TO SPAY / NEUTER OR NOT TO SPAY OR NEUTER
Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs Laura J. Sanborn& nbsp; April 1, 2007 SUMMARY
An objective reading of the veterinary medical literature reveals a complex situation with respect to the long- term health risks and benefits associated with spay/neuter in dogs. The evidence shows that spay/neuter correlates with both positive AND adverse health effects in dogs. It also suggests how much we really do not yet understand about this subject.
On balance, it appears that no compelling case can be made for neutering most male dogs, especially immature male dogs, in order to prevent future health problems. The number of health problems associated with neutering may exceed the associated health benefits in most cases.

On the positive side, neutering male dogs . eliminates the small risk (probably <1%) of dying from testicular cancer
. reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
. reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
. may possibly reduce the risk of diabetes (data inconclusive) On the negative side, neutering male dogs
. if done before maturity, increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) by a factor of 3.8; this is a common cancer in medium/large and larger breeds with a poor prognosis.

. increases the risk of cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 1.6; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds

. triples the risk of hypothyroidism

. increases the risk of geriatric cogniti
ve impairment
. triples the risk of obesity, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems
. quadruples the small risk (<0.6%) of prostate cancer
. doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract cancers
. increases the risk of orthopaedic disorders
. increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations For female dogs, the situation is more complex. The number of health benefits associated with spaying may exceed the associated health problems in some (not all) cases. On balance, whether spaying improves the odds of overall good health or degrades them probably depends on the age of the female dog and the relative risk of various diseases in the different breeds. On the positive side, spaying female dogs

. if done before 2.5 years of age, greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumours, the most common malignant tumours in female dogs
. nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra, which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs
. reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
. removes the very small risk (?0.5%) from uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumours
On the negative side, spaying female dogs
. if done before maturity, increases the risk of osteosarcoma by a factor of 3.1; this is a common cancer in larger breeds with a poor prognosis
. increases the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 2.2 and cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of >5; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds
. triples the risk of hypothyroidism
. increases the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.6-2, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems . causes urinary "spay incontinence" in 4-20% of female dogs
. increases the risk of persistent or recurring urinary tract infections by a factor of 3-4
. increases the risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis, especially for female dogs spayed before puberty
. doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract tumours
. increases the risk of orthopaedic disorders
. increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations
One thing is clear -- much of the spay/neuter information that is available to the public is unbalanced and contains claims that are exaggerated or unsupported by evidence. Rather than helping to educate pet owners, much of it has contributed to common misunderstandings about the health risks and benefits associated of spay/neuter in dogs. The traditional spay/neuter age of six months as well as the modern practice of paediatric spay/neuter appear to predispose dogs to health risks that could otherwise be avoided by waiting until the dog is physically mature, or (perhaps in the case of many male dogs) foregoing it altogether unless medically necessary. The balance of long-term health risks and benefits of spay/neuter will vary from one dog to the next. Across-the-board recommendations for all pet dogs do not appear to be supportable from findings in the veterinary medical literature.

Interesting site on genetics :-

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5006477/
Pet Insurance can be obtained from The Kennel Club, Pet Plan, Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's
Garlic for dogs -interesting article: "Garlic, the Facts, by Lisa S. Newman, ND, Ph.D. "When it comes to your pet's health, do you want to follow facts or fears? Unfortunately, garlic has come under attack. This is primarily as a result of garlic's close cousin onion's reputation for triggering hemolytic or "Heinz factor" anemia (where circulating red blood cells burst) through its high concentration of thiosulphate. With onions, a single generous serving can cause this reaction. Garlic simply DOES NOT CONTAIN THE SAME CONCENTRATION of this compound! In fact, it is barely traceable and readily excreted (not stored in the body).
Despite this fact, garlic is falling victim to mass hysteria spread through the internet. Yes, there are 51,174 sites devoted to warning about the "toxicity" of garlic, this hysteria has even prompted the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center to place a warning on garlic although there is little scientific data to back this claim other than the fact that thiosulphate is also found in garlic. Yet, there are also over 400,000 sites still proclaiming its benefits, many of them from reputable holistic veterinarians who have widely used garlic in their practice for many years!

How can an herb suddenly turn so bad?! There is no doubt that onion, due to its concentration of thiosulphate, will cause Heinz factor anemia. In addition, as stated by Wendy Wallner, DVM, "Onions are only one of the substances which can cause Heinz body anemia. Other substances such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and benzocaine-containing topical preparations can also cause Heinz body anemia in the dog." The latter probably accounts for many cases as it is prevalent in creams often recommended for allergy-suffering pets due to its ability to numb the itch. It is absorbed through the skin and builds up in the blood stream. This other substance is likely to have been involved in cases where garlic was suspect.
For centuries, as long as humans have been using herbs, garlic has been a primary remedy turned to in a majority of cases. For as long as people have been using garlic, they have also been feeding it to their animal companions. Its properties have proven far reaching, easy on the body and safe to use. In the past fifty years, during the rebirth of holistic medicine in the United States, garlic has been in the forefront. Every text that I have researched on herbal health which mentions pet care has recommended it, especially for its incredible anti-parasitic and anti-septic properties. In my own experience, garlic has also benefited pets with cancer, diabetes, liver, heart and kidney disease, uncontrollable staph infections and a host of other conditions, as well as been a staple in my recommended preventative protocols. It has been widely used by hundreds of thousands of pet owners with no reported negative side-effects - except its effect on their animal's breath - until now. This is the point; garlic has suddenly become a "suspect," not proven the culprit. Do not let mass hysteria determine a holistic care program for your dog or cat. Follow hundreds of years of "proven use" rather than recent "suspicions" in regards to this miracle herb, as garlic is known to be. As with anything, do use garlic in reasonable doses, and do know that you can trust history over hysteria. ------
Since 1982, Dr. Newman has been a world renowned pioneer in the field of natural pet care. The author of nine books
Nice warm lazy summer days are ideal to spend a lot of time outdoors with your dog however make sure that care is taken to avoid your pet from overheating because if that is allowed to happen the consequences may be fatal. Ensure that there is always access to cool clean water, have a bottle and bowl with you if going on long walks or travelling away from home. On very hot days, go for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler and the tarmac is also not so hot on the dog’s pads. Do not leave your dog in a car even with the windows open as heat quickly builds up and heatstroke follows quickly. Dogs love to lie in the sun on a warm day but make sure they have access to shade and keep an eye on them. If it is too hot to go for walks, swimming or paddling through cool water can be considered. Not all dogs like to swim so do not just drop your dog into a swimming pool. Before you allow your dog to go into freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds and canals make sure they are clean as some types of blue-green algae are toxic to dogs and if your dog accidentally strays into one, take him to your vet. Watch out for fast flowing currents before allowing your dog to swim in a river. If you go on the beach take fresh water with you as drinking salt water will make your pet sick and remember to wash off any salty water and sand with fresh water to stop skin irritation. Avoid risky situations as too many owners drown trying to save their pets, Dogs do not sweat, they regulate their body temperature to keep cool by panting and releasing heat through their nose and pads .However in extremely warm conditions they can suffer fatal heat stroke within minutes so you should be on your guard and be prepared to act quickly. If your dog suddenly begins to pant excessively, begins to dribble or collapses you should immediately take him to a cool spot, where cool air is circulating, wet their coat with cold water and call your vet immediately for assistance.
HEATSTROKE
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A LOCKED CAR ON A WARM DAY
What to do immediately if you suspect Heat Stroke
First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head. Don’t cover the dog completely. An ideal solution can be the use of a body cooler (www.petcooler.eu).
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103 °F (39,44 °C), stop cooling. Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended). While at the vet, applying alcohol to the ears, foot pads and groin are common tricks to safely lowering the temperature, as well as administering cool IV fluids. The dog may be given oxygen, dextrose, cortisone, antihistamines, anticoagulants or antibiotics.
Keep the dog moving.
Prevention is the best medicine