Last week while reading an interview with Ted Kerasote, author of a new book called Pukka’s Promise, Kerasote discussed his bias in favor of having his dogs sterilized via vasectomy or tubal ligation rather than neutering or spaying. Frankly, I never knew that was an option. Evidently, most veterinarians don’t consider it one either so this alternative is rarely if ever offered.
After doing some research of my own, I learned on petMD that even in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live, as of 2010, only two vets were performing these alternative forms of sterilization. Since vasectomies and tubal ligations are easier to perform and result in less pain and a quicker recovery time for Fido, I wondered why vets were so resistant. And what is the difference between spay/neuter versus vasectomy/tubal ligation?
A vasectomy involves severing the ducts leading to the testicles. Although the dog can no longer father pups, he can have sex and also retains the aggression associated with testosterone. With castration, the testicles are removed entirely and the dog’s testosterone levels drop, showing a decrease in aggression towards humans and other male dogs. It also eliminates the male’s constant urge to roam in search of a partner. In addition, neutered dogs suffer fewer prostate problems, hernias, and perianal tumors.
With females, sterilization is invasive; the recovery process is longer and involves more pain. The spaying procedure is known as an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) which is the complete removal of the reproductive tract. The female will no longer produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone - hormones that are believed to be potentially harmful later in the dog’s life. Lastly, she will no longer have twice-yearly heat cycles. A tubal ligation involves the oviducts only. A third procedure is a hysterectomy which means removing only the uterus and leaving the ovaries, which continue to release hormones into the body.
While some people struggle with the idea of sterilizing a beloved pet, there are known medical benefits in doing so, particularly for females. Many rescue organizations are now performing spay/neuter on puppies as young as eight weeks. According to the North Shore Animal League the benefits for females include fewer ovarian and uterine tumors, a reduction in mammary cancer (particularly if the procedure is performed early), and elimination of health risks and stress involved in pregnancy.
Next week I’ll be writing about the perceived benefits of vasectomy and tubal ligation. For those of you wondering how cats fare in this argument, I’ll also address that issue. In the meantime, I would love to hear from readers who have opted to sterilize their dogs via vasectomy or tubal ligation. Do you see any benefits or drawbacks? What prompted you to make that choice?
For now, I’m just happy that more people are making the connection between sterilization and pet overpopulation. Sterilization is still the most humane way to address that problem. And if it provides additional health benefits to our companion animals, then it’s a win-win situation for all concerned.
by Elizabeth Sundstrom
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