[petes67bird]

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NEUTERING MALE AND FEMALE DOGS


There is some confusion in the minds of the public today regarding recommendations for neutering. In the bitch, or female dog, it is true that there is a genuine statistical advantage for bitches spayed before they come in heat for the first time, as regards the possibility of developing mammary cancer later in life.

While the breeder doesn't often see mammary cancer in their older bitches which remain un-spayed, this may be a reflection of a protective effect from nursing puppies. Certainly not all intact bitches develop mammary cancer. Certainly all bitches spayed before 6 months of age are not protected from getting mammary cancer. But there is a statistically significant advantage to this procedure in bitches which are not part of a breeding program.

The situation in dogs (male dogs), is not equivalent. It is no longer medically justifiable to castrate dogs for prevention of cancer. The overwhelming mass of data to the contrary can no longer be ignored, and publications are out there so that no veterinarian can use the excuse of ignorance. Castration predisposes to highly malignant prostatic cancer. Nearly all dogs afflicted with this nasty tumor are neutered individuals. Testicular cancers are very rare and almost always benign. Perianal adenoma can be treated by castration if and when it arises. It too is benign although messy.

I have always held that male-to-male dog-to-dog aggression is the only justification for castration. Many owners wish to castrate their male puppies thinking that all sorts of behavioral problems will be solved. Such as roaming. Most of these behaviors can only be altered by husbandry and training. Others are convinced that by castrating their dog, they will be doing the right thing regarding 'population control' - the fact is, males do not have puppies, females do. Castration is the search for the "quick fix" for people who don't wish to invest the time and effort necessary to care for their dogs properly. And, it may help; if not, the obesity which develops may achieve the desired effect.

With large breeds, early castration often results in an animal with an insufficient breadth of chest for orthopedic health. Seeing the number of giant breeds that I do, I am very aware of the tragic effects of castration on young males. The narrow chests which result are inadequate to support the weight that so many neutered animals, male or female, put on. These dogs then have to develop a 'toe-out' stance, with valgus deformity of the carpus, in an attempt to broaden their base for weight bearing. Once you've seen the harm caused by this practice in person, you quickly change that 'knee-jerk' reaction so often seen, of 'neuter everything that breathes'. If you do choose to castrate your male dog, by all means wait until he is at least one year old for small to medium size breeds, or at least 2 years old for giant breeds.