Spaying & Neutering

 SAVE A LIFE: SPAY/NEUTER

Dr. Christina Frick, DVM

 

In March 2004, we arrived at the clinic to a box of 8 unwanted kittens left by the front door.  They were only about 6-8 weeks old.  How could someone be such an irresponsible pet owner?  This is a common occurrence at many vet clinics, shelters, and humane societies around the U.S.  The above story is true.  The clinic started finding homes for all the kittens.  Of course when they asked if Dr. Frick could take any, I said if the gray one and the black and white one did not find homes by next week, I would take them to be barn kitties at the Frick Farm.  I adopted the 2 kittens the next week, while all the others also found homes.  Pictured are "Whiskers and Gray Stone."  How they became inside house cats at the Frick House is another story!!

 

These kittens found a happy home but unfortunately many unwanted pets never find a home.  Every year about 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized (put to sleep) in the U.S.  The problem exists because cats and dogs are allowed to breed with little regard for the availability of homes for their offspring.  Many are puppies and kittens less than 6 months old that are put to sleep.  Help stop this needless loss of life by SPAYING and NEUTERING your pets.

 

Spaying your female pet (Ovariohysterectomy) is the removal of the ovaries and uterus at 6 months old.  If spayed before the 1st heat cycle, your pet has a 0.5% chance of developing breast/ mammary cancer later in life.  If spayed after the 1st heat cycle, the risk increases to 8%, after the 2nd heat cycle, the risk increases to 23%.  After the 3rd heat cycle, there is a 100% risk of cancer.  Dogs will 1st cycle around 8-10 months old and then every 6 months thereafter.  That is why vets recommend surgery at 6 months old to address the problem of pet overpopulation.  Other benefits include: eliminate the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, unwanted pregnancies, pyometra (infection in uterus) and other health problems. 

 

Neutering your male pet (Castration) is the removal of the testicles and spermatic cord at 6 months old.  This eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common tumor in male dogs.  Greatly reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis, decrease risk of perianal tumors, and eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases.  Reduces spraying or marking in males neutered before 6 months of age or before the onset of these behaviors.  Reduces roaming, fighting, and is easier to train due to increase concentration to you and less likely to fight with other dogs.  Makes a calmer, gentler pet.  Eliminates unwanted litters. 

 

COMMON MYTHS:  Spaying or neutering your pet DOES NOT cause laziness or hyperactivity, reduce its instinct to protect your family and home, cause immature behaviors, postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity, or alter its personality in any manner.

 

Call to set up a surgery appointment for your pet to have a longer life with your family.  Remember to adopt a pet from a shelter, humane society or vet clinic and save a life.

 

 

           

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Monday
8:00 am 5:30 pm
Tuesday
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Thursday
8:00 am 5:30 pm
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