To Neuter or not to neuter

Colston · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:53 pm Post subject: To Neuter or not to neuter

OK, I know all the arguments, but am not quite convinced. I have no plans to breed Colston. He is 9 months. I had previously decided I was not going to neuter, but then he got what is probably a benign lump on his scrotum (not testicle). The vet said she always recommends neutering, but that the lump does not necessitate him being neutered.

I got worried and scheduled it for this Thursday. They will biopsy the lump at that time. However, now I am having second thoughts.

I sort of feel like neutering is an unnecessary mutilation that permanently deprives the dog of part of his personality. I know dogs are not people and male dogs probably have less hangups about their balls than male humans, but the fact of the matter is we do not know exactly how they feel about it. Some people say the dogs don't even know, but I saw a roommate of mine's 4 year old Weim act really depressed for a few days after he was snipped.

There is almost no chance that Colston would ever increase the puppy population. He is contained or under close supervision at all times.

There is obviously the argument that he will not get testicular cancer and has a reduced risk of prostate problems, but that's not very common and that's not a good enough argument for me to cut my balls off, so why is it for my dog? Also if testicular lumps are checked for regularly, there is a good chance that the cancer could be detected before it spread.

As far as the behavioral issues, I haven't experienced any sexual related behavior problems....yet, but even if I did, this seems like a selfish reason to sexually mutilate an animal. Its like lobotomizing a retarded person. You should love people and animals for who they are and there are less drastic measures to deal with behavior. It seems to me that about 90% of dog behavior is based upon the training they receive.

I would enjoy comments from both the pro-neuter and anti-neuter factions, but right now i am leaning towards cancelling the surgery.

peppernaei · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:14 pm Post subject:

This was a topic a little while ago. Here is that post: http://www.weimaraneraddict.com/discussion/to-neuter-or-not-to-neuter-vt9762.html?highlight=neuter

anne · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:14 pm Post subject:

If you are unsure maybe you should wait. There is no reason to decide this instant. I would wait anyway because I think at 9 months he will still get the benefit of his hormones until he's older. Even from just an observational standpoint, I know many male Weims do not mature until 2 or even 3 and not just physically, mentally too. If I were to neuter my boys, I would wait until at least 2 or 3.

versatilek9s · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:46 pm Post subject:

I go with wait awhile. You're obviously responsible, so that's not the issue. I have lots of thoughts on this one, but there are lots of posts about it, too.

If it were me I'd wait until he's 2 and his mind/body are fully developed.

PamK · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:32 pm Post subject:

I'd also wait until he is older. As long as his health isn't compromised just wait until you are sure.

Underdonk · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 1:11 pm Post subject:

I just had my weim, Enzo, neutered at one year and two months.

This is something that I really went back and forth about for quite some time and I did a lot of research on the subject. Besides all of the (commonly referenced) stuff that you've already stated, I found one commonality between weims that were neutered young and weims that weren't: those that were neutered young were generally taller and skinnier and those that weren't were shorter and stockier. Since weims have enough trouble with joint problems, and height being a direct contributing factor to that, I feel it is in the best interest of the dog's overall health to wait past one year to have the procedure performed.

In terms of personality, I don't think it's changed, beyond not being the center of attention of every other dog at the dog park. As I'm sure you're aware, some dogs act very negatively towards other dogs who are not neutered... and two dogs interacting that both aren't neutered can explode, in a bad way, quite quickly. I've seen both of these situations with Enzo. His overall energy level has not changed, which I know is an item of concern with some owners. Enzo sans balls is the same as he was before, just stockier than most his age. He's a good looking dog.

Anways, good luck!

EDIT: I'm not a vet, this is just my personal opinion, and results of the research I performed.

anne · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 1:27 pm Post subject:

Underdonk · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:14 pm Post subject:

Colston · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 8:23 pm Post subject: Thanks for the Advice

Thank You, everyone. I was uncertain about the surgery and you confirmed my instinct. I cancelled the surgery, now I just have to watch that lump.

Jager08 · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 4:25 pm Post subject:

I probably differ on the subject we decided to not neuter a family dog and he died of testicular cancer.
Not a risk I plan on taking especially because I knew I wasn’t going to breed him.

Jager acted no different the day I got him neutered he was hyper as usual!
Wink