MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., Dec. 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Middletown veterinarian is urging local pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered, not only for animal population control but for a variety of health and behavioral reasons as well. According to Dr. Michael Barra of Ani-Mall Pet Hospital, spay and neuter surgery may help many pets avoid serious illnesses and become calmer and happier in their adult stages. "We want to make sure people understand the advantages of this type of pet surgery, both for their pets and for their households, so they can make an informed decision about it while their pets are young enough to benefit," says Dr. Barra.
Surgical sterilization involves the removal of the testes in males or the removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes in females. Dr. Barra notes that both forms of pet surgery are widely performed in animal hospitals with a relatively low incidence of complications. Neutering is a simple operation, he says, in which most owners can take their pets home the same day while spaying generally includes on overnight stay for observation.
Spaying and neutering offers both behavioral and physical benefits. Dr. Barra explains that the flood of reproductive hormones that allow for sexual development also have less-than-desirable side effects. "Both males and females undergo changes. Females ensure regular 'heat' cycles in which they may moan, cry and pace nervously, while males may mark their territory with urine and become aggressive around humans and other animal," he says.
Dr. Barra goes on to add pets also develop a tendency to escape their homes and roam the streets, which can lead to their getting hit by cars or having violent encounters with other animals. Removing the sex organs associated with these hormones, explains the veterinarian, the surgery eliminates the hormonal alterations that lead to roaming, aggression or marking of territory.
The removal of the sex organs through spay and neuter surgery also significantly reduces a pet's cancer risk. Most obviously, explains Dr. Barra, the risks of testicular, uterine, or ovarian cancers are literally eliminated. Additionally, the risk of breast cancer in female pets is slashed as the hormones that contribute to its development are no longer produced. Other ailments associated with sexually active pets include pyometra, a potentially fatal uterine infection, and the physical stresses and trauma of pregnancy and labor.
"Last but not least, we should emphasize that by controlling the pet population, we enable shelters and other organizations to place a higher percentage of dogs and cats in loving homes," says Dr. Barra. "That's another critical aspect of pet wellness."
In addition to spaying and neutering, Ani-Mall Pet Hospital provides general pet wellness care, emergency pet surgery, boarding and grooming services. For information regarding their services, visit www.ani-mall.com.