Desexing Question

[Sam&Saki]

o.0

wow this turned into a bit of an arguement.

I believe the reason they dont want to desex her is because it can stunt/change the growth of the dog

also my dog tends not to drip when shes in heat, so thats not an issue

Hehe Ravyk it's fine, it's just a discussion, DOL discussions can get much more heated than this

Well they are right, desexing a dog before it's fully grown causes the growth plates to form improperly which can lead to hip dysplasia among a number of other problems. However if she's 3 years old she is full grown and it's no longer a problem.

On the other hand some of the protective advantages of desexing are only in cases if desexed young - eg many of the types of cancers desexing typically protects against, will not be protected against if desexed at this age.

It's debatable as to whether your individual dog will be healthier desexed or healthier left entire, and none of us can tell you.

It really is a decision that is up to the actual owner of the dog.

[morgan]

On the other hand some of the protective advantages of desexing are only in cases if desexed young - eg many of the types of cancers desexing typically protects against, will not be protected against if desexed at this age.

What are the 'many types' of cancer that desexing protects against?

AFAIK it only protects against mammary, ovarian and uterine cancer. Desexing removes the ovaries and uterus, so that only leaves one type of cancer that is affected by what age desexing occurs. Most protective benefits against mammary cancer apply to those done before the first or second season.

Incidence of other cancers is increased by desexing. I personally would be more concerned about the risk of pyo from leaving a bitch entire than mammary cancer, it is far more dangerous and can strike much younger bitches. Owners must be aware of the possibility and keep a close watch after each season. It is easily detected in the early stages by a white blood cell count if the bitch is looking a bit 'off'. Another reason why surgical sterilisation is good, no pyo

[~*Shell*~]

There are plenty reasons for and against. Personally I would've had Zero done even if he hadn't had to have been desexed when he left the pound but most of that was because he has 1 testicle kicked back up inside him (which is dangerous) and because i didn't want to risk him getting out and impregnating a bitch. I've also heard that it helps calm them down, and desexed males don't react as much when a bitch is in season as an entire male would (then again, i've also heard that some desexed males will try and tie with a bitch in heat).

On the other side of the argument, there are many reasons for a bitch (or a dog for that matter) not to be desexed which include other health problems as well as the slight risk that something may go wrong during surgery.