2024 veterinary news in review: #14

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The dvm360 editorial team is counting down our Top 20 news stories and articles of the year, from January 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024. Rank was determined by measurable audience interest and engagement.

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 14 on this list:

Spaying and neutering dogs: Myth vs reality

written by Lois Levine, MA

Originally published July 8, 2024

“Every lame animal that comes to your practice is not treated the exact same way; every animal hit by a car is not treated the same. I am going to try and convince you that spaying and neutering are no different in that respect: you should be taking each case and evaluating it separately. There is simply no cookie cutter answer to spaying and neutering dogs.” So began Bruce W Christensen, DVM, MS, DACT, founder of the Kokopelli Assisted Reproductive Services in Sacramento, California, in his session, “To spay or not to spay? And how? And when?” at the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in Austin, Texas.¹

Christensen broke down the reasons for canine sterilization into 3 main categories: To prevent the contribution to the stray pet population; to halt undesirable behaviors; and to decrease the chance of contracting disease.

For the first case, overpopulation, although Christensen acknowledges the problem exists, he said, “keep in mind, there is also a variety of places people get their dogs from (ie, animal shelters, friend, breeder, etc.). “That should be considered when you are looking at the spaying or neutering,” Christensen said.

RELATED: 2024 veterinary news in review: #15

If, for example, the dog comes from a reputable breeder, that’s different than if the dog is coming from a shelter, which usually requires the dog is spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. When coming from a breeder, said Christensen, almost always there is a discussion about spaying or neutering this animal. For breeders who, for example, sell a puppy that they consider great for future breeding, they might want to retain some coownership or breeding rights, with sterilization happening later in life for that dog. For other breeders, it might be in the contract that the adoptive family will spay or neuter this puppy at a certain point.

“You, as the veterinarian, should be aware that these conversations are happening, and if you are not on board with these decisions, then you should ask yourself why,” Christensen said.

For information on this story, including about the prevention of undesirable behaviors and decreasing the chance of contracting disease, continue reading the full article: https://www.dvm360.com/view/spaying-and-neutering-dogs-myth-v-reality