Traditionally both males and females are neutered at six months of age, but there is some controversy with this. For females, this is recommended to avoid the first heat and have the lowest risk of mammary cancer in the future. For males, this time frame is not really necessary, health wise. Obviously, males should be neutered as soon as possible to avoid unwanted breeding, if this is a possibility in their environment. Also, unneutered males often exhibit unwanted behaviors such as intermale aggression and roaming. Eventually, testosterone can have adverse effects on the body causing problems such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis, and testicular cancer. These effects are not usually seen before 3-5 years of age, so neutering before then is recommended. For large breed dogs, such as your Labrador, it may be better to neuter closer to physical maturity, around 12-18 months, to allow him to fully develop muscle mass. Obviously, all factors must be considered for each individual pet and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

June Hacker-Traiger, VMD (Exotics)

Dr. Hacker graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital and remained on staff. She enjoys working with exotic animals. She sees appointments at both Oradell Animal Hospital and our Ft. Lee, New Jersey office. Dr. Hacker's hobbies include reading and bicycling. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Q:  My pet cat is now about three years old and has not been spayed. She is an indoor cat and seemingly has no issues when she comes into heat. Do you think she will need to be spayed sometime in the future if her cycles remain the same?

A:  There are two main medical reasons for spaying your cat, even at age three.  First, a significant percentage of unsprayed cats will develop a uterine infection termed pyometra necessitating surgery (ovariohysterectomy) on an emergency basis.  The second reason for getting your cat spayed is because the longer a cat is allowed to go through heat cycles, the more risk there is of developing mammary (breast) cancer which is generally deadly in cats.  In addition, since cats are seasonally polyestrus (meaning they continuously come into heat in certain seasons), they will vocalize continuously and attempt to get outside constantly which may be highly annoying to some people.  The bottom line then is it’s a wise decision to have your cat spayed.

Joseph DeSanto, DVM

Dr. DeSanto graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital. He then joined the staff upon completion of his internship. Dr. DeSanto enjoys internal medicine and veterinary dentistry. He is one of the founding veterinarians of Bergen County's Animal Emergency Preparedness Program. Dr. DeSanto likes to play softball and enjoys woodworking. He sees appointments at Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus and in our Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey office.