[Yelloweyz]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

How did poor Jobe get frostbite on his testicles?!

 

[Yelloweyz]

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]

OMG why did I ask?!

 

[Samson]

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 !

 

[kiddsmom]

Intact males can also have issues with prostatitis and chronic UTIs.

 

[Yelloweyz]

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 !

No, I have no intention of ever breeding...I'd rather just adopt an older dog and love em......

See, I had Indy neutered at a young age and not sure about my Golden as he was a rescue and already altered...

 

[Canyon Labradors]

Intact males can also have issues with prostatitis and chronic UTIs.

And so can nuetered males. The only thing a nuetered male can't get that his intact counter part CAN is testicular cancer.

 

[Baloo317]

And so can nuetered males. The only thing a nuetered male can't get that his intact counter part CAN is testicular cancer.

Which is really rare.

For what it's worth, I am a supporter of leaving males intact. Pending some things (owner responsibility, behaviour management and a few others).

I had Baloo neutered at 15 months because someone flipped his hormone switch and he became a real terror in the way of serial humping offenses. Two weeks later (no joke!) I had my good boy back. But I will say that maybe it's just me, but I feel better having him neutered. I found having him intact stressful. You never *really* know when you may run into some idiot with a girl in heat, so I was always on the ready, always scouting "girl parts" at the dog park just in case. Because I would never ever forgive myself if MY dog was responsible for adding to the over-population crisis, and stuff happens, you know?

So, now I can relax and just enjoy, wherever we are.

 

[The Texas Tank]

My experiences:

Golden Retreiver: Neutered at 10 years of age due to anal tumor to prevent it from coming back. Put to sleep at 14 due to arthritis and skin problems. No tumors and no other medical problems.

Sheltie Pom: Neutered within first year. Full of fatty tumors but 18 1/2 years old and still around. No medical issues whatsoever until the last year.

Labrador Retriever: Neutered at 10 years of age. Before neutering, 2 blown ACL's, 2 cases of encephalitis, and hemangiosarcoma of the spleen. Still around and has approx 3 or 4 small fatty tumors which were there before the neuter.

Labrador Retreiver: 8 months old - wondering what to do?????

 

[myfavoritedog]

I had both of mine neutered at about 6 months of age. I wanted to keep Tal going to daycare, and they would not allow any dog older than 7 months who was still intact. The contract with Barney's rescue organization required nueutering by 6 months. That said, had those not been issues, I would probably have waited until they were about a year old. However, the few health problems they have had so far have nothing to do with their neutering. Like Baloo, I figured you never know when someone would be walking around with a female in season. Too many unwanted dogs out there as it is.

 

[blackandyellow]

My Brownie was never spayed and had one small fatty tumor (she was a fatty herself!)

Older girls that are not spayed tend to be more prone to pyometra and mammary tumors.

I wouldn´t neuter your dog, if you are a responsible owner and don´t breed him (actually he can´t anyway) why have an unnecesary surgery?

 

[Yelloweyz]

My Brownie was never spayed and had one small fatty tumor (she was a fatty herself!)

Older girls that are not spayed tend to be more prone to pyometra and mammary tumors.

I wouldn´t neuter your dog, if you are a responsible owner and don´t breed him (actually he can´t anyway) why have an unnecesary surgery?

I was just kind of wondering for future dogs and trying to make an education decision with the help of others on this board.... and I dont plan on getting Jo neutered, only if he has any problems that would necessitate it (we get his "biddies" checked everytime we are at the vet)....

I will say though..... It sure is nice helping Indy into the car and not getting a "handful O' nuts"... I have to ready myself and do the "sweep aside maneuver" for Jo...