Dog Spaying and Neutering

This is a question that veterinarians are asked frequently. Many pet owners think that it is beneficial to allow their pet to have a litter before spaying or neutering is scheduled. A litter is a set of babies or offspring born together. Spaying is an operation that permanently prevents pregnancy. Watching the birth of puppies or kittens is quite a miracle to observe, and for some people, the decision to go ahead with the spay operation waits so that the family can witness birth. Another reason given is that a female dog or cat will not be "fulfilled" if they do not have a litter first. Like the old saying that a black cat brings bad luck, this is another old wives tale that is not true. Cats and dogs can live a long happy life without giving birth to kittens or puppies.

Here are some very important reasons to have your puppy or kitten spayed before they mature:

• Cancer of the reproductive system: Spaying before full maturity helps reduce the risk of some cancers of the reproduction system. The glands that produce milk for the babies (mammary glands) are more prone to cancer if the female is left intact, or not spayed. Ovaries, which are the sources of the eggs may become cystic or cancerous in cats and dogs left not spayed.
• Non-cancer diseases of the reproductive system: The sac that holds the babies as they develop and grow inside the mother is called the uterus. This organ is much more likely to develop abnormalities in the female that is left intact. Uterus infection or pyometra is a potentially life-threatening condition that some intact females develop. The uterus may fill up with pus and the female becomes very sick in that case. Another type of problem occurs when repeated hormone cycles cause the uterus lining to become abnormal. In cats for example, a condition called cystic endometrial hyperplasia causes the organ to become thick and to develop cyst bulges in the lining. Other problems also occur, and increase risk of these conditions occurs with age.
• Heats: Heats, or female cycles are a bother for most household situations. Roaming male dogs or tomcats in the neighborhood may try to break through screen doors and windows or jump a fence into the yard or pen to reach the female in heat. The males may take to howling or caterwauling outside, which is a noise nuisance! The female cat may also take to crying during the day or night, and rolling around as if she is in discomfort. Some female dogs may need to be placed in doggie diapers during the heat. Heats can be a real family inconvenience.
• Birth complications: A proportion of cats and dogs that become pregnant have difficulties during birth. This may result in prolonged birth, weakness or loss of puppies or kittens, or problems for the mother. Sometimes C-section or caesarian section surgery is needed to help with removal of offspring during difficult birth.
• Help prevent pet overpopulation: Every year, many thousands of unwanted pets are put to sleep (euthanized) at humane societies across the country. Part of responsible pet stewardship is to make sure that your pet does not produce offspring that are without a loving home to go to. Qualified breeders are the ones to manage pet reproduction, and sometimes a local breeder will let you and a few quiet friends come over to witness the miracle of birth if an adult helps you make a special arrangement. You may still be able to enjoy the wonder and miracle of birth without having to worry about the responsibility of adopting or caring for the 6, 9, or more youngsters. Unfortunately, offspring without pedigrees or health guarantees are in low demand so chances are you could be faced with a more dogs or cats than you really wanted

About Spaying

The spay operation is done at the veterinary hospital by licensed veterinarians in an operating room very similar to the ones you see at human hospitals. Veterinarians use many of the same drugs and the same types of equipment as human surgeons and anesthetists use. Veterinarians take a great deal of care to ensure clean, safe spay procedures for their patients. Young animals tolerate the operation well and complications are very uncommon. It is important the pet owner follows the veterinary team's recommendation to keep her quiet for a week or two after surgery, and to check the surgery site every day "post-op". Usually a typical healthy young cat or dog recovers very fast and is most likely to be overactive after surgery rather than need extra recovery time.