Because you’re reading this page, you’re most likely a responsible pet owner who’s committed to avoiding accidental pregnancies.  So, just know that we’re talking to you (the responsible pet owner) as we discuss this topic related to your pet’s health.

 

There are some things to consider before you Spay/Neuter your dog and as with any medical procedure, it’s always important to weigh the risks vs. the benefits.  The following information is taken from this podcast with Dr. Trina Hazzah (minute 9:48):  https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/causes-and-prevention/dog-testicles-not-dropping-plus-spay-neuter-advice-dr-trina-hazzah-qa/

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“No one wants pet overpopulation and the higher rates of euthanasia that result from that.  That is literally the last thing that we want.  However, it’s really important to acknowledge that early spay and neuter has been associated with higher rates of aggressive cancers - particularly in certain breeds later in life.  Yes, spaying and neutering prevents cancers too.  It eliminates cancers in the organs that are removed, obviously.

 

“SPAYING FEMALES reduces the incidence of mammary cancer, but mammary cancer in dogs is a relatively slow-growing cancer, and it is not universally malignant.  Bone cancer, on the other hand, is a very aggressive type of cancer.  The truth is that cancer is never caused by just one thing.  Even in humans, nothing we do is always going to cause cancer in every case.  Dr. Trina Hazzah (DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVCH) suggests, maybe we should be taking another look at spay and neuter. Because it’s not always the best thing to do.  In addition to an increased risk for aggressive cancers in some dogs, they also found that female dogs who are spayed early, have joint problems and hip dysplasia.

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“NEUTERING MALES”, Dr. Hazzah warns, “might cause an increased risk of prostate cancer, which is a much more aggressive type of cancer than most testicular tumors.  There’s clearly an increased risk of testicular tumor if you DON’T neuter your dog, because they (testes) are still there, but most testicular tumors have a low chance of metastatic disease or spread of cancer.”

  

TIMING:  Vets have previously recommended desexing at 4-6 months of age, but new research is leading more  veterinarians to recommend waiting until your pet is at least 2 years old, if possible.  According to vets like Dr. Katie Woodley, the following conditions can occur with early desexing:  shortened lifespan, atypical Cushing’s disease, cardiac tumors, bone cancer, abnormal bone growth & development, CCL ruptures, hypothyroidism, adrenal disease, and hip dysplasia.

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Here’s are just a few videos on the topic of desexing: