We also found out the whole process was really set into motion in the 1930s.  The practice of neutering an animal has been set at 6 months or before puberty for decades and has only recently been re-examined. Neutering around the world is a mixed bag and through research here in the States, we are beginning to understand how it impacts more than just the reproductive system. ​     

Gonads are the two testes (sperm) in males and two ovaries (eggs) in females.  They are also the manufacturing houses for many hormones Including sex hormones.  Female sex hormones include estrogen and progesterone and male hormones include testosterone and androsterone. 

​These hormones have multi-purposes beyond reproduction.  They are important to muscle and bone growth. During puberty, the changes during adolescence include muscle and skeletal growth through maturation including when the cartilage plates on the ends of bones close. All the other puberty changes are based on these hormones, too.

DID YOU KNOW? Havanese reach sexual maturity beginning at about 10 months.
​
It is important to note sexual maturity is not the same as the emotional maturity of reaching adulthood which begins at about 12 months.   Often with males the spirit is well and willing at four months but the body has to grow up. Population control and other preventative measures are commonly cited but the negative side effects have not been examined until the last few years.  There have been several impressive studies to delve into exactly how healthy an early neuter really is.
    
Cancer.  A cancer shows up in 1 out of 3 dogs.  It’s a big deal.  It is similar with humans, too, and there is tremendous research being done for the benefit of humans based on those similarities regarding dog cancer treatments.  There is also a list of cancers that are alleviated when dogs are neutered.  

DID YOU KNOW? Recovery from testicular cancer (with neutering)  and 30-50% of malignant mammary cancers are caught early, then the  prognosis can be very good  after surgery.

The top five cancers in dogs are: Mast Cell Tumors, Melanoma, Lymphoma, Osteosarcoma, and Hemangiosarcoma.  When pre-puberty neutering occurs,  several studies reveal other cancers develop outside of the sex organs. 

In dogs, cardiac tumors are considered common cancers today.  Osteosarcoma is an extremely aggressive bone cancer not usually detectable before spreading.  A 1999 study (Ware and Hopper) conducted over 13 years concluded that the increased risk of cardiac tumors in neutered dogs was significant, particularly in female dogs (5X). Another 14-year study compared purebred dogs with osteosarcoma (3062) to purebred dogs without osteosarcoma (3959).  The conclusion was that early neutering increased the risk of bone cancer (2X).  Similar findings concerning lymphosarcoma (3X) and other cancers are being studied. 

DID YOU KNOW? If growth hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are removed pre-puberty, it affects the maturation of the bones and muscle mass growth.

The pictures provided in this article are very clear about the difference between open and closed growth plates in a young dog versus an adult. One survey found that early neutered dogs are taller but the growth plates closed later than an intact dog. Later closing growth plates (bone ends) results in taller dogs and increases the chances of hip dysplasia (Cornell Univ./early age neuter-2013) and/or a cruciate rupture (tearing of knee ligaments) and other abnormal bone developments. Slauterbeck (2004) study showed intact animals had a significantly lower account of ruptured ACLs than neutered dogs.

It only makes sense if you take away a very important item with multiple uses, there will be additional fallout including other organs, etc., overworking to compensate for the loss such as with the overworking thyroid and hypothyroidism, and more. 
​
In conclusion, although the American Veterinary Association still supports early neutering there are other international veterinary associations who believe otherwise.  2 Cute Havanese supports neutering 100% and believes if a dog can safely be guarded until closer to 12 months, waiting is an option that deserves more consideration. With mature bone growth and muscle mass development, there are many other benefits for the long-termed health of a dog. We are very much aware of dog overpopulation.  This article is strictly about newer information available regarding the negative effects of an old pre-puberty neutering practice and consideration based on more current studies.

References: 
Davies, Kevin "Ken". “Dog Cancer Statistics & Facts That You Need to Know.” Petloverguy.com, https://petloverguy.com/dog-cancer-statistics/.

“Spay/Neuter Awareness Month: The History of Spaying & Neutering Pets.” DogTime, 1 Feb. 2022, https://dogtime.com/dog-health/spay-neuter/34567-history-spaying-neutering-pets.

“Top 5 Cancers in Dogs.” Fetch, 7 Apr. 2022, https://fetchvets.com/top-5-cancers-in-dogs/. 

​Sterilization is the most common surgery performed and is considered very safe with a very low chance of complications.  One thing that has not changed over the years is that altered animals versus intact animals live longer.  Altered females outlive intact females by 23% and the male altered animal outlives the intact male by 18%. 

With sterilization, there is a reduction or elimination of reproductive organ cancers.  Uterine disease, pyometra, and other uterine-related infections are eliminated.  If done early enough the possibility of mammary tumors is reduced or eliminated.  For a sterilized male there are several problems with lowered incidence such as enlarged prostate and more.  The reduced breeding behavior includes less desire to roam and less aggression. 

Staying home more lowers the chances of being hit by a car, less urge to mark, less barking, and less mounting. less fighting or injury.   For the females reduced breeding behavior includes less howling, nervousness, mounting, no bleeding,  or heat-related crying. The time for surgery is left to your vet’s discretion although we suggest later than 6 months especially for the males to achieve better bone and muscle development.

Female 
Traditional Spaying - OHE (Ovariohysterectomy)

• Removal: Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus are removed
• Behavior: Elimination of breeding behavior
• Age: 6 months
• Problems:
  • Incontinence
  • Weight gain

In the Absence of Ovaries

• Problems result due to the ovaries not producing the Luteinizing Hormone. 
  • The hypothalamus and pituitary gland overproduce the Luteinizing Hormone in the absence of the ovaries. 
• Problems include:
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Aggressive/fearful behavior
  • Cancers
  • Other issues.

      
Ovary Sparing Spaying, i.e. Hysterectomy:

• Removal: Uterus and parts of the fallopian tubes are removed   (ovaries remain intact)
• Behavior: Breeding behavior still intact. Hormones are in production.
• Age: 6 months
• Takes a few minutes longer than the older procedure. 
  • There is research that suggests there are risks to prematurely ending hormone reproduction and suggesting intact animals are healthier.

When the Ovaries Are Left Intact:

• The dog will come into heat and have the possibility of getting any of the sex hormone-related diseases or cancers such as ovarian cancer or mammary tumors.

 
Ovariectomy, i.e. Laparoscopic is more common in Europe, also known as a female gonadectomy:

• Removal: Only the ovaries are removed and the uterus remains intact  
• Behavior: Elimination of Breeding behavior
• Age: 6 months
• Incision: Requires 2-3 small incisions requiring one stitch where the others require 1 larger incision
• Faster recovery because it is less invasive. 
• Less chance of nicking the ureters or the narrow duct (tube) that carries the urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder and is next to the uterus
• Problems: ​
  • ​This surgery is more expensive than a normal spay because of the equipment required.

                         
Tubal Ligation:

• Requires additional training as it is yet to be taught in veterinarian school
• Removal: Nothing is removed. The fallopian tubes are sealed or cut preventing an egg’s fertilization (tubes tied).
• Behavior: Breeding behavior continues.
• Age: 6 mos.
• Problems:
  • It is hard to find a doctor who does this procedure,  and it can cost much more than a Basic spay. 

                                                     
Male – Normal hormonal function continues with either procedure.
Traditional Neuter (Orchiectomy)

• Removal: Removes the testicles. The scrotum remains and shrinks.
• Behavior: Breeding behavior goes away (under 12 months surgery)
• Age: 7-12 months.
• Problems:
  • Age is debatable

Vasectomy

• Removal: Nothing is removed.  The tube (vas deferens) that runs from the testes to the end of the penis is cut and sealed. 
  • Testicles are intact and functional.
• Behavior: Will exhibit breeding behaviors.
• Age: 6 months
• This procedure can also be used on young dogs with fewer complications of castration.
• Sperm is absorbed into the body until no longer produced. 
• Problems:
  • Fertility can continue for up to 6 months after surgery.   
  • This procedure is not commonly taught in veterinary schools. 

Chemical Neuter or Intratesticular Injection: 

• The drug Zeuterin® is injected into each of the testes. 
  • Has the active ingredient, zinc gluconate which causes the testes to shrink but retains similar appearance. 
  • This is a permanent solution.
  • For anyone sensitive about the looks of their male dog, this procedure allows the ‘looks’ to be close to normal. 
  • Scrotal Ulcers or draining tracts are possible. 
• Removal: Nothing is removed. 
• Behavior: Breeding Behavior stops
• Age: 6 months
• Problems: 
  • There is an issue about correctly injecting Zeuterin® because if the liquid falls on the skin it can cause severe skin damage. 
  • Scrotal tenderness and swelling are common. 
  • Chemical sterilization can also be permanent, or it can be temporary according to its directive and application.

Conflicting Sides:
There are studies now about when to sterilize a dog with arguments and studies on both sides of the debate. If you have noticed there are notes about when the ovaries are left and when they are removed. The information is documented. This leaves us with your vet as your authority.

So why is sterilization important?
One of the major reasons is pet overpopulation.  One of the other reasons is to eliminate or significantly reduce the breeding behaviors. 
 
References:
Avery, Dr Alex. “Ovaries Only...which Is the Best Spay Surgery for Your Dog?” Our Pet's Health, Our Pet's Health, 31 Jan. 2021, https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/ovariectomy.

Dr. Patty Khuly, VMD MBA. “Canine Sterilization.” Embrace Pet Insurance, 26 Mar. 2021, https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/canine-sterilization.

DVM, Dr. Debra Primovic -. “Vasectomy in Dogs.” RSS, PetPlace, 22 Aug. 2015, https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/vasectomy-in-dogs/.

JiniJini Patel Thompson is a natural health writer and Lazer Tapping instructor. She began riding at age 2 in Kenya. “New Healthier Procedures for Dog Spaying or Neuter: Listen to Your Horse.” Listen To Your Horse | More Freedom | More Joy | More Horse, 2 July 2016, https://listentoyourhorse.com/new-healthier-procedures-for-female-and-male-dog-spaying.

Mdit. “Sterilization of a Dog (Castration & Ovariectomy).” MDIT, 22 Nov. 2019, https://mydogistop.com/sterilization-of-a-dog-castration-ovariectomy/.

“Spaying and Neutering Your Pets - Surgical Sterilization.” PPHC - Plantation Pet Health Center, 13 Mar. 2019, https://www.plantationpethealthcenter.com/veterinary-surgery/spaying-neutering-pets/.

“Sterilization Free Icons Designed by Freepik.” Flaticon, 20 May 2022, https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/sterilization_1068494?term=Sterile. 

Things to Ask About

• Aging Pet/Breed Options
  • Hereditary Conditions: May not be covered
  • Benefit Schedule: Specifics on payouts for Incidents 
  • Specific Condition being treated certain conditions/treatments 
  • Limits: Age, Annual, Per Incident or

• Lifetime Coverage for Chronic problems
  • Annual Limits:
  • Caps: ​Pre-Existing Conditions: Diagnosed/not usually covered by pet insurance plans
  • Co-Pay: Your Out-of-Pocket expense   
  • Cost: What Can I reasonable afford?     
  • Deductible: Out-of-pocket expense you have until the insurance starts paying   
  •  Preventative Care options:
    • Reimbursement level: what percentage will be paid by the policy holder (see Co-Pay)
• ​Emergency Room Allowances   ​
  • Exam Coverage: Wellness checks, vaccines, routine/preventative care
  • Exclusions: Limitations on your coverage    
  • Expense: Monthly Cost begins in the $20s  
  • Rider, i.e. Endorsements: add-ons at additional cost.  
  • Waiting Period: Time after enrollment when policy becomes active
  • Veterinarians send the bill to insurance or the policy holder pays upfront?