Animal Medical Centre of Greensboro PA
4113 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27407 (336) 855-5821

What You Should Know

We all know that neutering male and female dogs and cats (castration and spaying) is important for the control of numbers in the pet population and to avoid the unnecessary euthanasia of unwanted pets. However, there are also excellent medical reasons for the surgical procedures to be done; there are also some drawbacks of the surgery in some cases. Please take note of the following sections.

Spaying of Females

1. There will be no more signs of heat, and no attractiveness to males.
2. If done before first heat, malignant breast cancer occurs least frequently (0.5% incidence); (After 2nd heat = 8%, after 3rd = 26%). There is a 7x increase in frequency if not spayed at all!
3. Your pet will generally be more obedient and easier to train.
4. There is almost zero possibility of uterine infection ("Pyometra") which is often very serious and may be fatal.

(See below for some disadvantages of the Surgery)

This surgery is best done over 4 Months of age & before the 1st heat.

Castration of Males

1. Prostate problems such as enlargement ("Benign Hyperplasia"), cysts, and infection which are common in non-neutered males are almost nonexistent in neutered males.
2. Neutering greatly reduces the incidence of perineal hernia which often occurs in conjunction with the increased prostate size as in item #1
3. No possibility of cancer of the testicles.
4. Your pet will be better behaved and more trainable, as sexually oriented misbehavior will be uncommon.

(See below for some disadvantages of the Surgery)

This surgery is best done at about 4-8 Months of age.

Other Facts You Should Know About Surgery

Female Dogs

Urinary Incontinence increases 7-8x in spayed females, and much more so if spayed before 3 months of age. At this young age there is also increased incidence of Cystitis, Hip Displasia, Noise Phobias, and abnormal Sexual Behaviors.

Regarding Obesity, spaying eliminates the hormonal self-regulation of food intake, but this loss of control is less the earlier the spay is done. Aggressive females are less likely to worsen this behavior if spayed after their first heat cycle

For Puppy Vaginitis; preferably wait until after first heat cycle to neuter.

Males and Females

Malignancies, especially Osteosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma are less likely to occur if spayed or neutered at greater than 1 year of age.

Orthopedic problems such as Ruptured Cruciate Ligament (in the knee) and Hip Dysplasia occur less frequently when spayed or neutered at greater than 1 year of age.

Athletic injuries are more common in both sexes in neutered dogs.

Based on the Above Information, Please Make your Decision about your Pet's Neutering Surgery. The Following May Be Good Advice ...

1. Most Breeds - spay or neuter over 3 months.
2. Large Breed Dogs - possibly wait until at least 1 year, or until fully grown to reduce orthopedic and cancer problems.
3. Aggressive Female Dogs - spay after first heat cycle.
4. Canine Athletes - consider not neutering at all to prevent injury.