-6 months of age to allow majority of growth, while preventing unwanted pregnancies and minimising mammary tumours (which is more severe in cats).Small to medium breed dogs.We recommend neutering between 6 months and 1 year of age. At this age, the dog’s growth plates are effectively closed and there is a lower risk of orthopaedic conditions.Medium to large breed dogsWe recommend neutering between 1 to 2 years (the larger the dog, the later the procedure – e.g. Great Dane 2yrs, Labrador 1-1.5yrs)Males can possibly be left longer as mammary tumours are very rare in males.Female dogs require a discussion about the risk of orthopaedic disease vs reproductive diseases. Our general recommendation is desexing after 1 year of age.Watch this spaceBroad recommendations may change as more research comes to hand. In the future, desexing may take the form of vasectomies and hysterectomies (leaving the ovaries in bitches). Similarly, other neutering methods such as chemical castration may be used more commonly.However, as with anything, we will never be able to apply a blanket rule to neutering. Individual circumstance will always play a significant role in the decision of when and if you decide to desex your pet. We hope this document gives you the information to make an informed decision, and our veterinarians are always happy to discuss the pros and cons of neutering of your pet.Making a genuine difference by strengthening the human animal bond. ................
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