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bitches need advocates

By audhill | December 8, 2007

Shocked you with that title didn’t I? Dogs.. I’m talking about dogs.

I’ve been looking into getting an australian labradoodle (ASD), primarily for temperament, but also for the beauty of the animal. During my search, I have discovered that the requirements of the ASD breeder are significantly different than pure breed breeders, and it’s got me a bit frustrated. I’m having trouble on two accounts.  One is… it’s not a set breed.  You can’t know for a fact that your animal will be a beauty… and I admit to wanting a beauty.

But, my real issue is their early spay policy.  The ASD is a pretty expensive dog… in fact it’s more expensive than most pure breeds, in part because the temperament and low shed and smell qualities of the dog are desirable for many. However, when you get an ASD you get a dog that has been early spayed at 6 weeks of age, stripping it of important hormones for development.

So what, you say?  It looks quite cute when you bring it home, but in a year or more, you will have a dog with abnormally long legs (up to 2 inches additional growth) because it’s leg development has not been slowed by hormonal signals.   Even if it doesn’t bother you to have a dog that is overlong in the leg, because of those long legs, you may have adult onset of hip dysplasia, weightier bone in some areas and overly delicate bone in other areas of the leg,  and increased chance of arthritis. You also are at greater risk of hypothyrodism and life long incontinence (in both the male and female). Since, early spay does not provide  significantly higher protection against cancers than adolescent spay and most of the cancers it does protect against are low incidence, the only purpose to early spay is protection of breed rights and population control. See research data here.

So let’s talk about that.  The ASPCA has a goal of lowering unwanted pet populations, and so may evaluate on a cost benefit analysis.  It’s hard to argue with efforts to stem the growing population of unwanted dogs and cats roaming the streets and suffering our neglect and abuse, and vets who offer their services at cost and for free to animal protection groups may not be willing to invest in these more delicate techniques for the unwanted pet population.

However, breeders can and should have a different criteria. There is an alternative to early spay: it’s called tubal ligation and vasectomy, and it’s the same system you or I would choose if we wanted to avoid pregnancy.  As an owner, you will most likely want to full spay your dog later to protect against cancers, curb dominance and avoid heat and menses, and you would have to bear that price, but for many dog owners the price is well worth it.  For those who would still  opt for early spay to save themselves the time and money, it is available. But, to them I say Remember: early spay may save $250 now, however in the long run, you may pay more.  Get some pet insurance, because your dog may be on lifelong medication for hypothyroidism and incontinence. It may end up needing surgery for an avoidable adult onset of hip dysplasia and arthritis(one that shows up after the end of your contract… and let’s face it, even if it showed up earlier… who gives  up a family member two or three years in to life together because it has a health issue?)

Removing the ability of dogs to reproduce is in the public interest. However, there are ways to do it that protect the natural systems of the body.

If you’re looking for a dog: ask for tubal ligation/vasectomy when you’re talking to potential breeders. Vote for it with your feet if they can’t provide it.

If you are a breeder: Ask for it when you are choosing your Vet. Vote for it with your feet if they can’t provide it.

When the public wants it, it will happen. Just my two cents.

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