neutering...yay or nay?

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.
 
I personally would prefer not to, but best of all I would like it if I had the option of leaving the ovaries in in females and performing a vasectomy in the males, therefore leaving the testicles in. I know, people say that they can get testicular and ovarian cancer then. I don't prescribe to that logic, just like I wouldn't with humans - otherwise we would be amputating everything and removing organs left and right. The ovaries and testicles produce hormones that the animal needs, otherwise, God would not have made them. In women, if you get a complete hysterectomy, you get put on replacement hormones, because we need those hormones, so why would it be different in dogs? Now, I know that most dogs live a very long and healthy life being neutered and spayed, so please do not take offence or get defensive. Both of my males are/were neutered. Maia, is not spayed. I am not sure if I will or not. I might ask around to see if I can find a vet that will leave the ovaries in, once she is finished being shown.
 
Ania said:
I know, people say that they can get testicular and ovarian cancer then. I don't prescribe to that logic, just like I wouldn't with humans - otherwise we would be amputating everything and removing organs left and right. The ovaries and testicles produce hormones that the animal needs, otherwise, God would not have made them. In women, if you get a complete hysterectomy, you get put on replacement hormones, because we need those hormones, so why would it be different in dogs?
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There are some human blokes I know that could do without the testosterone tho! But I do agree for bitches a uterine hysterectomy would be better - dont know why they need to take the ovaries too. In human women HRT has been found to cause breast cancer so I wouldnt want to put my dogs on it.
 
Oh I wouldn't supplement with HRT either, I would try and replace in naturally. That is partly why I am trying to find a supplier of reproductive organs that I can feed my dogs, especially Chinook, who is neutered. (he was cryptocyroid)
 
Neutering is fairly safe. I agree with Lightplum, in that their statements are dealing with early spay/neuters, and that there are not really the same risks associated with spay/neuter of an older dog.
You may also consider that there are higher risks also associated with keeping a dog intact... different types of cancers. Are these of no concern?
To those who would rather allow their dogs to stay intact... you may run into trouble with that.. here in the US at the very least. Most reputable show breeders are not going to allow you to take one of their puppies without a spay/neuter contract.
 
Getting our dogs neutered today

Well this was just about the toughest decision I've ever had to make.... But I have just dropped Howard and Piper at the vets to get neutered.

The thing that did it was the long term health benefits - if I can spare them from testicular cancer or other problems in later life then it is worth it. I'm also concerned about preventing them fighting with other males. Howard already had one clash with a big fighting dog and I cannot let that happen again. For me, the ethical debate is still there - what right do I have to sterilize these creatures? I can only argue that its my responsibility to keep them safe and have the happiest life possible. Part of me obviously still feels very weird about this though.

The catalyst was a change in their behavior after we came back from overseas - something is definitely changing as they get older (both are 11-12 months). They often love to play fight but sometimes, especially around food, they are growling and attacking each other and I have to separate them. Also Howard tried to attack a puppy on his walk the other day - completely unprovoked, it really upset me to see him do that. The other behavioral benefits (barking / marking less) are a bonus but I couldn't justify on this basis alone. It had to come down to the health and safety of the boys. I REALLY hope we have done the right thing. I'll report back here with any changes, hopefully for the better.
 
I'm glad that you went ahead and are doing this for your boys. In addition to the health benefits of having less chance for cancers, you may end up better behaved boys! Pierre would molest Chance (about his size, so the mounting was no issue) routinely through the day. He also would have to spot at least 5 different places on our walks. Since he had been neutered, I've noticed great improvements in all of those areas. He is also a bit more relaxed (but is slightly more protective of people entering our home). He was altered at 11 months old and the office noted that he was old for it! I was quite surprised. If I can spare Duncan from excess pain/suffering, I will be neutering him earlier (6-7 months).

They may be a bit tired at first, but after everything wears off, you'll have to hold them back! Keep a good eye on the areas, too, as they could swell. I remember when I took Pierre home, they told me all of that, but I was s intent on my pitiful little doggie that I hardly heard it.
 
Good luck Becky. I'm sure they will pull through great and be back to your bouncy boys in no time. It does take about 4-6 weeks for the testosterone to work its way out of their system so I hope they don't get too ansy with each other when they get home. That's a good idea getting them done at the same time.
 
Becky1 said:
Well this was just about the toughest decision I've ever had to make.... But I have just dropped Howard and Piper at the vets to get neutered.

The thing that did it was the long term health benefits - if I can spare them from testicular cancer or other problems in later life then it is worth it. I'm also concerned about preventing them fighting with other males. Howard already had one clash with a big fighting dog and I cannot let that happen again. For me, the ethical debate is still there - what right do I have to sterilize these creatures? I can only argue that its my responsibility to keep them safe and have the happiest life possible. Part of me obviously still feels very weird about this though.

The catalyst was a change in their behavior after we came back from overseas - something is definitely changing as they get older (both are 11-12 months). They often love to play fight but sometimes, especially around food, they are growling and attacking each other and I have to separate them. Also Howard tried to attack a puppy on his walk the other day - completely unprovoked, it really upset me to see him do that. The other behavioral benefits (barking / marking less) are a bonus but I couldn't justify on this basis alone. It had to come down to the health and safety of the boys. I REALLY hope we have done the right thing. I'll report back here with any changes, hopefully for the better.
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I hate to break it to you....I had my two boys neutered at at 11 months. I thought the testorene level would decrease significantly and would solve all the problems and it did for a while. But now they've found an even better territory to fight over....food! When you have more than one pup, just like kids, you'll always have competition.

The neuter will not necessarily take that away. But it will help some. I'm working with my boys to deal with the food issue, and right now, the two of them are curled up side by side, next to me. So all is not lost.
 
Becky1 said:
For me, the ethical debate is still there - what right do I have to sterilize these creatures? I can only argue that its my responsibility to keep them safe and have the happiest life possible. Part of me obviously still feels very weird about this though.
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I do understand why some people don't fix their dogs. Some people breed their dogs (as long as you test your dogs this is fine with me), and I'm not sure if show dogs are allowed to be fixed or not (I really know nothing about it). My dog looked perfectly fine. Then overnight his eye exploded with mange. It's not just cancer you are saving your dog from when you get them fixed. You may be saving somebody else the heartache of hearing their dog scream in pain because the vet has to slice a chunk of their eye off WHILE THEY ARE STILL AWAKE. Some people who don't get their dogs fixed don't intend to breed them, but this does not stop stray dogs from coming into your yard. It only takes a moment.

Just my two cents. You did the right thing by getting them fixed. :yes: Don't let anybody else tell you otherwise. :smile2:
 
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