Busting the Myth of Early Spaying! Dr.Becker "Spaying female dogs at a young age, especially before their first estrus cycle, has long been hailed as a method of eliminating or reducing the risk of mammary neoplasia (breast cancer). In fact, most animal welfare organizations and veterinarians are quick to list breast cancer prevention as one of the many benefits of early spaying. But what is the science behind this assertion? As it turns out … there isn’t much. A study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K. points to a lack of hard evidence of a link between spaying/early spaying and a reduction in mammary tumors in female dogs. The U.K. study was a systematic review based on internationally recognized Cochrane Review guidelines used in human medicine. The results of the systematic review point to the need for similar high-quality research in veterinary medicine. Pet owners are entitled to know the risks and benefits of any procedure performed on their furry charges. In this instance, a widely promoted benefit of spaying/early spaying may not offer the level protection from breast cancer dog owners have been led to believe. Spay/neuter decisions by individual pet owners should be based on a holistic approach to the animal’s health and quality of life. " This was reprinted from the article that was in the newsletter I get from Dr.Becker. Thought I would just share this with you all.....this information was also included in the recent seminar I attended on Canin Reproduction, which also covered the myths associated with early neutering of males. Seems like evidenced based research now shows it is better to waituntil at least a year old for both sexes. |
Thank you for posting this! |
Thanks for sharing this with us! |
The problem with waiting though is that most people are just not careful enough with there females and end up with a "accident" so in the end it does become healthy for them to be spayed before there first heat. A spayed female before there first heat does not have the mammary's the same as a female who has gone through there first heat so I still feel it does in fact make a difference. So many vets are for and so many vets are against and both have good arguments. |
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"A study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K. points to a lack of hard evidence of a link between spaying/early spaying and a reduction in mammary tumors in female dogs. The U.K. study was a systematic review based on internationally recognized Cochrane Review guidelines used in human medicine..." I am big on evidenced based results and research and more and more, it is pointing to the validity of this theory. We also now know the importance in allowing full maturation of the growth plates....that was not something that was recognized even 8 years ago.... I think people need to research these surgeries and not blindly adhere to the popular "cut 'em young" practice....I am rethinking early spay/neutering, since I did my own research into the topic, and I have pushed back my parameters on the time line to allow for what seems to be proven healthier results for our babies. |
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:thumbup::thumbup: I believe there is a LOT of research on this topic but I simply don't have the time to go looking. I don't know why there would be websites like this referring to studies....the UofP is well respected. Canine Mammary Tumors | Oncolink |
There is a lot of great research out there regarding this. I find it very interesting, however I think you will find health risks AND benefits to both (keeping intact or fixing). But I don't believe the factors on either side are great enough to make that much of a difference either way. To be honest, I just really don't think it matters THAT much (if fixed at a proper age). I would never fix a giant breed until they were at least 2 years of age. With smaller breeds, 7-8 months is what I prefer. I think anything younger than 6 months is ridiculous, and would never do it or recommend it if given the choice. My future pets will always be fixed, just out of it being easier really. I just don't want to worry about an accident, and it's also easier to do doggy-related things when they are fixed. But I think it's wrong to assume a person with an intact dog is irresponsible. |
I think spaying and neutering are part of responsible pet ownership as well. Dogs can get or make pregnant all of the lives! Lots of people don’t realize this. It would be great to know what really is the best time for neutering/spaying, but unless you are planning on breeding, spaying and neutering is the best choice in my opinion. I really doubt if most pet owners make this decision based on any one study or benefit besides the enormous benefit of not be responsible for adding to the number of unwanted pets who will be put to an early death because no home is available. I do believe in responsible breeding and that means breeding to improve and preserve the breed, finding proper pet homes, and keeping in contact with clients and taking back dogs who no longer have a home. |
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[QUOTE=Britster;4183996]There is a lot of great research out there regarding this. I find it very interesting, however I think you will find health risks AND benefits to both (keeping intact or fixing). But I don't believe the factors on either side are great enough to make that much of a difference either way. To be honest, I just really don't think it matters THAT much (if fixed at a proper age). I would never fix a giant breed until they were at least 2 years of age. With smaller breeds, 7-8 months is what I prefer. I think anything younger than 6 months is ridiculous, and would never do it or recommend it if given the choice. My future pets will always be fixed, just out of it being easier really. I just don't want to worry about an accident, and it's also easier to do doggy-related things when they are fixed. But I think it's wrong to assume a person with an intact dog is irresponsible.[/QUOTE] :thumbup::thumbup: ..........until that person with the intact dog/dogs, especially males and females, "accidently" finds them tied three times! That is when "irresponsible" rears its ugly head! |
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I am a strong advocate of neutering and spaying pets, but I believe there is no one magic age for both sexes and all breeds. So many factors to consider. I wouldn't personally spay or neuter any dog before 6 months if it can be avoided. If I have more Yorkie boys in the future, I will probably wait closer to a year. Seeing the difference in the way Max and Teddy developed, I think each dog needs to be assessed individually. |
Neutering At least wait until the growth plates and other parts of the body mature. Although it is important to prevent unwanted pups perhaps one could just take care to avoid this for a little longer? |
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She was spayed 2 weeks ago and not only is she all healed up, she doesn't even have a visible scar :thumbup: |
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I'm glad your baby did so well. Bet you were worried!! ;) |
Thanks for the information. GTK. |
This is also something that I have been concerned about. Princess Sophie, according to my vet, can be spayed at 6 months of age. She's currently (at 4 mos.) only weighing in at 3.2 lbs. That's pretty small, in my opinion. We expect her to end up at least 5 lbs (at least that is what we are hoping). That said...I am concerned about having her spayed if she is so very tiny. I agree that one study does not provide enough evidence that waiting to have your puppy spayed/neutered till they are at least one year old, is not enough for me to change my mind about the 6 month age as my vet suggests. I am however more concerned about the health of my pup than the 6 month age to have her spayed. I feel at a loss as to how to proceed and as such am in a holding pattern to see how big Sophie gets at the 6 month mark to determine if we can go ahead or if we need to wait a bit longer. Added to this, is my concern about Sophie having all her adult teeth in. If I am not mistaken, all her adult teeth will most likely, not be in by 6 months of age. This is also a factor I am considering when I think of having her spayed. If she has any baby teeth that need to be removed, I would like it to be done while she is under anesthesia for the spay. I don't want her to have to go "under" just for baby teeth. I would love to hear the opinions of others who have already gone through this and could possibly shed more light on this subject. Thank you!! |
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One thing is certain, that leaving rows of baby teeth next to adult teeth will trap food and promote tartar leading to early tooth decay. |
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Spay I am sure the U of P is very well respected, but so is the Royal Vet College in the UK I believe. It is a complex matter and all valid research should be considered before making a decision. Again I personally believe that preserving the hormones for complete maturity is also important and should be weighed against the dangers of unwanted pregnancy. I guess this is a third rail subject at this time, but perhaps should be openly discussed without prejudice? |
Teddy was neutered at 5 1/2 months as that is the age when I have always fixed my animals except my shelter pup he was done at 3 months. Now I wish I waited until he was older. My next boy I am going to wait until 9 months old, so most teeth will be out and growth plates should be better. Teddy still has upper canines and I am hoping they will fall out so don't need anesthesia again. |
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I should clarify that I consider Curri a breeder surrender. She was too small to breed and too sickly to sell so she was rehomed free of charge. |
early spaying my reasons for not spaying/neutering really young has everything to do with giving anaesetic to such small animals... wait until they have fully grown lungs, hearts etc... IMO |
While I really don't believe in ultra-young neutering and spaying, some breeders are doing it before they leave them. The reason for this is that many people are not abiding the contract rules and breeding them anyway. While the offspring can’t be registered with reputable registries like the AKC, they can register them with the vanity registries and pet owners need to realize that this is the same thing as buying stolen merchandise; these breeders did not have permission to produce offspring. Do not buy from breeders who aren't producing AKC registered pups and always register your pups with the AKC even though it's limited registration as this ensures that the pups are truly eligible and keeps the breeders honest. |
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Most breeders I've spoken to (for Silky's and Border Terriers) actually prefer to wait until 1 year, unless marking, etc, is becoming a big problem but they definitely do not want their pups neutered before 7 months or so. I remember asking. |
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