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*For those vets and people that say spay and nueter early and it has no adverse affect! WHAT!?Hormones build , brain, bone, immune system endrocin system, what happens to us? think about it! loss of hormes is a direct corrilation to us AGEING! I have not found one early spay study ON THE PRO's) that has followed the dogs beyound 6 months to one year after the spay or nueter... all long term studies Prove devistaing effects! and reduce life span in general by nearly two years.Which in human terms is more the ten years! read what hormone loss does to a humans below this study of Rotties and then try to tell me dogs don't need their hormones at all in life? as we spay them before they even have their onset? Be real vets! you are wrong! breeders have know for a long time because our dogs live 12- 14 even 15 years while pet puppies from those same parents are lucky to live that long , why we don't spay early! What about accidental litter? - in 25 years NOT ONE of my customers have ever had it happen by waiting two heats, two heats thats all they need to go through and unless you are letting your female dog run the neighbor hood it won't happen! they are in heat for three weeks and only the 2nd week they are furtile and like I say no one has ever had a problem..heats are a mild inconvenience once every 8 months and your male dog will not really have "male" behavoirs untill around two years old? is waiting not worth a more healthy dog?
**May Be
Forwarded/Crossposted*****
An interesting
article examining the effects of the spay procedure on bitches has just been
published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging Cell, and is worth reading by
anyone who breeds or even just owns dogs. "Exploring
mechanisms of sex differences in longevity: lifetime ovary
exposure and exceptional longevity in dogs" Aging Cell
(2009) pp 1–4 October 26, 2009 David J. Waters,
Seema S. Kengeri, Beth Clever, Julie A. Booth,
Aimee H. Maras, Deborah L. Schlittler and
Michael G. Hayek This study had
several major findings, including the following: 1. In the first
portion of this study, an "Exceptional Longevity Cohort" of Rotties (n = 83) that included bitches who lived > 13
years of age (extremely old for this breed) was
compared to a more "typical" lifespan Rottie
cohort (age of death, 8.0 - 10.9 yrs, n = 100.) In Rotts,
although bitches achieving longevity outnumbered dogs (males) by 2.3 : 1, the "female" longevity advantage was
completely negated if bitches were spayed before the age of four years. 2. A
separate study of more typical Rottie bitches
revealed that bitches who kept their ovaries until at least 4.5
years of age had a statistically significant 37% reduction in mortality rate,
which translates to a 1.4 yr average longer lifespan, and a 3-fold increased
possibility of achieving "exceptional longevity" over bitches who
ovaries were removed prior to this age. 3. Multivariate
analysis exluded other factors, such as weight,
height, and dam's longentivy as being a cause for
longevity. In addition, increased mortality/decreased longevity as a result
of the spay did not appear to be the result of an
increase in any one disease, such as osteosarcoma,
that followed the procedure. Although this
study included a limited number of bitches of only one breed (Rotts) it calls into question the common practice of
spaying a bitch before she has reached full maturity, at least until we know
much more than we do at present as to the lifetime effects of the spay
procedure on individual bitches. Obviously, the decision
to spay or not and at what age for an individual bitch should always
be done in conjunction with the bitch's veterinarian. Letting our elected
officials answer these questions for us (e.g., most Mandatory Spay/Neuter
laws require spaying a bitch by either four or six months of age) is not in
our, nor our dogs', best interests. Below I've
posted a few paragraphs from one of the author's (Dr Waters DVM PhD)
commentary on this study, which contains a link (in the first citation of the
commentary) to the full text article which just
appeared last week in the peer-reviewed journal Aging Cell. This is a lengthy
piece so please do read the full article for complete information in addition
to the commentary. Margo Milde AKC Legislative
Liaison - Rand Park Dog Training Club AKC Legislative
Liaison - Agility Ability Club of IL AKC Legislative
Liaison - Field Spaniel Society of America http://www.gpmcf.org/respectovaries.html A Healthier
Respect for Ovaries David J. Waters,
DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS A recent study
by my research group appearing next month in Aging Cell reveals
shortened longevity as a possible complication associated with ovary removal
in dogs (1). This work represents the first investigation testing the
strength of association between lifetime duration of ovary exposure and
exceptional longevity in mammals. To accomplish this, we constructed lifetime
medical histories for two cohorts of Rottweiler dogs living in 29 states and
Canada: Exceptional Longevity Cohort = a group of exceptionally long-lived
dogs that lived at least 13 years; and Usual Longevity Cohort = a comparison
group of dogs that lived 8.0 to 10.8 years (average age at death for Rottweilers is 9.4 years). A female survival advantage in
humans is well-documented; women are 4 times more likely
than men to live to 100. We found that, like women, female Rottweilers were more likely than males to achieve
exceptional longevity (Odds Ratio, 95% confidence interval = 2.0, 1.2 - 3.3;
p = .006). However, removal of ovaries during the first 4 years of life
erased the female survival advantage. In females, this strong positive
association between ovaries and longevity persisted in multivariate analysis
that considered other factors, such as height, adult body weight, and mother
with exceptional longevity. <SNIP> So to address
the possibility that the ÒstrangenessÓ or outlier nature of dogs with
exceptional longevity could be forging a misleading link between ovaries and
longevity, we studied a separate cohort of Rottweiler dogs. This data set was
comprised of 237 female Rottweilers living in North
America that died at ages 1.2 to 12.9 years — none were exceptionally
long-lived. Information on medical history, age at death, and cause of death
was collected by questionnaire and telephone interviews with pet owners and
local veterinary practitioners. In this population, we found females that
kept their ovaries for at least 4.5 years had a statistically significant 37%
reduction in mortality rate (1). This translated into a median survival of
10.4 years for females with more than 4.5 years of ovary exposure — 1.4
years longer than the median survival of only 9.0 years in females with
shorter ovary exposure (p < 0.0001). Taken together, if you take out
ovaries before 4 years of age you cut longevity short an average of 1.4 years
and decrease the likelihood of reaching exceptional longevity by 3-fold. <SNIP> |
Some people
have asked for a quick summary of the pros and cons of neutering, and this is
below. Further explanations are below the summary. compilations
of studies of veterinary universities
THE ADVANTAGES HAPPEN ALL AFTER FIVE YEARS OF AGE! OVERIAN AND PROSTATE CANCERS- (VERY SMALL PERCENT AT THAT!-SO why even list them if you spay or nueter by four THEY WILL NOT HAPPEN! So just wait...
Disadvantages of spay
or neuter
¥
Decreased life span
¥ Increases risk of
urinary incontinence (in both bitches and dogs)
¥ Increases risk of
obesity
¥ Increases risk of osteosarcoma
(bone cancer)
¥ Increases risk of prostatic cancer
¥
Increases risk of bladder cancer
¥ Increases risk of cardiac haemangiosarcoma
¥ Increases risk of splenic haemangiosarcoma in
spayed bitches
¥ Increases risk of cholangiocarcinoma
(cancer of bile ducts) in spayed bitches
¥ Increases risk of
cranial cruciate ligament injury
¥
Increases risk of patellar luxation in small- and
medium-sized dogs
¥ Increases risk of adverse vaccine reactions
¥
Increases risk of myasthenia gravis in spayed bitches
¥ Increases
risk of pancreatitis in spayed bitches
¥ Increases risk of
aggression, fearfulness
¥ Increases cognitive impairment in aged
dogs already showing signs of disease
¥ Increases risk of benign perianal tumours in spayed
bitches
¥ Increases risk of peri-vulvar
dermatitis, vaginitis, cystitis and recurrent urinary
tract infections in early-age spayed bitches
here is another
there are hundreds
more on my sight all say the same thing
AGEING IN HUMANS CAUSES (just put dog behind there to same thing)
Hormones are powerful chemical messengers produced by your body that tell your cells what to do, and regulate every organ and major body system. Hormones affect everything from your ability to fall asleep, to your mood, thinking ability, cholesterol level, response to stress, and the speed at which you age.
As we age, hormone levels decline, creating a severe hormone imbalance that may contribute to many of the diseases associated with aging including depression, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, and loss of libido.- gee and they dogs don't need em at all Duh!
THE DANGERS OF HORMONE LOSS (same for your dog!)
By the time a woman enters menopause, she may already have experienced two decades of hormonal imbalance. After menopause, when all her hormone levels decrease significantly, risk of major diseases increases. These include:
Heart disease - Rates of heart disease in postmenopausal women gradually climb until they equal the rates typically seen among men. According to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the leading killer of American women (American Heart Association 2008).
Osteoporosis - Hormone deficiencies are clearly associated with bone loss and osteoporosis, beginning even in the third decade of life. By the time a woman reaches 50, her risk of an osteoporotic bone fracture is significantly increased.
Alzheimer's and dementia - Loss of hormones is associated with neurodegeneration and increased risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
ANTI-AGING BENEFITS OF HORMONE SUPPLEMENTATION (same for your dog!)
Many physicians accept diminished hormone levels as an inevitable consequence of aging and dismiss the anti-aging benefits of restoring youthful hormone levels. However, research indicates that, in addition to relieving menopausal symptoms, optimizing hormone levels can benefit conditions such as osteoporosis, depression, fatigue, and excess weight. Among the most important hormones for women to monitor and balance are free estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA.
Estrogen Is Important for Osteoporosis Prevention
Strong, healthy bone is continually maintained through a process of bone resorption (removal of old bone) and bone formation (deposition of new bone). During this process, estrogen plays an important role in protecting against bone loss. Sufficient levels of progesterone and testosterone are also important. A woman's risk of bone loss and osteoporosis increases dramatically after menopause when estrogen and other hormone levels decline. The primary preventative treatment modality in the U.S. for postmenopausal osteoporosis is hormone therapy. Studies show that hormone therapy could potentially prevent 80% of vertebral fractures and reduce hip fractures by about 50%.
Testosterone Linked to Libido and Well-being
Although women produce only small quantities of testosterone, this important hormone helps women maintain muscle strength, bone mass, and sexual function. A woman's testosterone level decreases throughout her adult life, and, by menopause, is about 50% of what it was at 20.
In one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in September 2000, testosterone patches were tested on 75 surgically menopausal women whose declining testosterone levels had resulted in a loss of libido. Study participants using testosterone patches were two to three times more likely to have an increase in sexual activity and improved overall well being than those not using patches.
Studies Suggest Hormones Affect Skin Integrity and Elasticity
During menopause, when the production of hormones in the ovaries diminishes significantly and eventually stops altogether, it is not surprising that most women notice changes in their skin, most noticeably dryness and wrinkling. Studies show the skin thins out and loses its elasticity causing wrinkles to deepen, and the process of cell renewal slows down, resulting in less radiance and a duller complexion. Some estimates show that skin loses up to 30% of its collagen in the first five years after menopause, and without intervention, post-menopausal skin may continue to degenerate.
Maintaining optimal levels of estrogen appears to exert strong influence on aging of the skin. A study in the British Medical Journal found that the collagen content of skin in postmenopausal women who underwent estrogen therapy was 48% greater than in those who did not -- suggesting that, in aging women, estrogen protects skin similar to the way it protects bones. Another study suggested that skin wrinkling may also diminish as a result of the effects of the hormone on the elastic fibers and collagen. The same study also showed women who take both estrogen and testosterone have skin that is 48 percent thicker (and healthier) than women who don't take either hormone.
Estrogen Helps Maintain Healthy Vaginal Tissue and Prevent Urinary Incontinence
Vaginal dryness and atrophy, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, and repeat urinary tract infections are problems that many women experience during and after menopause. These symptoms occur because falling estrogen levels can lead to thinning of the vaginal and urethral tissue and weakening of the muscles around the bladder.
Supplemental low-dose estrogen has a very robust local effect on the many estrogen receptors in these tissues and can be useful in reducing vaginal dryness and thickening skin and mucosa. Studies show low-dose estrogen can also lower vaginal pH, promoting a healthy environment for the growth of protective flora, which may then help prevent urinary tract infections.
DHEA - The Fountain of Youth Hormone
DHEA, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, has been called the ''fountain of youth'' hormone because of its widespread positive role in maintaining youthful function as we age. Levels of DHEA peak in our twenties then begin a dramatic decline, which is associated with diminishing immunity, memory, libido and energy, and lowered resistance to age-related diseases. DHEA also plays an important role in how we handle stress and in bone mineral density.
While over-the-counter DHEA supplements are widely available and may be valuable in the quest for healthy aging, too much DHEA can ''cascade'' or turn into other hormones, creating further hormone imbalance. On the other hand, DHEA levels typically increase on their own when other hormones are brought back into balance. As with all hormones, measuring your hormone levels before supplementation is critical.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/16/fyi/main2189347.shtml
CBS) Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a big role in health of both men and women. You can thank testosterone for heightening energy, enhancing libido, protecting against osteoporosis and even boosting immune function.
But for some men, the biological clock ticks faster. Testosterone deficiencies can be to blame for everything from weight gain to bone density loss.
How Do Testosterone Levels Affect The Aging Process?
Though important for both men's and women's general health, a man's body can produce about 20 times more testosterone than a woman's body.
During the aging process for men, testosterone levels can drop. This part of the aging process Ñ usually occurring between the ages of 40 and 55 Ñ is sometimes referred to as andropause, similar to menopause in women. A loss of testosterone can contribute to excessive weight gain, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis and general fatigue.
How Are Low Testosterone Levels Detected?
There are some symptoms of testosterone deficiency to watch for. Natural changes to the body occur with age, including decreased muscle mass and an increase in body fat. But without adequate testosterone, a man can lose sex drive, have erectile dysfunction or feel depressed.
According to WebMD, the only accurate way to detect testosterone deficiency is to the amount of testosterone in the blood measured by a doctor. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, several measurements need to be taken to detect a deficiency. Some doctors prefer to test levels early in the morning, because that's when testosterone levels are at their highest.
Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Safe?
While middle-aged men may be eager to try the hormone, which has been touted as a cure-all for everything from lack of strength to lack of libido, there are questions about the safety of undergoing therapy.
One problem doctors have in answering this question is that they have not been following patients undergoing the process long enough to say it is completely safe. The FDA says testosterone replacement should only be used to treat a condition called male hypogonadism, which means that the testes aren't producing sufficient amounts of testosterone.
That's partly because testosterone is known to increases levels of prostate specific antigen, or PSA. Increased PSA levels are a marker for prostate cancer, although some PSA increases are caused by a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, which is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, according to WebMD.
What Can Be Done To Prevent The Loss Of Testosterone?
The recipe for men for slowing testosterone loss with age is comprised of the ingredients for general good health: don't smoke and keep excess weight off.
To keep their biological clock from speeding up, doctors say men should try to keep their midsection trim. Excess belly fat seems to break down testosterone more quickly, speeding many of the symptoms that characterize the aging process.
One vet opion-http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html