To Neuter or Not to Neuter - That is the Question

[jcj528]

Okay, here's the problem, Ziggy (whom I absolutely adore) has gotten too big. When he stands and leans his front feet on the cabinet he can actually, reach the kitchen counter with his paw. So while he has been doing some showing and has accumulated a couple of points, I fully believe his show career is over now that he's over a year old. I don't know actually how tall he is, but I'm sure its over 12 inches at the withers and I don't know exactly how much he ways but I think its well over 20 pounds. He's not fat, he's big.

His markings are gorgeous and his head is perfect (except for size) in structure. His mind and his health are also good though he does sniffle a little and he snores.

So what do I do? My first thought was to call the vet and make the appointment for his "big snip." After all I've recommended that repeatedly to other dog owners. But then I read a post on the Cavalier Forum that doesn't recommend that healthy males be cut just for the sake of doing it. Now I'm in a quandry. Is there anybody out there who can give me an unbiased set of pros and cons so I can make an informed responsible decision?

If he's to be cut, I would like to have it over and done so that he's fully recovered by Halloween. As a side note, my intact Cavalier female, Zena (Ziggy's Mom) will come in heat in mid November. I will either need to board Ziggy out or have him made safe before then.

This truly is a once in a lifetime decision (Ziggy's life that is) that I thought was cut and dried, but now I'm not so sure. Thanks for your input on this.

[Jespah]

Well we can give you our opinions Julie - but as you know it's your decision.

Obviously any surgery involves risk - that is the main con as far as I know regarding neutering at any age really. Also the risk of infection afterwards.

To me the benefits outweigh the risks. The behavioral in that the urine marking instinct is lessened, the are not as distracted by females in heat, aggression is often reduced, and they don't have the same desire to roam. The medical being the obvious inability to impregnate a female, the reduction of some cancers, it lessens the risk of some prostate problems and other physical problems as they age.

I've never hesitated to neuter any of my male cats - I have 4 right now - who live happily together because they are nuetered and Rupert was neutered as soon as he was old enough. No problems with any of them.

Deb

[manymuddypaws]

I would neuter him- especially due to Zena's impending heat cycle. It will make your life much simpler!

The neuter surgery is very low risk and like Deb said the benefits far outweigh the risks.

-Amanda

[MVons]

neuter benefit is no testicular cancer. This really sounds like ideal timing.

[LaRositaMonita]

Not having to worry about incestuous cavalier babies would be enough incentive for me... :X

I would give him the snip snip. Timing is also good here on the forum since Colby, Chester, AND Mac are all also going under the knife soon - lots of empathy!

[taflar]

Okay, here's the problem, Ziggy (whom I absolutely adore) has gotten too big. When he stands and leans his front feet on the cabinet he can actually, reach the kitchen counter with his paw. So while he has been doing some showing and has accumulated a couple of points, I fully believe his show career is over now that he's over a year old. I don't know actually how tall he is, but I'm sure its over 12 inches at the withers and I don't know exactly how much he ways but I think its well over 20 pounds. He's not fat, he's big.

His markings are gorgeous and his head is perfect (except for size) in structure. His mind and his health are also good though he does sniffle a little and he snores.

So what do I do? My first thought was to call the vet and make the appointment for his "big snip." After all I've recommended that repeatedly to other dog owners. But then I read a post on the Cavalier Forum that doesn't recommend that healthy males be cut just for the sake of doing it. Now I'm in a quandry. Is there anybody out there who can give me an unbiased set of pros and cons so I can make an informed responsible decision?

First before you decide his show career is over, what does your standard say? Is there a height or weight disqualification? How does he look in the ring compared to other dogs? How much has he been shown and how has he done in the ring?

However, if you're sure his show career is over, then I would not hesitate to neuter him. Neutering as I'm sure you know is a fairly simple proceedure and in the long run better for the dog if you're not showing him.

Peggy