Second Chance: Why Spay and Neuter?

28 Jul Second Chance: Why Spay and Neuter?

A lot of my well-informed clients have been asking lately about the recent research findings on early spay/neuter (S/N). They say they’ve read about studies that show delaying S/N can protect their dogs and cats from cancer. So of course this leads them to wonder if they really should get their animal S/N.  I figure the Pet Column is as good a place as any to settle that question…

Lilly

And the answer to the question is yes – get your pet S/N. Do it now, before life intervenes and suddenly you are adding to the pet overpopulation problem. Here is my reasoning:

First, while there may be some cancers that have their risk lowered by delaying S/N (and the jury is still out on this), there are also others that have their risk increased by such a delay. For instance, it’s long been accepted that S/N lowers the risk of mammary gland cancer in female dogs (second most common cancer in dogs) and testicular cancer in male dogs.

So now in the sport of full disclosure of all the existing and contradicting research that is out there here is an overview:

• Delaying spaying and neutering has recently been shown to have a protective effect in certain breeds against osteosarcoma and mast cell tumors.
• A recent study brought into question whether spaying really does lower the risk for mammary gland tumors.
• Another recent study showed that in standard poodles and some small breeds of dogs, there was no protection afforded by delaying spaying and neutering.
• Golden retrievers are believed to be protected by delaying S/N while standard poodles and terriers are not; but no one knows why…

Bottom line: this issue is far from resolved. There will be more and more studies down the road, and chances are the picture will get even murkier before it gets clearer.  So I hear you: how are good animal parents supposed to make a well informed decision?

Here is my low down on the issue – we have to look at the bigger picture and consider issues beyond the threat of cancer. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that S/N pets live significantly longer than those that are not S/N. The reasons here are threefold:

• S/N decreases infections that are common in intact animals. For example you can’t get an infected uterus (which can be more serious than cancer) if you don’t have a uterus.

• S/N decreases roaming, which decreases the chance your pet will pick up a life threatening disease (FIV/FELV).

• S/N decreases roaming, which decreases the chance of your pet being squished on the road, lost, picked up as a stray, shot for chasing wildlife or cattle, etc.
• 

  Sparrow

So if you have been waiting to S/N your pet, I recommend that you wait no longer. And don’t forget that Second Chance offers low cost S/N clinics if affordability is an issue, so give them a call to learn more.

Meanwhile, you can also always adopt a pet from Second Chance that is already S/N such as sweet Lillie who is 10-11 -months-young and very outgoing and great with other dogs. Or there is feisty and independent Sparrow, an 11- month-young adorable kitten who is ready to take on the world.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

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By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)