Pointers To sterilise or not to sterilise?

On Pets This month, the Vets for Life team outlines some of the medical ramifications of this topic.

Most veterinarians recommend sterilisation, for many reasons – mainly to avoid unwanted pregnancies that contribute to so many dogs and cats needing homes.

Female dogs: Sterilisation in female dogs decreases the risk of mammary tumours (breast cancers, which can also spread to the lungs). If an animal is left unsterilised, there’s a one in four chance of this disease, but if sterilisation is carried out before the first heat, this drops to 0.5 percent, and to 8 percent if it’s done before the second heat.

Without sterilisation, female dogs are more susceptible to pyometra, a condition where the uterus fills up with pus; this usually requires surgical removal of the uterus as it is potentially fatal. Another problem is recurrent “pseudo-pregnancies”, where the animal starts lactating, this is inconvenient for owner and dog, and it can also cause mastitis.

The only known disadvantage of sterilisation is a predisposition to urinary incontinence at an earlier age, and cranial cruciate disease, which affects the knees.

Male dogs (and tomcats): Castration in young dogs can reduce aggression when combined with behavioural training. It also helps to prevent a plethora of prostate-related diseases, especially prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), which can put pressure on the bladder and cause urination difficulties and constipation. With tomcats, castration reduces their need to fight, which prevents injury and possible transmission of contagious diseases such as FIV (feline AIDS) and FELV (feline leukemia).

The disadvantage of sterilising large breed male dogs early is that it may predispose them to immature bone development. As with any surgery, there are risks involved, but the benefits of sterilisation far outweigh that of not getting it done.

Vets for Life Animal Clinic has two outlets in Singapore with internationally trained staff who can help keep your pet in tiptop shape.

Tanjong Katong Road | 6348 8346 Valley Point Shopping Centre | 6732 0273 vetsforlife.com.sg