I am definitely NOT a breeder, but I do want to clear up some misconceptions about spaying.
To say that there is a zero percent chance for ovarian cancer (or any other related cancer) is simply untrue. People think that just because they had their ovaries and uterus removed, they can't get ovarian cancer too, but this is incorrect. It is IMPOSSIBLE for a surgeon to remove every ovarian cell, thus ovarian cancer is still possible, though it ABSOLUTELY reduces the chances incredibly! I only say this because as a Sonographer I have seen post-hysterectomy (including ovaries) patients end up with a pelvic mass that is later determined to be ovarian cancer. Every article I've read about pros/cons to spaying/neutering say "eliminates risk of ovarian cancer", as well as have heard my vet say this too. While the chances are VERY, VERY slim post spay, they are not "eliminated". I know for most that is just semantics, but I think it's good to know the whole truth.
Also, I have a question.....I have been told one other time (besides reading the post above) that spaying before the first heat keeps them acting like a puppy. Is that always true? I'm totally for spaying animals that are not ear-marked for breeding, but I just worry that a 6 mo. Yorkie is too small....is that an irrational worry? |