Pet owners are faced with several choices over the lifetime of their pets. Whether or not to spay their dog is one of these very important choices. With mixed opinions out there on the subject, it is advisable to educate yourself and consider the dangers, as well as the health benefits, involved in this decision.
-
Surgical Complications
-
Complications are a possibility with any surgical procedure, including spaying of dogs. The risk of infections, bleeding, ruptures, inflammation and even reactions to the drugs given to the animal as part of the procedure are all possibilities that should be considered.
Hormone Imbalance
-
When removing part of a naturally functioning unit, such as the body of a human or animal, it can affect the rest of the parts. Taking the reproductive parts out of female dogs will change the hormonal dynamics within. Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre notes that metabolism tends to slow and there is a tendency to have thyroid irregularities after spaying of animals, thus leading to more obese animals.
Behavior Changes
-
With the hormone changes within, behavior changes have been noticed in the animals post-surgery. Normally aggressive dogs may become timid or shy, or vice-versa.
Skeletal Changes
-
Since spaying of dogs removes organs that take up space within the body cavity, changes of the bone structure can result to compensate for the extra space within. Rutgers University Animal Services points out that the pelvic bone moves inward after surgery and this can displace the hips, causing joint and ligament stress from the shifting. Loss of bone mass has also been reported from this.
Cognitive Dysfunction
-
Older dogs that are spayed have more of a tendency to become disoriented, have disruptions in their sleep patterns and have social changes as they age.
Cancer Risks
-
Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre reports that spayed dogs have more of a risk in developing certain kinds of cancers, such as bone cancer, cardiac hemangiosarcoma, urinary tract cancer, bladder cancer and spleen cancer.
Incontinence
-
Incontinence is also more likely to happen to spayed dogs compared with breeding animals. This is more the case when they age and when they are sleeping.
Reactions to Vaccines
-
Rutgers University Animal Services notes that spayed dogs are more likely to react to vaccines after surgery. These animals can experience allergic reactions such as hives, cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, cardiovascular shock or even death.
-