Spay/Neuter

Preventing unwanted puppies and kittens is
reason enough to have pets spayed or
neutered, but there are some other compelling
reasons related to your pet's medical health.

Ovariohysterectomy is the medical term
describing the surgery commonly referred to as
a spay. This major abdominal surgery involves
removing the bulk of the reproductive tract
including the uterus and ovaries. This prevents
development of certain diseases of the
reproductive tract, such as cancer of the uterus
and ovaries. Spaying prevents the
development of a life-threatening infection of
the reproductive tract called pyometra. Also,
animals which are spayed early in life are
much less likely to develop mammary cancer
than intact animals. Unspayed dogs have a
greater than one in four (26%) chance of
developing mammary cancer. If an animal is
spayed prior to its first heat, that percentage
drops to less than one (0.5%) percent! This is
perhaps the most compelling reason to have
female animals spayed early. If mammary
cancer is diagnosed in an intact animal, it is
sometimes beneficial to spay the animal
because estrogen produced by the ovary may
enhance growth and spread of mammary
tumors. Ovariohysterectomy is sometimes
indicated in diabetic animals to decrease
hormonal fluctuations which may alter
effectiveness of insulin therapy.

Orchiectomy is the medical term describing
castration. Castration involves removal of the
testes, and thus eliminates the possibility of
testicular tumors later in life. Castration at an
early age also decreases the likelihood of
aggression toward other male dogs and
decreases the urge to roam. Male dogs and
cats are usually neutered at or before sexual
maturity to avoid potential behavioral problems
such as marking and spraying. Neutering also
removes the source of hormones which result
in enlargement of the prostate and some types
of tumors.

The medical disadvantages of having your pet
spayed or neutered are few. Spayed and
neutered pets are more likely to have difficulty
maintaining a normal weight if fed a free-choice
diet, but this can be easily controlled by
feeding a calorie-restricted diet. Occasionally,
older females which were spayed at an early
age will show signs of urinary incontinence,
which is usually responsive to medications.

The medical benefits of spaying and neutering
strongly outweigh the drawbacks. However, it
is important to weigh the benefits and risks of
any medical or surgical procedure, be it for
your pet or yourself. If you have any further
questions about spaying and neutering,
contact your local veterinarian.