Did you know that Memphis, TN has a city wide ordinance that requires all non-breeding Pets to be spayed and neutered to reduce the overpopulation and high shelter euthanasia rates? Breeding permits are available through Memphis Animal Services.
Current evidence on benefits: risks of sterilization procedures is somewhat conflicting. Spay and neuter have numerous well-established benefits, such as reduction in breast cancer rates, prevention of deadly uterine infection pyometra, prevention of many male reproductive tract diseases, etc. Unwanted heat cycles, pregnancies, overpopulation, and roaming behaviors are also reduced or eliminated. Any surgery carries risks, such as small anesthetic risk, hemorrhage, infection, etc. You can prevent these with proper post-operative care. There is some evidence in larger and giant breeds that early sterilization may increase risks of orthopedic disease and certain cancers. For this reason, our Practice policy is a minimum one year of age for these breeds. Exceptions are on case-by-case basis.
Should you make the decision to become a preservation breeder, we strongly encourage to study the breed, it’s genetic makeup, inherited health and temperament concerns, and join the national and local breed clubs. Many breeds have significant diseases that can be passed on through indiscriminate breeding and increase suffering for the pets and expenses for the owners. Conscientious breeders health test and title their breeding stock, and carefully study generations of pedigrees for longevity, causes of death, temperament, accomplishments, and other important aspects of preservation breeding. We can help with several aspects of health testing including Hip and Elbow OFA x-rays, thyroid, genetic panels including color genetics, and referral to the specialist for eye and heart evaluations, PennHip, etc.