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11:36pm

Pediatric spay/neuter-do you or don't you?!

There are times when everybody had an opinion. Sometimes those opinions are based on facts and sometimes on what we assume is facts. And having a difference of opinion does not make one right or wrong, but boy it can lead to major discussions.

So here we go.

Pediatric Spay & Neuter-Do you or don't you believe in this. Does your shelter/rescue do pediatric spay/neuter. If you do or don't do, why.

In 2001, the Humane Society of Madison County started doing Pediatric Spay/neuter on all canines and felines. The reason was to make sure that all animals were altered before placement to help with the pet over population problem. We would prefer to not allow even one animal to breed that leaves our shelter.

Puppies are altered at two months provide they are healthy. We decide when they are ready when you can feel the "little testies" on the boys which is around the 2 month mark. Little girls when they are 2 months old.

We have not had any problems with this. Puppies bounce back after their surgery so fast, that you even feed them to keep their energy level up. The hardest part is to keep them from bouncing around too much. It is like the puppy has no clue it had surgery. It is more like "I knew I took a nap, did I miss anything".

However, there are still folks who think you have to wait until puppies are 6 months old. Yet to wait that long means there is a chance of that female going into heat. Some female canines have gone into heat at the age of 5 months. Then the next thing you know, you have a puppy having puppies. This is the one thing that all shelters and rescues fear, more puppies to find homes for.

Kittens are altered at 2 pounds. Most healthy kittens will reach 2 pounds when they turn 2 months. At this weight, it is very safe to spay/neuter them. Again, we have no trouble with surgery, but with keeping them from bouncing and playing after the fact.

Yet again, some folks think that is way too young. That you need to wait until they are 6 months. But just like with canines, the kittens can go into heat at the age of 5 months, then it is the kitten having kittens.

Here are a few more facts. That most folks believe that having one litter will make the animal a better pet. This is not true. There is more risk to the pet in letting them have a litter as female can have mammary tumors and cancer of the reproductive tract. Male are more likely to become territorial and agressive.

Also with over millions and millions of animals being euthanized every year, why take the chance that even on of the animals being adopted from a shelter/rescue has one litter. Why take that chance to have to help find more homes for animals.

For more info on Pediatric spay/neuter click on any of the following.

http://www.columbusdogconnection.com

http://catvet.homestead.com

http://www.bestfriends.org

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org

I also read that some studies show that even if the shelter mandates the animal to be spayed/neutered once it is place by using an adoption contract. Yet, it does not always work out. Studies shown that, despite the economic incentives with low cost spay/neuter services that some of the adoptive owners are not getting the animals scheduled quick enough before the animal has a litter. Then the problem just starts all over with more animals to find homes for.

So now that you have read my journal, clicked on some of the websites to learn more, my question is "Do you or do you not believe in Pediatric spay/neuter and why". "Does your shelter/rescue do Pediatric spay/neuter before placement." "Why or why not."

I am sure this will be a heated discussion. However, I am also asking that everybody be polite and offer up any advice and suggestions. You opinion does count, but I will not allow slander or rude comments on my journal. I will delete anybody's comments that I feel are not appropriate.

Thanks and now let's discuss.