Safer Sheep Shearing

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Fortunately many of these problems, along with the possibilities of unwanted puppies and kittens, can be eliminated by surgically removing certain reproductive organs through spaying and neutering. If your dog or cat is a female, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed in a surgery known as an ovariohysterectomy, commonly called a "spay." If your dog or cat is a male, the testicles are removed in a surgery properly termed orchiectomy, or simply "neutering." The medical advantages of these procedures are many. The female has less chance of developing uterine infections or mammary cancer later in life, especially if spaying is done under two years of age. The male has less chance of developing prostate infections or inflammation.

Contrary to popular opinion, surgically altered animals do not tend to become less interested, less active pets. Removing the ovaries or testicles does affect metabolism; this may result in excess weight gain if the diet is not regulated properly after the surgery. The operations are not usually expensive, and several veterinarians are part of a network of practices that perform lower-cost surgeries in conjunction with animal shelter adoption programs. The cost of the procedure depends on the animal's age, size, and general health; hence, the earlier it is performed, the better. Since the charge only occurs once in a pet's lifetime, one can actually save money by having a pet sterilized when the cost of mammary tumor removal and unwanted litters is figured into the budget.

Consider having your pet spayed or neutered. As individuals concerned with the increasing numbers of abandoned puppies and kittens, we should do everything possible to reduce the population of unwanted pets and decrease the occurrence of the number one cause of death in companion animals—euthanasia. As a responsible pet owner, you can share these concerns by spaying and neutering, and ensure your pet's long term health at the same time. Happy spring!

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