The Facts of Life

By: Dr. Werner

Important reasons to spay or neuter your pet Spaying your female pet (ovariohysterectomy):

- Removal of the ovaries and uterus.

- Ideal age is 5 to 6 months.

- If spayed after one heat cycle, your pet has an 8% chance of developing breast cancer.

- If spayed after two heat cycles, the risk increases to 26%.

- After two years, no protective benefit exists.

- Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medication.

- Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.

- Eliminates unwanted pregnancies. Neutering your male pet (castration):

- Removal of the testicles and spermatic cord.

- Ideal age is 5 to 6 months

- Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common tumor in male dogs.

- Greatly reduces the risk of prostatic diseases.

- Reduces the risk of perianal tumors.

- Reduces roaming and fighting.

- Eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

- Eliminates unwanted litters.

Unfortunate reality: More than four million pets are euthanized in the U.S. animal shelters each year simply because they have no home. Many are puppies and kittens less than six months old. Help stop this needless loss of life. Spay or neuter your pet.

Common Myths:

- Spaying and 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 - Alter its personality in any manner For more information please call The Lansing Veterinary Hospital at (913) 727-1116.Our Staff can answer your questions about spaying or neutering your pet or and other procedure your pet may undergo at our hospital. Please don't hesitate to ask.

Copyright 2005. Dr. Jennifer B. Werner. All Rights Reserved. Any use or reproduction of this document without written permission is expressly forbidden. www.lansingvet.com.