KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News-Dr. Joel Conn: Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet

Dr. Joel Conn: Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet

By Dr. Joel Conn
Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic

Millions of healthy animals are euthanized each year in United States shelters.  Pet overpopulation is an epidemic and every responsible owner must ask themselves if they are part of the problem or part of the solution.  Neutering you pet is a sure way to do your part in the prevention of animal homelessness.

Backyard breeding and irresponsible breeding practices contribute not only to pet overpopulation, but also to the ultimate detriment of dog and cat breeds.  Many people think about breeding as a good way to make some easy cash, or a fun project to do with their kids, but the truth is that a responsible breeder very often spends more money on appropriate tests and healthcare for both parents and pups (or kittens) than they make back in the sale of their animals.  Breeding is not something to take lightly.  If you are going to breed, it is very important to do your homework.  Potential parent animals should have physical exams, blood work, and radiographs performed prior to considering breeding.  Many of these tests are highly recommended or even mandated by national kennel clubs.  Once they have been bred, pregnancy exams, ultrasounds, and radiographs are important to ensure the health of the parent and the litter.  Additionally, more and more local governments are mandating that animals be fixed unless owner by a licensed breeder.  So if you decide that you must breed your pet, think twice about the costs, legality, and societal impact that such breeding might have. 

Ovariohysterectomy

Ovariohysterectomy (otherwise known as a spay) is a time tested method for the prevention of pregnancy in female animals.  You veterinarian is an expert at this surgery, in many cases having performed literally hundreds or thousands of spays over his/her career, and can fill you in on any details of the procedure.  The procedure itself typically only takes about 20-40 minutes and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.

In general it is recommended that animals be spayed prior to their first heat, typically within 5-7 months of age.  If an animal is spayed prior to her first heat, there is an 80% reduction in breast cancer and other reproductive cancers.  After the first heat, this number drops to about 20%, and after the second heat there is no reduction in the incidence of cancers.  Additionally, about one in five intact female dogs will develop a uterine infection (pyometra) at some point in their life and this can quickly turn into a life threatening emergency.  These are but a few of the dramatic benefits of spaying your female pet.

Castration

Castration (otherwise known as a neuter) is the method by which we ensure that a male animal cannot conceive.  This is typically a quick and simple surgery and typically only necessitates a day-stay with your vet.  Just like a spay in the female, castration reduces the incidence of prostate disease and prevents testicular cancer.  The timing is not as critical as it is in a female, but veterinarians typically recommend that male dogs be neutered within 4-7 months of age.  Neutered dogs not only have fewer health risks, but they also make better pets.  They are less likely to be aggressive, less likely to roam or mark with urine, and of course you won't have to worry about them chasing after those females that they sense from across town!

February 23^rd is National Spay Day, an annual campaign orchestrated by the United States Humane Society and Humane Society International.  Many veterinarians across the country participate in this event and offer discounted spay and neuter pricing on this day and very often during March and April as well.  In San Luis Obispo County, Animal Services will be providing $40 vouchers towards a spay or neuter starting on February 23^rd.  Contact your veterinarian or local shelter to find out more.

If you have a question about your pet's health, email Dr. Conn at askthevet@kcoy.com

Watch Dr. Conn every other Monday on Central Coast News at 6:30 am on KCOY CBS 12.