Neutering at 4 yrs old?

[calebmyboy]

Caleb is 4 yrs old, I am thinking of getting another dog. At this point in time, would it be beneficial to have him neutered? I have heard that he will still retain his attitude even if he is neutered at this age.I prefer another male dog. Is this a trumatic thing for him to go through at this age? Does anyone also know the statistics on health issues? What % of dogs get testicular cancer?
http://216.71.163.232/rottie/smile.gif

[LisaS]

I don't know about cancer percentages, but intact dogs can also get testicular torsions - twisting within the scrotum. As you can imagine, very painful and potentially dangerous. When my 12 year old dog went under to get a growth on his leg removed, I had him neutered at the same time (please, no mail about why I didn't do it before) - and the vet discovered he had a torsion ! Apparently his limping was not all due to the growth, just coincidental in time with the leg pain.

[JoJo]

My Tbone just turned 5 in December and I had him neutered on Feb. 11th. I don't know the percentages of cancer in male dogs, but my vet told me that if I don't intend on using him for breeding, it would be healther for him to be neutered. That's exactly what I did. And as for Tbone, he has had no problem and is just fine. I suggest you do the same for the love of your dog. Rotties seem to have enough problems without helping along another potential one. I know this is one worry I don't have to have. Good luck on your decission and let us know when you get another "baby".

[Nancy Estes]

According to information in the AKC Gazette about a year ago, neutering male dogs at just about any age can help prevent testicular cancer. This isn't the case with bitches & mammary cancer - better results with spaying prior to puberty on bitches. I've had several dogs neutered at age 4 and up and noticed no particular behavioral changes. However, none of them were dog aggressive, or people aggressive, to begin with.

Nancy

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