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Originally Posted by tumblnstar if the only reason that anyone can give me "health" wise for neutering a pet is testicular cancer... im not for it... oscar is under chiropractic care so cancer is not really a worry in my mind. i cant imagine removing organs from a dog just so that he won't mark his territory and for the off chance that he might have testicular cancer.. if i were worried about these things.. i would have gotten a girl, or no dog at all. i think its our responsibility as "owners" of these pets to keep them healthy as possible.. and to take things out of the body that will change not only hormone levels but alter the nervous system in such a way that it will in turn effect the whole body health.. i just dont think its the decision for me or my family. now i know everyone on here who believes in neutering is gonna be on this like white on rice.. but its my opinion and my health beliefs..that i use in my own human family as well. |
Here's a whole list of EXCELLENT medical reasons to neuter your dog:
Fewer Prostate Problems: The most common medical problems eliminated in dogs neutered at an early age are those involving the prostate.
Over 80% of all unneutered male dogs develop prostate disease. Prostate conditions such as benign enlargement, cysts, and infection are all related to the presence of testosterone.
Fewer Hernias: A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or parts of an organ or other structure through the wall of a cavity that normally contains it. Perianal hernias occur when the colon, urinary bladder, prostate, or fat protrude from the abdominal cavity, through the muscular wall by the anus and then lie just under the skin. This type of hernia is far more common in older, unneutered male dogs. The levels of testosterone and other hormones appear to relax or weaken the group of muscles near the anus. When the animal then strains to defecate or urinate, the weakened muscles break down and the abdominal organs and fat bulge out under the skin. In shorthaired breeds, this large bulge is noted by the owner almost immediately, but in the longhaired dogs, the problem may go on for months before anyone realizes there is an abnormality. Left untreated, these organs may become damaged, unable to function or even die from loss of blood supply. Additionally, because of the displacement of organs into this area, the animal may not be able to defecate or urinate correctly or completely and may become constipated or have urinary incontinence (dribble urine). The surgery to repair this condition is not simple and today can easily cost $700 to $1500 or more, depending on the severity.
Fewer Perianal Tumors: There are tumors whose growth is stimulated by testosterone. These occur near the anus and are called perianal adenomas (benign) or perianal adenocarcinomas (malignant). As with the hernias, these usually do not occur until the dog is at least 7-years old. They require surgical treatment and should be caught early in their development to prevent recurrence. These tumors and the above hernia are very, very rare in those individuals castrated at 7 to 8-months of age.
Improved Genetics: We all agree that a male carrying a harmful genetic trait like hip dysplasia or epilepsy should be neutered. We must do all that is possible to prevent the spread or continuation of these conditions and others like them.
No Testicular Tumors: There are several different tumor types, both benign and malignant, that arise within the testicles. As with most cancers, these usually are not noted until the animal reaches 5 or more years of age. Therefore, these would not be a problem in those individuals castrated at the recommended age.
As you will notice, all but one of these problems that are prevalent in unneutered dogs require surgery. I would rather have my dog have ONE surgery to prevent all of these problems then have to have surgery to correct one or more of these problems, many of which are life-threatening.