The Pros & Cons of Spaying & Neutering

Pet ownership comes with all sorts of joys, questions and obstacles. One of the biggest concerns of pet ownership is whether to spay or neuter your animal. Becoming acquainted with the pros and cons of this issue will allow you to make a more informed decision for your pet. It is also a good idea to consider the age, breed and any other pre-existing health concerns before making your final decision.

  1. Overpopulation

    • Spaying and neutering your pet will cut down on unwanted pregnancy of these animals. Any trip to an animal shelter will show that there are thousands of animals that go without homes from such circumstances.

    Male Health

    • Male pets that are neutered do not run the risk of testicular tumors or cancer. Since the testicles are removed, there is no way to develop such a condition. There is a lower risk for perianal fistulas is neutered dogs. There are mixed results when it comes to whether neutered males are more likely to experience prostate issues later on in life. It is important to note that prostate issues are not a prevalent condition in animals, regardless of whether they are neutered or not. However, there are higher cases of hypothyroidism and osteosarcoma in neutered males than there are of intact males.

    Female Health

    • If a female pet is spayed before she is sexually mature, she has a lower chance of getting ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and mammary tumors. However, they may have a higher chance of incontinence and urinary tract infections or tumors, especially with later age. As with males, fixed females have a lower chance of getting perianal fistulas than intact females.

    Temperament

    • Neutered males are less aggressive and less likely to leaving the yard to find a mate. These males are much less likely to spray their "scent," especially in the house. Females can become aggressive and protective of their young so if they are spayed, you will not run this risk. Intact females are more likely to leave the home when they are in heat than spayed females.

    Skeletal Changes

    • When female pets are spayed, there is more of a chance that the pelvic bone and hips will shift. There is also more bone loss in spayed animals. If the animals are spayed or neutered and are still growing when the surgery is done, the growth plates in the bones may grow longer than they normally would after the surgery. All of these issues may result in joint issues later on or disproportioned bodies.

    Surgical Complications

    • All surgeries come with the possible risk of complications. Your pet may have adverse reactions to the anesthesia or he may experience infection and inflammation. It is also possible to hemorrhage or rupture the area that was operated on.

    Cost

    • You may understandably frown at the cost of spaying and neutering. However, it is only a fraction of what the bill would be for more intensive procedures and surgeries to treat medical conditions stemming from not spaying or neutering your pet.