At Gentle Vet in Green Bay, we are committed to providing the best care for your pets, and that includes making informed decisions about spaying. One common question we receive is whether hysterectomy (removal of the uterus while leaving the ovaries intact) is a viable option for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Our answer is a resounding no, and here’s why.
Prevention of Pregnancy: Just One of Many Reasons to Spay
While preventing unwanted pregnancies is an important consideration, it is actually one of the lesser reasons for spaying a dog. The primary health benefits of spaying extend far beyond birth control.
Prevention of Mammary Cancer
Mammary cancer is a significant risk for unspayed dogs, with studies showing that 1 in 4 dogs who are not spayed will develop mammary cancer by the age of 9. The risk increases with each heat cycle your dog goes through. It’s important to note that a hysterectomy, which removes only the uterus, does not reduce the risk of mammary cancer because the ovaries, which produce the hormones that contribute to cancer development, are still present.
Prevention of Pyometra (Uterine Infection)
Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection that can cause severe illness in dogs and may even be fatal if not treated promptly. The only treatment is emergency surgery, which is far more invasive and expensive than a routine spay performed when the dog is healthy. Even dogs that have undergone a hysterectomy can develop a condition known as uterine stump pyometra, which is more difficult to diagnose and treat due to hormonal changes.
The Role of the Ovaries: Why Leaving Them is Not Recommended
If you’re considering leaving the ovaries intact, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks. The ovaries are responsible for producing hormones that can lead to conditions like mammary cancer and pyometra. If the entire reproductive tract isn’t removed, the dog continues to cycle, maintaining the risk for these health issues.
In cases where an owner is hesitant to remove the entire reproductive tract, I would strongly recommend an ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries) rather than a hysterectomy. This is a more medically appropriate choice that still provides significant health benefits for your pet.
Addressing Concerns About Ovarian Hormone Loss
Some owners worry about the effects of removing the ovaries, particularly regarding spay incontinence (USMI) and joint issues. While USMI can occur, it is not common. For larger breed dogs, we often recommend waiting until around 1 year of age to spay. This timing helps balance the risk of mammary cancer with allowing proper bone and joint development.
Conclusion
At Gentle Vet, we are here to guide you through making the best decisions for your pet’s health. Based on the risks associated with leaving the ovaries intact, we do not recommend hysterectomy for dogs, cats, or rabbits. Full spaying, including the removal of the ovaries, provides significant health benefits that far outweigh the potential concerns.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the best spay options for your pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.