What are the hazards of not neutering dogs and which diseases can be triggered?

Everyone has different opinions on whether dogs should be neutered. Those who oppose neutering dogs argue that it deprives dogs of their nature and denies them the right to be parents. Those who support neutering believe that it can prevent the increase of stray dogs. Let's look at the hazards that not neutering pets can bring.

(1) Uterine Pyelonephritis

This disease mostly occurs in elderly dogs aged 7 or older, and the incidence rate among unneutered female dogs is quite high. The disease usually occurs during frequent urination. If it is not opened, a large amount of secretions will flow out. If the owner cannot discover it in time, the delay will cause damage to the body tissues due to the absorption of bacterial endotoxins, and in severe cases, it can lead to renal failure that is untreatable. When the uterus ruptures due to trauma or excessive pus, the non-flowing uterine occlusion can cause peritonitis and quickly lead to death. Furthermore, the anesthetic risk is high in elderly and sick dogs, and the surgery and post-operative care are far more expensive than normal. Therefore, it is recommended to have neutering surgery as early as possible for dogs that are not considered for breeding.

(2) Pyometra

After going into heat, due to hormonal reasons, the uterus is prone to infection, and a small amount of secretions can be seen in clinical practice. This can be controlled with medication. However, such dogs are likely to develop pyometra. Surgical removal is a once-and-for-all solution.

(3) Mammary Tumors

This is a common disease in unneutered elderly dogs, with about 50% being malignant. Once it occurs, the likelihood of recurrence after resection is very high. According to literature, the etiology of this disease is related to hormones. This disease is rarely seen in dogs neutered at one year old.

(4) Ovarian Cysts

Dogs have persistent heat, and some animals have vaginal hyperplasia. Surgery to remove ovarian cysts is the best solution.

(5) Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Most are infected through mating. Sexual organ infections caused by mating, due to wound contact and skin infections caused by lesions and oral infections, inhaled tissue nasal infections, and even surgical contamination into the abdominal cavity.

(6) Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

A common disease in elderly male dogs, characterized by abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, and even hematuria. The treatment is neutering and blocking male hormones to allow the adenoma to shrink naturally. Prevent the occurrence of this disease and prevent prostate tumors.

(7) False Pregnancy

Many female dogs show symptoms of false pregnancy after going into heat, such as abdominal enlargement and breast enlargement, which are caused by hormonal imbalance. The best treatment is neutering.

(8) Testicular Tumors

Unneutered dogs are prone to this disease. Testes that have not descended into the scrotum often become tumor tissues, and undescended testes are inherently genetic, so neutering is recommended for these dogs.