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Arizona Small Animal Clinic
"We’re here for your needs"
The systematic sterilization of dogs and cats in the last thirty years has resulted in a mind set that virtually requires all dogs and cats to be eunuchs in order to conform to modern society and standards. Conversely this practice has resulted in a profound backlash behavior of widespread irresponsible breeding regardless of breed standard, genetics, health, personality or behavior. The end result is a population explosion of unwanted animals, severe health and behavioral abnormalities and a system incapable of coping.
The answer is responsible breeding.
Automatic removal of normal hormones does not improve or change behavior or personality. It only decreases a large segment of the animal’s hormonally based behavior. Removal of the gonads should be because the end result health benefit and a non-hormonally based behavior is desired.
The removal of one ovary and the uterus in bitches is an extremely useful sterilization technique. The bitch may still have a bloody vaginal discharge and will cycle as before. If performed correctly there is little risk of pyometra.
The vasectomy procedure in dogs ensures normal male development and behavior without the risk of pregnancy. In cryptorchid males surgical removal of the undescended testicle is critical as this will adversely affect the health of the dog. A vasectomy performed on the descended testicle and removal of the undescended testicle can allow normal hormonal balance in the dog.
At my clinic I perform all the above procedures with over 25 years experience.
ShanAnne Edwards DVM
Arizona Small Animal Clinic
Gonadal Sparing Sterilization of Dogs
