Quote:
Originally Posted by ladyjane  So, just because humans get it, that means it does not matter if a dog does....that if you can prevent it, no need to because you don't think it is a big deal? I guess...if you and your vet think thats fine. It would not be fine for me. There are many things we can prevent in dogs but many people don't care to that and the only ones who suffer are the dogs...oh and I suppose the owners' pockets.
Something else while not cancer is not fun for a pup: https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/perineal-hernias
from the link: Perineal hernias result from weakening or complete failure of the muscular diaphragm of the pelvis. Normally, the pelvic diaphragm allows for rectal support and keeps the abdominal contents from encroaching on the rectum. Pets with perineal hernias will demonstrate a swelling adjacent to the rectum on one or both sides coupled with signs of constipation, difficulty defacating, lethargy, difficulty urinating, and altered tail carriage.
The underlying cause for weakening or failure of the pelvic diaphragm is unclear at this time. However, many theories are proposed, all of which may be working separately or in unison to allow for pelvic diaphragm weakening or failure. The disease primarily affects older pets, usually between the ages of 7 to 9 years. Non-castrated male dogs and cats are also over-represented.
Again, I spay/neuter all of mine and will continue to do so. I have seen no convincing evidence to tell me that they will suffer a worse fate/condition than the things we know can happen if not altered.
I don't need to be a researcher or even read all of the studies. There are valid sources that provide all of the information I need. I consider ACVS to ba a valid source. |
ACVS is a professional veterinary organization, so they are a highly reputable source of information. Here is what they have to say about mammary tumors (from
http://www.acvs.org/small-animal/mammary-tumors):
Mammary tumors are more
common in female dogs that are either not spayed or were spayed after 2 years of age. The risk of a dog developing a mammary tumor is 0.5% if spayed before their first heat (approximately 6 months of age), 8% after their first heat, and 26% after their second heat. Cats spayed before 6 months of age have a 7-times reduced risk of developing mammary cancer and
spaying at any age reduces the risk of mammary tumors by 40% to 60% in cats.
More than a quarter of unspayed female dogs will develop a mammary tumor during their lifetime. The risk is much lower for spayed female dogs, male dogs, and cats of either gender. In female dogs, 50% of mammary tumors are benign and 50% are malignant. However, few of the malignant mammary tumors are fatal. In contrast, over 85% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant and most of these have an aggressive biologic behavior (i.e., mammary tumors in cats tend to be locally invasive and spread elsewhere in the body).
Here is what ACVS has to say about pyometra (from
http://www.acvs.org/small-animal/pyometra):
Pyometra is an infection of the uterus that may occur in dogs and cats making the pet very ill. The uterus is generally filled with pus. Although the disease has been recognized for decades, the true disease process has still not been completely understood. It is generally recognized that progesterone and estrogen and their receptors have a role in the development of pyometra; however,
the infection is triggered by bacterial involvement.
...
Most dogs and cats that are spayed early in life will not develop pyometra. However, a uterine stump pyometra may occur after incomplete ovariohysterectomy which allows a segment of the uterine body or horn to become infected. Typically, either a portion of the ovarian tissue is still present or the animal has been subjected to progestational hormones to allow this situation to develop.
The ACVS on spaying (from
http://www.acvs.org/small-animal/ovariohysterectomy):
Due to recent advances in veterinary medicine, more options are now available when it is time to have your pet “spayed.” The surgery may be done in a traditional “open” manner or through minimally invasive means using laparoscopy. Procedures that may be performed include
ovariohysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries, or ovariectomy, when only the ovaries are removed. All of these procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Most primary care veterinarians recommend performing these procedures at approximately six months of age, but they can be performed on dogs of any age. They may be elective, or a treatment for a disease process.
The following are
reasons to consider having your pet spayed:
Vastly decreased chance for development of mammary (breast) cancer
200 times less likely if ovariohysterectomy performed before the first estrus (heat cycle)
Eliminates chance of developing a
pyometra or uterine infection
Eradicates unwanted estrous behavior and associated bleeding
Eliminates unwanted pregnancies and risks of dystocia (difficult birth)