Why Spaying, Neutering is Right for Your Pet

A spay, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure involving removal of the reproductive organs, namely the ovaries and uterus, of a female mammal. The procedure is important to do to reduce the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, if performed before the second heat, prevent pregnancy, and eliminate the risk of pyometra (a life-threatening infection of the uterus) – all of which I have seen occur in intact (unspayed) females in practice over the past 17 years. The maladies that result from not spaying can be very costly to treat and unpleasant for the patient involved. In female dogs who develop mammary cancer, 50% of the time these tumors are malignant. In intact female cats who develop mammary cancer, 90% of the cases are malignant tumors. Pyometra can be fatal if not addressed promptly, as harmful toxins released by the bacteria in the uterus can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis if the surgery is not performed quickly enough.

A neuter, or castration, is a surgical procedure involving removal of the testicles of a male mammal. This surgery helps prevent prostate enlargement and can reduce problematic male behaviors such as humping in intact (unneutered) male dogs, urine spraying in intact male tomcats, as well as roaming and fighting in both species. Neutered males are more content staying at home rather than roaming in search of a mate, which can often be a dangerous and even fatal undertaking if they are hit by a car in the process.

In addition to providing health benefits to the individual animal, sterilization surgeries help prevent overpopulation of dogs, cats and rabbits, which overwhelm our national shelter system. Currently, there are approximately three to four million healthy, adoptable dogs and cats who are killed in shelters nationwide because there are not enough homes for them all. By spaying and neutering and adopting from shelters, we can greatly reduce this number and allow other animals to find the homes they deserve.

Shelters often have wonderful mixed breed dogs up for adoption, some of whom are healthier than dogs one might purchase from a breeder because of the fact that they are not as genetically inbred as purebred dogs. Certain purebreds have predispositions for various health problems that can lead to expensive vet bills. For example, brachycephalic (“short face” in Latin) breeds such as bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs that have been bred to have shorter noses are more susceptible to overheating because of their abnormally short airways and elongated soft palate and are also more likely to suffer complications from anesthesia. The healthiest dogs are dolichocephalic, meaning they have long snouts, resembling a coyote. For larger breed dogs, waiting until the dog reaches maturity (which can take two years in some giant breeds such as Bernese Mountain dogs) to do the sterilization surgery, is advisable to prevent bone growth abnormalities and consequent arthritis.

In summary, spaying or neutering your furry friend is the responsible thing to do and will make for a longer, overall healthier life for your pet. QCBN

By Armaiti May

Armaiti May, DVM is an integrative housecall veterinarian for dogs and cats practicing in the Quad Cities area. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in bioresource sciences from UC Berkeley in 2001. After graduating from University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, Dr. May worked at an emergency dog and cat hospital and then trained in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She also founded a non-profit organization called the Veterinary Association for the Protection of Animals, to provide education about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.