Spaying and Neutering – Is
there a right time?
Inside the Vet's World:
When to spay and neuter? It's one of the most
hotly debated questions in veterinary medicine
and one where we are starting to see a massive
shift in what was once recommended by most
veterinarians. The problem is that this question
does not have an overarching answer but needs
an individualized approach. In their position
statements,
the
American
College
of
Theriogenology (ACT) and the Society for
Theriogenology (SFT) directly support this
individualized approach. The position statement
states, "The decision to spay or neuter a pet
must be made on a case-by-case basis, and this
decision should be made between the pet's
owner
and
its
veterinarian,
taking
into
consideration the pet's age, breed, sex, health
status, intended use, household environment
and temperament.”
Dr. Alexandria Horner
DVM, MS, DACT
Board-Certified Specialist
of the American College of
Theriogenology
Most people who own pets, working dogs or breeding dogs, are
well aware of the advantages of spaying and neutering, as they are
often described by veterinarians, rescue groups, and the media.
These advantages include effective population control, decreased
aggression, decreased wandering, a decreased risk of being hit by
a car and a reduced risk of mammary, testicular and ovarian
cancers.
This article will highlight the benefits and disadvantages of keeping
dogs intact and provide general suggestions to consider when
determining when to spay and neuter.
P A G E 6
K 9 F O R C E