Are You Smarter Than a Vet Student About Neutering Dogs?

Some new information about the effects of neutering dogs has emerged over the last decade or so. Let’s find out if your knowledge is up to date. I suspect we will all learn something along the way.

If you are new to “Are You Smarter Than a Vet Student?” here’s how it works. Answer the questions below and then send your responses to me in the comments below.  I will enter your name into a drawing to win the book of your choice, either Speaking for Spot or Your Dog’s Best Health. I will post the answers to these questions in one week. Now, let the games begin!

1.  The term “neutering” refers to:

a.       Castration.

b.      Ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries but not the uterus).

c.       Ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and the uterus).

d.      All of the above.

2.  Pyometra (pus within the uterus) does not occur in:

a.       Dogs less than two years of age.

b.      Dogs who are being used for breeding.

c.       Dogs who are not being used for breeding.

d.      Dogs who have been spayed by ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries but not the uterus).

3.  Male Golden Retrievers neutered before one year of age have an increased incidence of:

a.       Hip dysplasia.

b.      Torn cruciate ligaments.

c.       Lymphosarcoma (a common type of cancer in Golden Retrievers).

d.      All of the above.

4.  Rottweilers neutered before one year of age have:

a.       The same average lifespan as unneutered Rottweilers.

b.      An increased incidence of bone cancer later in life.

c.       Much the same conformation (body size, shape, and structure) as unneutered Rottweilers.

d.      All of the above.

5.  Neutered Vizslas are: 

a.       Less likely to develop cancer.

b.      Less likely to have behavioral issues.

c.       Less likely to have prostate gland disease.

d.      All of the above.

6.  Labradors neutered before six months of age have an increased incidence of:

a.       Hip dysplasia.

b.      Torn cruciate ligaments.

c.       Elbow dysplasia.

d.      All of the above.

7.  Castration prevents:

a.       Prostate gland infections (bacterial prostatitis).

b.      Benign prostatic hyperplasia (age related prostate gland enlargement).

c.       Testicular tumors.

d.      All of the above.

8. Neutering at a young age:

a.       Does not impact adult conformation (body size, shape, and structure).

b.      Increases the likelihood of urinary incontinence in female dogs.

c.       Decreases the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism (inadequate thyroid hormone production) later in life.

d.      Prevents most undesirable behaviors.

9.  Neutering helps prevent:

a.       Mammary (breast) cancer.

b.      Prostate gland cancer.

c.       All types of aggression.

d.      All of the above.

10.  Neutering should ideally be performed:

a.       Between four and six months of age.

b.      Before one year of age.

c.       After a female’s first heat cycle.

d.      If and when deemed appropriate based on the individual dog, its intended purpose, and living situation.

Thanks for playing along! How do you think you did? Don’t forget to submit your responses to me in the comments, and you just may receive a book in return.

Best wishes,

Nancy Kay, DVM

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Author of Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet
Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Recipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog
Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Recipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence Award
Become a Fan of Speaking for Spot on Facebook

Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health.   There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health are available at www.speakingforspot.com, Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller.