Addressing concerns about early spay/neuter
Extrapolated from article written by Dr. Bushby and Dr. Griffin
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OBESITY
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This is a multi-factorial problem with a tendency to occur regardless of the age at which an animal is spayed or neutered.
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STUNTED GROWTH
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Studies have proven this false. The growth plates actually close a little later in fixed animals.
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HIP DYSPLASIA
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Two major studies have been performed and the results are equivocal. A study at Texas A & M showed no increase in hip dysplasia whereas a study at Cornell showed a slight increase.
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PERIVULVAR DERMATITIS
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Spaying appears to have no influence on the incidence of perivulvar dermatitis. It is actually related to a recessed vulva and made worse by obesity.
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PUPPY VAGINITIS
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The incidence is the same regardless of the age of the dog at the time of the spay.
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FELINE URINARY OBSTRUCTION
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The diameter of the penile urethra does not change following castration.
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URINARY INCONTINENCE
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Three studies have been performed and the results are equivocal. A study at Texas A & M showed no difference whereas a study at Cornell showed a slight increase. A third study actually found that dogs spayed AFTER their first heat cycle were more likely to have incontinence than if spayed BEFORE the onset of puberty.
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ANESTHESIA
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We take precautions to keep the body temperature and blood glucose concentration normal while at the hospital. This allows for anesthesia with minimal risk.
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