[FEL-L] Spay/neuter information - crosspost from another list.

[Prometheus Horse]

While it may be slightly off-topic to some groups, I felt it important to bring this out to you all. Some of you know me well, others less so, some not at all, but amidst a bit of a debate on another group about neutering of wolfdog hybrids, I felt compelled to trot out this information in rebuttal to another individual's comments. While those comments and what led up to it have been deleted to maintain the privacy of the individuals, my commentary and list remains and that's what I've forwarded to you all. Make use of the information what you will, but here it is, for use of all.

Prometheus Horse <prometheus_horse at yahoo.com> wrote:  To: wolfdogz at yahoogroups.com
From: Prometheus Horse <prometheus_horse at yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:46:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: [WolfdogZ] A wolfdog will die today...

  I wasn't about to trot this list out, but.... since you opened the door... 
   
  It is so feasible to leave them as you receive them. Saves money, doesn't it? Last time I checked anesthesia, gauze, and use of an autoclave at the very least aren't free. That's even presuming the vet and staff are working pro bono. More money in the coffers means more animals you can help, if I'm not mistaken.
   
  Why is it important to me? Cuz I think it should be important to you too. Here's what I've seen and learned, be it through direct observation, substantial anecdotal evidence from reliable sources, and affirmed published medical reports.
   
  Altered Females:
  - Increased aggression in altered females. (recent study)
  - Increased occurance of urinary calculi.
  - Increased difficulty passing urinary calculi.
  - Increased liklihood of vulvar pyoderma (urine scald)
  - Increased liklihood of urinary incontinence.
  - Increased liklihood of adverse reaction to vaccinations (27-38%).
  - Notable decrease of activity/drive. (this is important to those whose animals aren't just pets but are trained to do work too)
  - Increased chance of "perpetual puppy syndrome" undesirable urination.
  - Inhibited social adjustment if spayed prior to complete cognitive development (usually a good time AFTER sexual maturity).
  - Substantial liklihood of appreciable demeanor change after spay (menopausal women know about hormone drop.. it's not fun)
  - Increased liklihood of cognitive disorders if spayed before sexual maturity.
  - Increased liklihood of, or speeded progress of, degenerative osteological disorders.
  - Notable decrease in muscle mass (again, not all dogs are lawn ornaments or carpet speedbumps)
  - Generally live 2 (or greater) years shorter than unaltered littermates in controlled studies.
   
  Altered males:
  - Increased occurance of urinary calculi.
  - Increased difficulty passing urinary calculi.
  - Increased chance of urinary obstruction.
  - Increased liklihood of urinary incontinence.
  - Increased liklihood of adverse reaction to vaccinations (27-38%).
  - Notable decrease in activity/drive. (same as above in female list)
- Increased chance of "perpetual puppy syndrome" undesirable urination.
  - Inhibited social adjustment if castrated prior to sexual maturity.
  - Substantial liklihood of appreciable demeanor change after castration (same concept as above in female list... reproductive hormones affect more than just reproduction).
  - Increased liklihood of cognitive disorders if castrated before complete cognitive development (usually a good time AFTER sexual maturity).
  - Notable decrese in muscle mass (yep, same as above)
  - Generally live 2 (or greater) years shorter than unaltered littermates in controlled studies
   
  And though I can't readily find the link to the increased female aggression study, here's the one on the increased liklihood of adverse reactions.
   
  http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.2005.227.1102?prevSearch=allfield%3A%28Adverse+Events+Diagnosed+Within+3+Days%29
   
  So... you tell me. Does that sound like you've been told the whole story about things? I dunno about you, but to me that doesn't sound like altered animals are more healthy than if left as nature started them out to be. But that's just me.
   
   
  Tim Fuller
   
   


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