6 year old male dog - neuter or not…?
Discussion
Our (show-type) Cocker Spaniel is 6 years old now. We didn’t have him neutered when he was little, partly because there were no behavioural or environmental reasons to, and partly because we were advised that this could be done later in life.
He’s the most chilled dog ever, v happy with strangers, children, other dogs etc. He’s very good at interacting with male dogs excited/interested by his intact status, and has never been a humper. So no behavioural issues to consider.
The only reason I am aware of to subject him to surgery/recovery is the reduction in the chances of testicular cancer as he gets older. Despite googling I can’t find clear information on the lifetime incidence of testicular cancer in un-neutered dogs. Is his risk 30% or 1%? Despite me asking carefully, the vet we saw today wasn’t able to provide this information. She said that studies are difficult because most young dogs are neutered, essentially for behavioural reasons. She also said that less than 15% of canine testicular tumours metastasize, and that - on diagnosis - castration is usually highly effective.
We have a choice:
1. Go ahead with the surgery now, accepting the associated risks / difficulties as worthwhile for reducing the likelihood of testicular cancer going forward
2. Not go ahead, but settle instead for a 6-monthly testicular examination followed by the op if needed
I can’t be the first PH‘er to have to think this one through. Your thoughts and comments would be welcomed in the usual excellent PH manner…! Thank you in advance.
He’s the most chilled dog ever, v happy with strangers, children, other dogs etc. He’s very good at interacting with male dogs excited/interested by his intact status, and has never been a humper. So no behavioural issues to consider.
The only reason I am aware of to subject him to surgery/recovery is the reduction in the chances of testicular cancer as he gets older. Despite googling I can’t find clear information on the lifetime incidence of testicular cancer in un-neutered dogs. Is his risk 30% or 1%? Despite me asking carefully, the vet we saw today wasn’t able to provide this information. She said that studies are difficult because most young dogs are neutered, essentially for behavioural reasons. She also said that less than 15% of canine testicular tumours metastasize, and that - on diagnosis - castration is usually highly effective.
We have a choice:
1. Go ahead with the surgery now, accepting the associated risks / difficulties as worthwhile for reducing the likelihood of testicular cancer going forward
2. Not go ahead, but settle instead for a 6-monthly testicular examination followed by the op if needed
I can’t be the first PH‘er to have to think this one through. Your thoughts and comments would be welcomed in the usual excellent PH manner…! Thank you in advance.
Afraid I can't help on the likelihood of cancer developing but we went through similar with ours when he was around 4 and decided to go ahead.
He recovered quickly and it hasn't affected his personality. He's still the same friendly character that he always was.
I would say the only thing to watch is his weight afterwards as Cooper has become quite stocky over the last year and we are actively reducing his food intake and trying to ensure his exercise is sufficient to get him a little more slender
(For info, he's a Working Cocker rather than a Show)
He recovered quickly and it hasn't affected his personality. He's still the same friendly character that he always was.
I would say the only thing to watch is his weight afterwards as Cooper has become quite stocky over the last year and we are actively reducing his food intake and trying to ensure his exercise is sufficient to get him a little more slender
(For info, he's a Working Cocker rather than a Show)
You're trading a decreased (to zero) risk of testicular cancer against an increased risk of prostate cancer, plus the risk attached to any surgical procedures done under general anaesthetic. Some number crunching required to work out the best answer in statistical terms: my own instinct would be to leave well alone in the absence of any other reason for castration.
We had a show springer lived to 15 intact. No issues with anything so we thought no need to neuter. Before Duncan we had a working springer exactly the same and he also lived to 15 not neutered. If he’s ok I would just leave him as he is. It can affect their coats especially the more red/brown colours.
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