Date: 10/25/2008 12:25:43 AM
Author: NewEnglandLady
What breed of dog?
I am anti-neutering. In the Newfoundland breed neutering, particularly early neutering (at or before 6 months of age) has led to an increase in bone cancer and cruciate tears. We waited until Byron''s growth plates had closed (the testosterone is what closes these) in order to reduce his chances of bone cancer.
I know that for me, this is where having a really great relationship with your breeder comes into play. We spoke with the breeders that we respected the most about this issue and they were overwhelmingly for late/no neutering.The bottom line was that the chances of a dog getting testicular chances are much lower than a dog getting bone cancer due to pre-mature neutering and obviously we want to do what is healthiest. In general, I think people lean on neutering as a way to better control a dog''s behavior (because it takes more commitment to own an in-tact dog), even if it''s not what is best for the dog.
Thanks to everyone: as to your question I am thinking a mixed breed the ones you get from the shelter that must be spayed/neutered before they can be adopted out.So one has no choice of speaking to a breeder or in fact even making a decision on when to have it done.
I think it''s critical to try to find studies for your breed specifically because the results are different. Each breed club conducts its own studies--we recently sent in DNA for the study to better understand to what degree neutering has on cruciate tears in the Newfoundland breed. I know other breeds have done studies on the effects of early neutering.
I don''t have nearly as much insight for females--I do know that previously vets would recommend spaying after 6 months, but before the first cycle. It seems that now more of the responsible breeders (and some vets) are pushing to wait until after the first cycle as spaying before the first cycle could lead to problems such as a recessed vulva and hyperthyroidism.
I think it''s great that you are exploring this--I know we must have spent at least a year talking to many breeders, vets and hollistic pet-food store owners about the spay/neuter issue. It''s definitely not as easy of a decision as I initially thought.
Right, dogs from the shelter cannot be released without being spayed/neutered, so if you adopt the choice is made for you. They don''t want the dogs falling into the hands of a back yard breeder.Date: 10/25/2008 12:34:38 AM
Author: scarleta
Date: 10/25/2008 12:25:43 AM
Author: NewEnglandLady
What breed of dog?
I am anti-neutering. In the Newfoundland breed neutering, particularly early neutering (at or before 6 months of age) has led to an increase in bone cancer and cruciate tears. We waited until Byron''s growth plates had closed (the testosterone is what closes these) in order to reduce his chances of bone cancer.
I know that for me, this is where having a really great relationship with your breeder comes into play. We spoke with the breeders that we respected the most about this issue and they were overwhelmingly for late/no neutering.The bottom line was that the chances of a dog getting testicular chances are much lower than a dog getting bone cancer due to pre-mature neutering and obviously we want to do what is healthiest. In general, I think people lean on neutering as a way to better control a dog''s behavior (because it takes more commitment to own an in-tact dog), even if it''s not what is best for the dog.
Thanks to everyone: as to your question I am thinking a mixed breed the ones you get from the shelter that must be spayed/neutered before they can be adopted out.So one has no choice of speaking to a breeder or in fact even making a decision on when to have it done.
I think it''s critical to try to find studies for your breed specifically because the results are different. Each breed club conducts its own studies--we recently sent in DNA for the study to better understand to what degree neutering has on cruciate tears in the Newfoundland breed. I know other breeds have done studies on the effects of early neutering.
I don''t have nearly as much insight for females--I do know that previously vets would recommend spaying after 6 months, but before the first cycle. It seems that now more of the responsible breeders (and some vets) are pushing to wait until after the first cycle as spaying before the first cycle could lead to problems such as a recessed vulva and hyperthyroidism.
I think it''s great that you are exploring this--I know we must have spent at least a year talking to many breeders, vets and hollistic pet-food store owners about the spay/neuter issue. It''s definitely not as easy of a decision as I initially thought.
Really?!! Do these countries not have an alarming animal overpopulation?! I can''t even imagine the ramifications!Date: 10/25/2008 7:23:22 PM
Author: scarleta
Thanks once more for everyone''s input.There are obviously lots of opinions on this one? I have done more reading and the opinions differ as well.It has been practiced for many years in some countries with not adverse effects, while other countries don''t even spay/ neuter as they don''t think its necessary.
Date: 10/25/2008 12:03:36 AM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
We had my little Odin cat done when he was 3 months and we had no problems and that was some years ago. I don''t think he even realized they cut something off.
The only thing I have heard with males cats is that it prevents them from developing some face fat many get and as such makes them more attractive, but I don''t know much about it.