Early Spay and Neuter

The first risk, also stated above, is that the anesthesia is not safe for puppies.  We hear this most often.  Of course, that has been debunked with the introduction of newer and safer anesthetics.

Another risk that we come across is that canines who have been spayed or neutered at an early age can have higher rates of cancer.  While this may be true in some breeds, the Australian Labradoodle is not one of those breed.  Australian Labradoodles actually have a very low risk of cancer.  It is also very important to recognize that cancer can be caused by many factors not limited to external factors, genes, inbreeding, and so much more.  Finally, if time is taken to look into the few studies that have been done in this area, it should be noted that many of the dogs tested do have extensive health testing performed. In fact, there are hardly any records of their lineage. Many of these dogs have come from places that do not know or keep family genealogy.

Yet another risk topic that is sometimes mentioned relates to hip dysplasia; an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors. (see Wikipedia for more information).

Because genetics and environmental factors play a role, much of the problems associated with hip dysplasia is aggervated when puppies are allowed to do things before their structural skeletal system is completely formed. For example, playing frisbee, going up and down stairs, being involved in agility work. These are all things that can affect hip dysplasia.  This is one of the reasons we strongly recommend that puppies should never do these things prior to their first birthday.  In fact, doing so invalidates our genetic guarantee.

Finally, another controversy to ES&N that we hear is associated with Urinary Incontinence or Submissive Peeing.  In our all breeding experience, our records show that only less the one-half of one percent has had issues of incontinence.  Yet, an even more compelling argument would ask why do intact adult dogs show issues of incontinence.  It is hard to pin ES&N with urinary incontinence or submissive peeing.

The Benefits of ES&N

With ES&N, puppies are safely able to go home only a short few hours after the surgery.  They also recover very quickly because the modern methods used in these surgeries are minimally invasive. The incisions are so small and need only one or two stitches, so they are very quick to heal. There is no need for a week of medications for pain, nor a collar to keep the puppies from biting at stitches (as they are made internally and then the skin is medically glued together). Puppies are ready for supper by that evening and may even begin to run and play by day’s end.  Even still, we control their activities for several days and keep a close watch over them.

Breeders and veterinarians have noticed some benefits that may be related to ES&N, such as a decrease in uterine infections and breast cancer. Also, early neutering seems to eliminate marking in males and some of the other negative behaviors.  Also, while the Australian Labradoodle is certainly not an aggressive breed, ES&N also seems to decrease biting as they mature.

Those Who Support ES&N?