to neuter or not to neuter.. that is the question..

[nycbullymama]

Instead of writing it all over, I'm just going to C&P an email I wrote.

I've been going back and forth on whether or not we're gonna get Blue neutered and have been weighing the pros and cons of both.
Well, after speaking with my vet, and reading everything I could from reliable sources (not random people on the internet that have an agenda), I've learned quite a bit.

This is a new article that came out regarding castration. It's about a study that was done by UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and was published by the
American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/news/javmanews/pages/131101a.aspx

In the study, researchers analyzed the records of 759 intact, and non-intact Golden Retrievers.
I believe what they found is an important read for all dog owners.

I totally get that this is a touchy subject. But since this is a wonderful learning forum- full of articles and advice from seasoned Bulldog owners. The decision to castrate or not is a very important one for all of us. Would be great if we could just present the facts for both sides, then let people decide on their own.

To be honest, I'm still not sure what we're going to do with Blue. But whatever decision we make, it's going to be an informed one, and not "just because that's what people most do".

 

[RiiSi]

In Finland most people neuter only if there is medical problems. Our dogs don't roam free and make unwanted puppies and in my opinion it is not needed to prevent medical problems. Neutering can cause other medical problems, so I choose to deal with medical issues IF they arise.

 

[dolphin]

That's a really interesting read, thanks for sharing it. I think you're right, the only thing anyone can do is present the information and let that parent make the decision.

 

[2BullyMama]

Great read.... Thanks. I'll still spay /neuter all my babies, just my choice.

 

[KMARINO]

Although Vegas was already neutered when we adopted him at almost 5 months, I would have done it anyways. Just my personal choice I have always spayed and neutered all my animals.

 

[nycbullymama]

I've questioned the health benefits of neutering young puppies since we got Blue. And since no vet I've spoken with could confirm, or for that matter, even explain any health benefits (other than social interaction) we held off.
So I thought what the study found in regards to early castration, very interesting.

The only thing is, we're still undecided about whether or not we'll be doing it at all.

 

[Opie CHL]

I won't neuter for the simple reason that I won't ever put chum under anesthesia for an elective surgery..Too many heartbreaking stories of routine procedures turning horribly wrong with bullies.