Neutering Problems

Decisions regarding pet care come into play when a new puppy or kitten joins your household, including weighing the benefits and problems of having a pet spayed or neutered. When a male pet is neutered, they are no longer able to reproduce and contribute to the over-population of pets. Since neutering requires surgery and is usually performed before the pet is sexually mature, pet owners should be aware of the possible problems with neutering.

Types

• The risk of bone and prostate cancer, perianal fistulas, adverse reactions to vaccinations, obesity and hypothyroidism is increased in male pets that are neutered, according to Laura J. Sanborn, M.S. of the National Animal Interest Alliance in her report "Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs."

Time Line

• Problems with neutering male pets stems from the early age at which the procedure is usually preformed. Traditionally, male pets are neutered from a few weeks of age to six months, before they have sexually matured. The health risks associated with neutering can be reduced by waiting to neuter the pet when he is physically mature, or forgoing the procedure all together, according to Sanborn. Since each breed develops at different rates, contact a veterinarian for breed and age guidelines for your individual pet.

Surgical Risks

• The surgical procedure of neutering poses some immediate health risks. Common problems during surgery include adverse reactions to anesthesia, infection of the surgical site, hemorrhaging and inflammation. After surgery, neutered pets are subject to additional infection of the surgical site from biting and chewing at abdominal sutures, the formation of abscesses or rupture of the surgical site.

Maintenance Risks

• With the hopes of keeping pets healthy, owners choose to vaccinate their pets regularly. Negative reactions to vaccines are 27 percent more likely among neutered males than intact males. Hives, cardiac arrest, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis has been reported in neutered pets since they have lower levels of hormones that directly effect the immune system.

Misconceptions

• Pet owners are often under the assumption that neutered pets are less likely to get cancer, however, the risk of prostate cancer is increased among neutered male pets. They are four times more likely to get prostate cancer than their un-neutered counterparts since testicular hormones are no longer present.