Pet Health Subject of the Day - To Spay or Not to Spay? That is the Question

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Sept. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- There is no doubt that ovariohysterectomy (spay) or castration is both easier to perform on younger pets and they recover more quickly with fewer complications.

There are many advantages of early spay or neuter (around 6 months). Reduction or prevention of behavior problems in male dogs like territorial marking, aggression or wandering is widely recognized.  Some lesser known positives are prevention of testicular cancer or prostate problems like benign hyperplasia or infection.

Here is an example I recently read about. A dog was brought into the veterinarian office because he was experiencing blood in his stool.  He had a hernia in his perianal area that was causing stool to back up causing constipation.  On further exam his prostrate was huge causing chronic straining to go to the bathroom.  This straining weakened the muscles around his anus causing a major roadblock.  His owners had no idea that if he was neutered previously this problem was completely preventable. Fortunately, a surgeon was able to surgically repair the hernia and at the same time he was castrated.  So within two weeks his prostrate was much smaller and he could pass stool normally.

Ovariohysterectomy has probably been even more common than neuter for most pet owners because of the inconvenience and mess of the heat cycles. Twice yearly an unaltered female goes into heat and bleeds vaginally for about 3 weeks.  And, it can be difficult to keep every intact male dog in the area away during this time.  It can be a very stressful time for everyone concerned, so spaying at 6 months before the first heat is common.

Other advantages to spaying are the prevention of mammary cancer, uterine infection (pyometra), false pregnancy and other genital cancers.

Historically, the veterinary profession has recommended early spay as it is easier in many ways.  It has been discussed for many years that after neutering the pet’s metabolism may slow, so reduced feeding and exercise are important to maintain healthy weight.

Recent reports have shown that there may be significant disadvantages to early spay or neuter.  The negatives have to do with premature closure of the growth plates that can lead to hip dysplasia or cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

The most important lesson is that each animal and each family is different. What makes the most sense in one situation does not mean it is right for another.  Hopefully in the future there will be studies starting from spay/neuter going forward on many breeds and sizes of dogs so that veterinary professionals will always know what is best for your pet.

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