The cons of neutering a lab. Exercise restrictions are also necessary during the healing process after laser neutering. In order to keep overhead low and volume up, surgeries and post-operative care need to keep to a tighter schedule the day of surgery and in some cases will need to be booked further in advance. While it is true that the procedure involves smaller incisions and reduces pain, pet owners still need to monitor their furry friends closely during the healing process. It prevents male dogs from impregnating females. A final positive aspect of spaying your cat is that spayed cats tend to have fewer health problems. Laser neutering is a relatively new method of sterilizing pets that uses laser technology instead of traditional surgical techniques. A neutered male cat or dog is no longer capable of reproducing. It is also important to note that we may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on our website, which could result in receiving free products, services, or monetary compensation in exchange for featuring their products or services. Fixing your cat eliminates the risk of unwanted pregnancies which is a big issue for the global feline population. Once your dog is spayed, you can say goodbye to doggy diapers and blood cleanup twice a year. In conclusion, while not without risk, laser neutering offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods including greater precision and efficiency. As long as the dog receives a healthy diet and regular exercise, the act of neutering will not cause the dog to put on weight. It is a safe procedure also. Its important to note that while there are alternatives to laser neutering that may be more affordable upfront, they may not necessarily offer the same level of comfort and safety for your pet. They still put you on the same timeline to come back to get the stitches removed (10-14 days) as the regular procedure though. Increased life expectancy. Normally, owners must keep the puppies with their mother until they are about 6 weeks old and then try to find a home for them. There are increased risks for hypothyroidism, cognitive impairments, and orthopedic disorders as well. Some dogs may have learned to lift their leg to spray, so theyll keep doing that after they are neutered. Pros of Cat Teeth Cleaning Prevents dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. . 6. In addition to exercise restrictions, proper nutrition is also essential for quick healing. Typically, the reproductive tract, both ovaries and the uterus are then removed through this incision. There may also be an increased risk of infection if proper sterilization procedures are not followed before and after surgery. The life expectancy in males has increased by 13.8% with neutering. When caring for a pregnant dog, you should expect anincrease in your vet bills and dog food and care supplies. You probably think about neutering or spaying your dog, but you're not sure if this is a good idea. Neutering can reduce these behaviors because it changes the urge to mate. "Neutering decreases aggression in 62% of inter-dog aggression between male dogs" (Hopkins et al., 1976) Neutering reduces roaming in 90 percent of males, according to Dr. Nicholas Dodman. Even if the surgery goes off without a hitch, your cat could develop an infection, which could lead to an abscess or other complications. With this new research and more on the horizon, veterinarians and scientists are beginning to reconsider their stance on neutering and spaying dogs. In the most basic sense, it is far less expensive to have your dog spayed. Home Blog Pros and Cons of Laser Neutering, As veterinary surgeons, we are constantly seeking new technologies and techniques to improve the health and well-being of our animal patients. At Belle Plaine Animal Hospital, we use pet laser therapy to help our patients heal from injuries, manage pain, and even reduce inflammation.The laser energy penetrates deep into the tissue, providing a range of benefits including increased circulation, reduced swelling, and . During the recovery period, owners need to keep a close eye on their pets to ensure they do not cause harm to themselves or damage their incision sites. Spayed a dog often starts gaining weight at an increased rate after the procedure, most likely due to changes in metabolism and hormonal structure. This is a good article on the pros and . If left untreated, this disease may very well kill your pet. Laser neutering offers many advantages over traditional neutering, including being less invasive and less painful, as well as being more cost-effective and quicker. There are ultimately no guarantees your dog will change certain behaviors after being neutered. Additionally, the use of a laser reduces the risk of infection as it seals blood vessels during surgery, thereby minimizing exposure to pathogens. Exercise limitations should be enforced for at least ten days post-surgery. In North America, most animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and humane societies highly recommend (read: force) pet owners to spay or neuter their dogs to prevent further problems to an already huge overpopulation of domestic animals. The Cons: Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinics. It can cause urinary incontinence. This benefit is reduced when the dog is neutered later in life, so it is a good idea to consider this option around the age of 6 months. The pros and cons of neutering dogs is, in general terms, something that can be beneficial to individual pets while controlling overall population levels. Whether your vet performs a traditional spay on your pet or a laser spay, the process is largely the same: In laser surgeries, vets use hot or cold lasers in place of the traditional scalpel. Laser beam machining has many advantages, and there are some minor disadvantages. Dog owners will usually have their puppies spayed or neutered around the age of 6 months or earlier. Our team of writers strives to provide accurate and genuine reviews and articles, and all views and opinions expressed on our site are solely those of the authors. Many dogs have learned behaviors that go beyond basic hormones. He is less likely to hump other pets or objects. While you may not have to shoulder any of the responsibility of the new litter, if you choose to help, there is the cost of pet food and veterinary care bills. It stabilizes the mood of the dog. Pet owners must actively participate in monitoring their pets condition during this period to prevent complications and promote optimal healing. One major advantage of laser neutering is its precision. Issues can include an enlarged prostate in dogs, prostate cysts, and prostate infections. It's also important to note that spaying is amongst the most common of veterinary surgeries and most vets become very skilled at spaying. Although it doesnt happen often, there is a small risk that the neutering procedure could cause urinary incontinence for the dog. While all surgeries carry potential risk factors, veterinary professionals specializing in laser neutering have seen positive outcomes overall with fewer complications reported compared to other forms of castration procedures available today. However, these benefits do not come without some drawbacks which will be discussed further in the subsequent section. Before deciding whether laser neutering is right for your pet, its important to weigh up the pros and cons carefully. Carolina Panthers . Overall, it seems that it still is worth de-sex your dog as the pros of sterilization outweigh the cons. Dogs that are neutered before the age of 12 months have an increased risk of osteosarcoma. The surgery is still highly recommended by vets for various reasons, but now we need more evidence than we currently have. TOP #25: Debunking 8 Common Homemade Dog Food Diet Myths, TOP #26: Who Benefits from Homemade Dog Food the Most. RELATED:30 Myths That Many Dog Owners Still Believe. There can also be a big difference in the cost based on locality. Low thyroid levels in a female canine will result in weight gain and obesity, which is difficult to fight even with an adequate diet. Most experts agree that you should spay your dog at around four to six months old. The exact cost varies depending on factors such as location, size of the animal, and individual veterinary practices. Therefore, there's a chance that your male canine will react poorly to anesthesia itself, and as previously indicated,1 in 5 dogsmay have further health complications after surgery under general anesthesia. Laser neutering has become a popular alternative to traditional surgical methods, as it offers numerous benefits such as faster recovery times with minimal discomfort. The danger here is making an assumption that all dogs benefit from this procedure. Neutering is a form of surgical sterilization for male dogs. They tend to be more gentle and affectionate. It may also have some disadvantages such as the disruption of normal hormonal processes if done at an early age. Based on all the evidence we currently have, most dogs are neutered or spayed much too early, increasing the risk of further health problems and complications. LISTEN: Podcast on Pros & Cons of Neutering/Spaying Dogs. As a veterinary surgeon with expertise in laser neutering, I understand that pet owners consider the cost of this procedure when making a decision. Dogs that are neutered no longer have the risk of suffering from testicular cancer, a common form of cancer in dogs, later in life. Dogs that are neutered no longer have the risk of suffering from testicular cancer, a common form of cancer in dogs, later in life. As veterinary professionals specializing in laser neutering, we understand that every pet is unique and requires individualized care. 2. Having a dog in heat when. Moreover, if not performed correctly or in sterile conditions, there are risks of complications such as burns from overheating tissues or damage to surrounding organs. The major disadvantage of laser beam machining is that it . To help with this decision-making process, Ive created a table outlining some key factors below:FactorsProsConsPain ReliefReduced post-operative painMay not be suitable for all animalsRisk ReductionsLower risk of infection and bleedingRisks associated with incorrect performanceHealing Time & ScarringMinimal scarring after healingIncreased cost compared to traditional methodsEffectivenessHighly effective procedureChance of missing cancerous cells. Is there a Reason to Spay Your Dog Other Than to Prevent Pregnancy? 2023 TopDogTips.com. They will guard it against any unfriendly visitor. Ultimately one must make an informed choice that will best serve the health and well-being of their furry friend. Additionally, if the spaying surgery is done wrong or at the wrong age, health complications can worsen for the dog even more. As veterinary professionals specializing in laser neutering, we understand the importance of balancing quality care and affordability for our clients. The other side of neutering has effects that may not be likable to us as dog owners, these cons include: . Know that you're not alone in this because many pet owners are given conflicting information on whether neutering and spaying dogs is necessary and whether it's good or bad for their health. Prevent your pet from licking the incision site. Dog neutering is a grave decision; youshould not take it lightly. Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and testicular cancer. However, given the overpopulation of dogs today, with millions of them being stray, homeless, living in shelters, or being euthanized, most pet advocates see this as an advantage of spaying a dog. Its essential to feed your pet a well-balanced diet consisting of high-quality proteins and vitamins while avoiding fatty foods that can slow down the healing process. This is low-risk in a young healthy cat. However, like any medical procedure, risks may also exist with laser neutering. Testicular cancer can also be eliminated by neutering. It is common for female dogs to have more consistent behavior after doing the procedure. It reduces marking and spraying issues. The dog is taken to a veterinarian, who will then remove the dogs testicles using strict sterile techniques. Most recent studies now show many more disadvantages to a dog neutering than we previously thought. Before I had my doodle Magnet spayed, I did quite a bit of research on the laser spaying as opposed to the traditional spay. Eliminate or decrease the chance of a dog developing certain types of diseases. The procedure always removes her ovaries and typically also removes the uterus. If you decide to find homes for your new puppies, that may prove to be much harder than you think. Many studies have been coming out over the last five years showing how neutering and spaying dogs may actually be naughty for their health. After we've taken a look at all the pros and cons of spaying or neutering your dog, it's clear that we still need more conclusive evidence on how to view this procedure and whether it's essential to fix your dog. However, like any medical procedure, there are always potential risks involved. This article will review laser therapy, its uses, how . Below, our Cordova veterinarians discuss cat dental care and how you can help your cat to maintain good oral health. The inescapable fact remains: declawing a cat is a surgical procedure, and any surgical procedure carries the risk of death. keep the puppies with their mother until they are about 6 weeks old and then try to find a home for them. Here is a look at the advantages and disadvantages of . READ NEXT:15 Cheap Ways To Prevent Most Common Health Issues in Dogs, How Neutering Dogs May Lead to Cognitive Impairments, Podcast on Pros & Cons of Neutering/Spaying Dogs, 30 Myths That Many Dog Owners Still Believe, 15 Cheap Ways To Prevent Most Common Health Issues in Dogs. For some practitioners, reducing numbers of unwanted cats and dogs is a top priority. Neutering a Husky: The Pros and Cons. Research has shown that animals undergoing the laparoscopic procedure feel 65 percent less pain than with a traditional spay, Hodges says. By eliminating the risk of pregnancy and several cancers and infections, your vet bills may be reduced significantly. In addition, since theres no need for sutures or staples with laser neutering, theres no risk of complications such as wound infections or suture reaction. The problem is real, however. Why Does My Dog Sleep with His Eyes Open? It could change the texture of the dogs coat. Laproscopic spays are performed through just a few of little holes in the abdominal wall. However, as with any medical procedure, there will always be some level of risk involved. Even though only 7% of non-neutered males get testicular cancer, having your male dog neutered removes the risk. Pets should be kept calm and quiet in order to avoid opening up surgical wounds or causing additional trauma. So, how often should you take a cat to the vet to help give them their very best shot at a long healthy life? One such technique that has gained popularity in recent years is laser neutering.var cid='7881753709';var pid='ca-pub-7143940720449858';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});var cid='7881753709';var pid='ca-pub-7143940720449858';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-medrectangle-3-0_1';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});.medrectangle-3-multi-617{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Dog Neutering 101: Pros and Cons for Spayed or Neutered Pets. Despite these potential drawbacks, many pet owners have found success with laser neutering for their furry friends. Some states are even required by law to spay or neuter dogs before they can be adopted. It happens when the surgery takes place before the bladder is fully developed. They will also need regular exercise and constant monitoring to see how this program has affected your pet. It reduces the risk of prostate and cancer problems. In summary, while there are certainly benefits associated with utilizing laser technology for pet neutering procedures, there are also some inherent risks involved just like with any other medical intervention. The procedure has no effect on a pet's intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. However, just like with research on the pros of neutering a dog, evidence for the cons of neutering dogs, in general, is still not conclusive and requires more biological research. Pain management is an essential aspect of the postoperative care plan, and a veterinarian will prescribe medications to alleviate any discomfort experienced by the animal. There is also a small risk of death during birth or right after. One significant advantage of laser neutering over traditional surgical methods is the reduced amount of pain experienced by the animal during and after the procedure. . Spaying can cost anywhere from $65 to $600, and castration can range from $45 to $300. You can also check if any discounts or promotions are offered by local animal shelters or rescue organizations. Prostate problems can occur in 80% of non-neutered males, based on one study (10). Furthermore, the heat generated by the laser seals blood vessels as it cuts through tissue, reducing bleeding and therefore post-operative discomfort. If you grew up watching Bob Barker host The Price is Right, then you knew the show would be closed in the same way, every day. With minimally-invasive procedures like laser neutering, theres less trauma to the body, which means animals can be up and about sooner than if they had undergone more invasive surgeries. There are three major advantages of laser surgery when compared to traditional stainless steel surgical scalpels, which are decreased pain, decreased bleeding, improved tissue healing, and decreased inflammation. Its important to note that these risks are even lower than those associated with traditional methods of castration. They offer a laser neutering surgery which supposedly has quicker healing time and less bleeding for $100 more. Statistically, it used to be that there are more pros than cons to deciding to neuter or spaying your dog. Laser therapy can have many uses in medical and cosmetic procedures. 5. 1. Reduced PainCarbon Dioxide Laser beam can seal nerve endings as it cuts through the tissue. It will also help in keeping adog from chasing a female in heat. With respect to cancer, cases of lymphoma were 3-fold greater in the early-neutered males. Also, it does not experience wearing out of the surfaces and works with high accuracy and precision. This helps reduce the amount of pain the patient feels during and after surgery. 2. READ:15 Tips on Dog Pregnancy and Whelping. However, there are advantages to this procedure, some of which are based on scientific research while others still do not have conclusive evidence. One of the most common surgical procedures we perform is a dog neuter, know medically as an orchectomy. 9 Human Foods Dogs Cant Eat and Why (Based on Studies), Cushings Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments, Swimmer Puppy Syndrome: How to Help Your Dog. The first few days following surgery are crucial, as your pet may experience some discomfort or lethargy. The concentrated beam allows veterinarians to remove only whats necessary while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding tissue. It should also be noted that while rare, there have been cases of cancerous cells being missed during laser neutering procedures. Neutering is also known as castration. In the following sections we will delve deeper into the advantages of laser neutering which make it a viable option for many pet owners seeking safe and effective ways of sterilizing their pets. Dogs with dementia will usually start interacting differently with humans and completely forget all the obedience training they've gone through. Some dogs may be candidates for contributing to a breeds gene pool. However, increased tendency to develop obesity may occur in either species. 1. Licking could cause an infection. Neutering your male dog helps in reducing his desire to mark his territory. This will allow them to rest properly and ensure that they do not disrupt their stitches or cause further injury. For example, the cost of spaying a dog in New York City may be $600, while it might only cost $250 in the Midwest. This is because lasers are less invasive than traditional surgery, allowing for smaller incisions with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, using a laser for neutering provides greater precision when removing reproductive organs from an animal. No solution for behavior issues Too many people think that it will magically solve all their dog's behavior issues. If you are at all concerned about the risks of spaying your female animal contact your vet for further information and their recommendations on which type of spaying is right for your pet. Some dogs may benefit from being neutered later in life. A quick science-based overview of what we know today: Dog Spaying: 3 Pros and 3 Cons You may see more undesired behaviors instead of fewer. 2. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of laser neutering from a veterinary perspective. One possible negative outcome of laser neutering is accidental burns or injuries caused by improper use of equipment or human error. Finally, spaying your female dog protects herfrom getting uterine infections. Here are tips for a safe and comfortable recovery: If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge at the surgery site, or if the incision has opened up, contact your veterinarian. If there are any concerns about the healing process, contact your veterinarian immediately. One of the most significant benefits of laser neutering is its ease of procedure, which results from the use of advanced technology. In early-neutered dogs, the incidence of CCL was 5.1 percent in males and 7.7 percent in females, suggesting that neutering prior to sexual maturity significantly increases a dog's risk of developing CCL disease. Recipes and Ramblings From Life on the Farm On one point, all sides agree: Veterinarians and owners should discuss the pros and cons of sterilization. Neutering cannot completely erase testosterone from your dog and behavior mostly comes from training and genetics. As veterinary surgeons specializing in laser neutering, it is our duty to inform pet owners about both the pros and cons of this technique. 3. You can avoid weight gain and dog obesity issues by using an adequate amount of regular exercise, understanding dog food and proper nutrition, and otherwise providing your female canine with a healthy and stress-free lifestyle. Also, be sure to contact your vet if your pet is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea or any other concerns following their spay surgery. 2. The more heat periods she has, the greater the risk that she may be developing breast cancer. It is important that pet owners thoroughly research their veterinarians qualifications and experience with using lasers for neutering. Spayed dogs won't go into heat if the surgery is done while they are young. There would be more value in breeding for puppies in such an instance, even if there are undesired behaviors that you may wish to modify. As we have discussed in the previous section, laser neutering is a relatively new technique that has been gaining popularity among pet owners. In the subsequent section, we will explore how laser neutering compares with traditional methods of spaying/neutering pets. Pros Behaviours: Neutering is said to stop (or at least dramatically reduce) problematic behaviour patterns in French Bulldogs including aggression, territorial marking (urinating), searching for partner and running away, sexual behaviour (humping your leg or other objects around the house. The laser can be targeted precisely at the area requiring treatment, reducing damage to surrounding tissues. Its important to note that while the initial cost of laser neutering may be higher than traditional methods, it can save you money in the long run. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Other common issues, such as infections or cysts, are reduces as well. We hope these findings provide evidence-based guidelines for deciding the right age to neuter a puppy to reduce the risk of one or more joint disorders., Prof. Benjamin Hart from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (source). ny complications during the pregnancy period of your dog may also result in even more veterinary care bills and additional health risks for the newborn puppies. If you still find yourself wondering what to do, consider the following questions and answers. Additionally, because the incision made by the laser is smaller than traditional surgical methods, pets experience less postoperative discomfort. While the declawing procedure is generally safe, there are no guarantees. In addition, some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of laser surgery. While some vets may prefer the use of lasers to perform surgeries, others still prefer to use a scalpel. If neutered, the risk is highly reduced. If he gets loose, he will try to track down the scent. As with any procedure, there are pros and cons to consider before making the final decision to laser neuter an animal. Do Female Dogs Change After the Spaying Procedure? Its important to speak with a qualified veterinarian who specializes in this technique to determine if its right for your pet. If you notice any changes in appetite or behavior following surgery, contact us immediately so we can address any potential issues before they escalate. Finally, abnormal vulvas can trap bacteria and cause dermatitis, vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, all of which should be considered. The neutering process reduces these behaviors. If your dog were to have a traditional spay, this involves an . Neutering may increase the risk of untreatable cancers like hemangiosarcoma even if it lowers the risk of the more treatable mammary cancer. Less testosterone is present, which means there is less of a desire to mark territory. Hemangiosarcoma disease, in particular, affects the dog's spleen and heart, which normally would've been protected by your female canine's reproductive organs.