neutering...yay or nay?

[Becky1]

To be honest, what reason would you *want* to keep a male intact if it's not being bred?

I have a few reasons for wanting to keep him intact. I don't like the idea of him going under anesthetic, which although generally very safe still carries a slight risk. And the PDF report I linked to earlier had a number of health reasons geared towards keeping a dog intact. Also, I know you think his breeder is nuts but I do have faith in her judgment simply because of her experience.

But really I am still sitting on the fence. I appreciate all your comments here because its helping me gather all the facts. I just didn't want to make an uninformed decision and then regret it later on. I also have to take my partner's choice into consideration, which is why we're both trying to understand this big bag of snakes and lay them out straight

 

[Lightplum]

Ok I actually sat down to read the PDF you posted as I was interested in what it would say. It was pretty much what I thought. They are basing it on spay/neuters on young animals that are not done growing/developing. This has been a controversial issue over here. That young spay/neuter does more harm than waiting till they are done growing/developing. I agree that both dogs and cats should not be done till atleast 6 months of age (cats a bit earlier). As I feel it does stunt their little bodies that are growing and developing. My vet also feels the same way, pediatric spays/neuters do more harm than good but by the time they are mature it does not pose any additional risks. and actually I dont agree with their stastics posted on the PDF for mature animals being altered I think its based on pedi altering.

As far as the anesthesia concerns go the risks are VERY small as long as your dog is in good health. Mine under go anesthesia for their Hips to be OFA and for deep teeth cleanings and have never had an issue. But you are correct it is your and your partners decision to make. Good luck on what you decide.

 

[mcguiregirl2248]

I have a few reasons for wanting to keep him intact. I don't like the idea of him going under anesthetic, which although generally very safe still carries a slight risk.

You are right that there are risks but if you talk with your vet, you will find that they will perform blood tests before the anesthetic to ensure that there will not be problems. Most problems occur when people do not have the bloodwork done. I hope that helps a little. Also, what Lightplum said about waiting until they are older is also a good point. I know that a few people on the forum have waited until their pups were at least 8 months or older in order to not affect their growth. Good luck in making this choice for your pup!

 

[Becky1]

Thanks for your support! You have eased my mind on the anesthesia. I had heard you could get tests done to make extra sure there's no reaction, which makes me feel a lot better about it.

A funny thing happened after contacting Howard's breeder, I make a casual comment about wanting to get another Sheltie one day... and then she offered me Howard's brother! Well, we couldn't say no could we?!

The new chap... Piper... was intended as show dog but that's not working out. He's 9 months now. Feels like fate has put a 2nd Sheltie in my lap!!

 

[Lightplum]

Congrats on the new addition!! We will need to see pics that is a must!

Also with adding 2 unaltered males the same age that should pretty much seal the deal with getting them neutered as they will be a handful...Im sure Barb can attest to that as she just had her 2 done not that long ago!

 

[Smudge]

There was a big news story on the front page of our local paper. The adoption rate for our shelter has dropped 50% in the last year, and there are so many animals at the shelter that for the last two weeks they've had to put down every animal that comes in, because they don't have the room for them. Our shelter kills a little over 100 animals on a normal week, because they can't find homes for them. Not as many people are adopting, and more animals are getting killed because of it. They don't even get a chance to find a nice home, because they are being killed as soon as they make it through the door.

So I vote neuter. I'm going to get Smudge fixed as soon as he is a year old.

 

[BarbV]

Congrats on the new addition!! We will need to see pics that is a must!

Also with adding 2 unaltered males the same age that should pretty much seal the deal with getting them neutered as they will be a handful...Im sure Barb can attest to that as she just had her 2 done not that long ago!

Oh yes, two 10 month old intact males and an 18 year old son. Far too much testosterone in my house!

It was a no brainer! And Bacca was cryptoid and it was still a slam dunk!

Good luck!

 

[Caro]

The new chap... Piper... was intended as show dog but that's not working out. He's 9 months now. Feels like fate has put a 2nd Sheltie in my lap!!

Fantastic news. Two adolescent boys in the house though - youre in for some fun! I am still hoping fate will drop a third sheltie in my lap!!

 

[valensage]

To Cut or Not to Cut !

Theresa and I had Sage Neutered at the advice of the Vet. That advice was taken (by my ignorance) as the Vet assured it was the proper thing to do! (???) And, little Buggs had only one dropped testicle so that was a no-brainer. However, I can say that with our next male baby, I will not infringe on the dog's natural makeup. So, leaving that dog intact (when the time comes) and providing there are no obvious related health issues will make me feel a whole lot better about myself. I feel so guilty sometimes when I think about Sage and how I, who was in control of Sage's future imposed that (knife) one him. Some say its (neutering, spaying) is all proper, but I will have to think and pray a long time before I make that decision again.

 

[graydawntreader]

I don't remember whether I already posted this or not, but while I am completely for neutering, I respect those who decide not to because there are some valid reason for not neutering. And if they are doing it for safety reasons rather than selfish ones, that makes me respect it all the better.
Though I have yet to look into them, there are some studies that claim that more health problems will be increased than decreased after a neutering. Worth looking into, no?

That said, I personally would not buy from any breeder who didn't have a spay/neuter contract generally.