If You’re Not Living in a Wilderness, Then Fix Your D***ed Pet, Already

[sammytko]

70. This is from an ASPCA article in support of early neutering.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/early-spay-neuter.aspx

No conclusive controlled studies have ever been done to determine the best age to neuter dogs and cats. On the other hand, current research does show that spaying before the first heat prevents the development of mammary gland tumors. Since females can go into heat as young as four months of age, they should be spayed before then to receive that protection. Early-age, or pediatric, neutering is currently performed on animals who are six to eight weeks of age and who weigh at least two pounds

Short-term safety was documented in 1993 when doctors at Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston published protocols for safe surgery and anesthesia in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Other studies have since confirmed their conclusions, and in December 2000, JAVMA reported that researchers at Texas A & M University found no increase in physical or behavioral problems in cats for at least three years postoperatively. Veterinarians have been safely performing the surgeries for shelters since the 1980s, adding to the growing body of supportive anecdotal information

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association are just two professional organizations that support pediatric neutering. Veterinarians at the ASPCA have been neutering all shelter animals who weigh at least two pounds before adoption.