Neutering

Many pet owners are aware of the obvious reason for neutering their pets; to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However what most pet owners don’t realise is that there is major health benefits involved in neutering a pet.  Un-neutered (entire) female dogs come into season an average of twice a year, not only does this mean the bitch is bleeding but this also attracts male dogs. Unless the owner wants to breed the bitch she must be kept away from any entire male dogs which can be difficult when the scent of the bitch in season can be picked up by most male dogs in the area.

When a bitch is in season her vulva swells and the cervix opens; allowing the bitch to conceive if mated with.  With the cervix open this can allow bacteria into the uterus. This warm, moist, dark tissue is the perfect breeding place for bacteria and infection can quickly spread leaving the bitch with a very high fever and a build up of puss in the uterus, this can then be discharged through the vulva if the bitch is still in season and the cervix remains open. If this infection is caught whilst the cervix is open the owner would probably notice the dog acting out of character, usually lethargic and not eating and they may notice a smelly purulent discharge from the vulva.  This condition is called an open pyometra. If the cervix has closed trapping the infection inside the uterus there would be no purulent discharge, the dog would still became depressed and lethargic and not eat and would quickly deteriorate as her body goes into shock. This condition is called a closed pyometra and although an open pyometra is still a very serious situation a closed pyometra is an emergency as the uterus can become so engorged with pus it will eventually stretch to the limit and burst allowing pus to enter the abdominal cavity causing shock and septicaemia. Both open and closed pyometra’s are treated with a long course of antibiotics and surgery, basically the surgery is neutering the bitch, which, if this had of been done in the first place would have prevented the life threatening situation. This condition is fatal without surgery.

Female dogs produce the hormone oestrogen. Studies have shown that the production of oestrogen increases the risk of a bitch developing mammary tumours (basically breast cancer) in the future. Once neutered, the bitch no longer produces oestrogen hence greatly decreasing the risk of developing mammary tumours later in life.

Entire male dogs produce the hormone testosterone. Testosterone can cause the dog to become sexually frustrated and lead to the dog mounting objects, people and other dogs. Testosterone can also cause aggression towards people and other animals and the dog can develop dominant behaviour such as food aggression, fighting with other dogs, inappropriate urination and again mounting.

Entire male animals are proven to roam away from home more than neutered male animals increasing the risk of being hit by a car, impounded, getting into fights etc.

UNEUTERED CATS

Entire female cats come into season an average of 3-4 times a year. Whilst in season female cats tend to howl to attract male cats, this can be quite distressing and frustrating to the cats owner.

Entire male cats tend to roam far from home and fight more than neutered male cats, fighting puts the cat at risk of contracting feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus which is equivalent to aids in people. Entire male cats are also known to inappropriately urinate (spray) to mark their territory.

MALE CATS & DOGS

Neutering male animals is a simple procedure involving the surgical removal of the testes. Once the testicles are removed the chances of the animal developing testicular cancer are completely eliminated as there are no testicles. 

If you are intending to breed your cat or dog I highly recommend you do some research before commencing.  Many pets require emergency caesareans due to birth complications which can be both stressful to the pet but also cost the owner in excess of £800 (GBP).

Statistics show that from 2007-2008 the Australian RSPCA received 161,994 unwanted dogs of which over 23,000 dogs were euthanized.  Millions of unwanted animals are euthanized worldwide leaving the impression that breeding should be left to registered breeders to prevent further unwanted animals having to pay for irresponsible behaviour.

There are many medical benefits involved in neutering your pet as well as improving or eliminating behavioural issues and providing you with a generally better behaved and safer pet.

Kindly Written for W.F.A.T by

Mell Lyttle  (Veterinary Assistant) Australia