Re: advantages of not neutering

In Reply to: Re: advantages of not neutering
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Posted by:  Marie Evans
Posted on:  June 29, 2002 at 09:23:58

: : I have five month old JRT. I am not interested in getting him neutered despite my wife's suggestions. Iverson is an only dog who is pretty good most of the time, however he has started teething recently. Can he live with us happily without getting neutered?

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Response:

: Hi Gary,

: We suggest neutering of male pups not only to lessen aggression with other dogs but it will also will help to lessen other types of aggression such as territorial.

: Terriers in general are pretty territorial, an intact terrier is a little marking machine just waiting to happen once his male hormones kick in. Once marking behavior starts, it's extremely difficult to stop. In most cases, you might lessen the behavior but never completely stop it. I don't know about you, but I much prefer that my furniture and household items stay clean of urine. Many markers are "stealth markers" and one day you may just realize when you walk into your home that it smells like dog pee. Then you have the job of finding all the spots where your dog has marked so they can be cleaned and the process starts all over again. I can almost guarantee that if you keep this dog intact you will have marking problems with him.

: Intact dogs are more apt to roam, if he catches the scent of a bitch in heat and you don't have him in a secure yard or area (they are Houdinis by the way) you can say adios!

: An intact male dog runs the risk of testicular cancer, you can virtually eliminate the possibility by neutering your dog.

: The only reason to not neuter a dog is if the dog is a superior specimen and has a great show/hunt record and you are a serious fancier of the breed. If you are then you will live with the marking behavior and adjust to it, you will make sure your dog doesn't escape it's yard or kennel so an unwanted mating doesn't take place.

: But to answer your question, can he live happily with you without neutering? Sure! He will be happy, but will you?

: Regards,
: Marie

Response:

Hi Gary,

I'd like to add to Marie's post with a comment about the medical consequences of not neutering a pet. A friend's 8 year old terrier was recently treated for a severe urinary tract infection caused by an enlarged prostate gland. The terrier underwent several days of hospitalization with IV antibiotics and fluid support before they could address the cause of the problem (testerone) by neutering him. A biopsy showed the early stages of cancer in one of his testicles.

Having heard first hand the horror, disbelief and fear in my friend's voice during this ordeal, I assure you that you do not want to go through this nightmare. And it's not over as the terrier is still on medication as well as a special diet; his urine and blood are checked weekly. The emotional toll is great as is the financial cost. My friend often complained about the behavioral aspects of owning a "testerone driven male" but she steadfastly refused to have him neutered; that she is now consumed with guilt is an understatement.

The odds of you and your little guy having to go through this in 7-8 years is slim...but why take the chance, Gary? Surgery is not without risk but our youngsters seem to tolerate it easier then our seniors do. The standard age for the surgery (male or female) is 6 months so you have some time to research the procedure.

As Marie said, he can live happily with you without being neutered. But can you live happily with him knowing both the behavioral AND medical issues that go with owning an unneutered terrier...