Sterilisation

Most pets are neutered at about 6 months of age.

There are various benefits to doing this in female dogs.

• Prevents unwanted pregnancy.

• Greatly reduces if not eliminates the possibility of her developing mammary cancer later in life.

• Prevents the development of an infected uterus which usually occurs after 4 years.

There are also some risks.

• Increased risk of post spay hormone related incontinence especially in large breed dogs and if done before 3 months of age.

• Increased risk of obesity and hypothyroidis

 

The benefits to early castration of male dogs are not as radical.

• Reduce risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (overgrowth) and infection although not the risk of cancer. The hyperplasia is reversible if neutering happens later in life.

• Reduce risk of perineal hernia

• Reduce incidence of perianal adenomas (benign lumps on anus)

• Reduce urine marking, mounting and roaming.

• Reduces aggression in about 1/3 of dogs. 

The risks associated with early castration can be serious.

• Increased incidence of osteosarcoma formation in Rottweilers

• Increased incidence of orthopaedic conditions (hip dysplasia, cruciate disease)