Originally Posted by gemy  I will post again. I understand that many here are more biased towards neutering/spaying, that what-ever the health costs to the YOrkie might be, it does not outweigh the benefit of not contributing to population control.
I will point out several things; there have been more than a few studies, and many many studies done by reputable research facilities in Europe on this topic. The mere fact that a study comes from Europe does not mean it is not Applicable to us, or is somehow erroneous because it was from Europe!
What I advocate is for an informed puppy owner, responsible enough to do the research, knowledgeable enough to know their limitations, commited to no breeding of any "pet" they own.
More than one study (and yes here in N.A,) put paid to the, marking, aggression and behavioural issues. That being neutering is not a preventative for same or a cure-all.
I also urge you, that if you share with your big dog owners that neutering/spaying early is just hunkey dorey for all dogs,more research is coming in upon the disasters of early de-sexing of large dogs.
Golden Retreivers in particular female Golden Retreivers that have been spayed at any time, but particularly prior to 3 yrs old, have a 4xfold increase of hemangiosarcoma. This is a sarcoma with poor prognosis. And there is a critical something like 40% probability. These dogs die at 5 or 6 yrs old from cancer!!
For many large breeds two recent studies have shown a 30% increase not only in HD or hip dysplasia but also in the severity of same. And at least one was a large group study. This is associated with "early" neutering, neutering prior to 18 months old.
Sobering findings for a breeder of large breeds. Our growth plates don't close until at least 18mths old; many owners on the instruction of the best knowledge of their breeders say neuter prior to one years old.!!!!
I also wonder - given the propensity of de-sexing toy breeds at 5 or 6 mths old, and the literal pandemic of LP in most small breeds, heh heh, could there be an association??????? The tibial plate is the last to close at closer to 8 months old. Then you neuter at 6mths old. ANd for those that don't know the tibial plate is intimately connected to the patella and knee joint. The tibial plate is the foundation base that the upper femur, and the patella all articulate with.
Now all this may seem to be too detailed and not related to Yorkies; but I post to ask you to think on things, and not to translate that what-ever you think might be good for a toy breed is good for a large breed.
I ask that you intelligently weigh the pros and cons for your own Yorkie, based on research, on clinical markers, on your own disposition and commitment to keeping your Yorkie safe and healthy! Over their lifetime. |