Spaying is a sterilization procedure that renders a female dog incapable of becoming pregnant. The medical term for spaying is "ovariohysterectomy." This procedure is highly recommended in the United States but is less common in other countries. The procedure involves the removal of the female reproductive tract, including the uterus, ovaries, oviducts and uterine horns. Spaying is major surgery, and there are inherent risks and benefits to the procedure. Benefits include a decrease in the occurrence of cancers and other illnesses.
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Mammary Tumors
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Spaying reduces the risk of developing mammary tumors. This is especially true if the procedure is done before the age of two and a half. If the procedure is performed prior to the dog's first heat, the chance of acquiring a mammary tumor is reduced to 1 percent. If the dog is not spayed until after the second heat, there is no difference in the risk between spayed and intact dogs. Mammary tumors are the most common malignant tumors found in female dogs.
Other Tumors
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A spayed dog will have a reduced chance of developing uterine, ovarian and cervical tumors. These tumors are rare even prior to spaying.
Pyometra
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Pyometra affects about 23 percent, and kills about 1 percent, of female dogs that have not been spayed. Spaying virtually eliminates any chance of pyometra. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. Pyometra can be deadly since symptoms are often not noticed until the infection has traveled and has done damage to the dog's system.
Perianal Fistulas
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The risk of perianal fistulas, also known as anal furunculosis, is reduced when a dog is spayed. This disease results in lesions around the dog's anus. The lesions are painful,chronic and progressive.
Pregnancy
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Spaying completely eliminates the possibility of unwanted pregnancy. The birthing process itself can be dangerous. Spaying helps decrease animal overpopulation.
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