Pondering sterilization...your opinions...

**Yelloweyz** · 06-11-2009, 08:47 AM

First off, I'm not a breeder, nor do I want to have a slew of puppies around, with that being said...I'm just curious as to the responses this might get...

In my "blonde" mind this is what I have noticed as of late....My Golden Retriever (who passed away at 12) and Indy (who will be 11 tomorrow) were both neutered...Both of them had the fatty tumors, Nannook came to me with mast cell tumors which were removed, but four years later succomed to congestive heart failure due to cancer.... also, Indy has NUMEROUS fatty tumors and nonfatty tumors, one of which was removed from his toe two weeks ago (we did not do histology on the tumor because it wouldnt change my treatment course on him)....

Now Jobe, who will be 9 in August is an "intact" male (intact I say because he had frostbite on his "boys" and cannot reproduce any longer but still has the boys)...he does not have one fatty tumor, lump, or bump on his body..

My question is, has anyone else noticed this to be true when neutering? It makes me wonder if I should just keep my future males intact...

**HersheyK's Dad** · 06-11-2009, 08:54 AM

Based on research I did a few years ago, and please don't take it as authority.

Fatty tumors more influenced by diet, weight, and genetics than any neutering.

Cancer potential is definitely linked to neutering/spaying, age when also plays a factor. Check out the WoodhavenLabs site for some insight into this topic. Some cancer potential increased by early spaying, some decreased. Same for later spaying, some increase, some decrease, but different cancers involved.

**Yelloweyz** · 06-11-2009, 09:11 AM

Thanks HK dad....Its always in the back of my mind that I caused their problems by neutering....(Just wanting to get my 20 year warranty out of the next lab

) ...

**Canyon Labradors** · 06-11-2009, 11:01 AM

that's just luck. my 8 year old intact boy has about 4 fatty tumors, one he's had for about 3 years already. So there is no corrolation there.

**Yelloweyz** · 06-11-2009, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Canyon Labradors

that's just luck. my 8 year old intact boy has about 4 fatty tumors, one he's had for about 3 years already. So there is no corrolation there.

See, I wasnt sure, just my ponderings as of late being a worried neurotic mom... but ya know, I think you should send me a couple of your boys just to make sure

They are gorgeous...I'll take a 3-pack please...

**jzgrlduff** · 06-11-2009, 11:26 AM

How did poor Jobe get frostbite on his testicles?!

**Yelloweyz** · 06-11-2009, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by jzgrlduff

How did poor Jobe get frostbite on his testicles?!

He was from what was considered a puppy mill. Their dogs didnt have ample coverage from the cold, and because he lays like a "frog dog", he ended up with frostbite on his "biddy bumps" (at least this is what we were told)...then when he couldnt produce after trying many times, they just threw him out, abusing and neglecting him...

**jzgrlduff** · 06-11-2009, 12:24 PM

OMG why did I ask?!

**Samson** · 06-11-2009, 02:00 PM

I had my old Lab neutered on vets advice to reduce the likelyhood of cancer !

Both of my boys are neutered and it took a while for me to come round to it but I think that it is the best option if you have no intentions of breeding !

The only choice that now leaves you with is when and that's a whole other discussion !

I favour 12 months from the advice that I have received !