A rescue named Zipper and veterinarian Dr. Julie K. Levy, who has used the new drug, Zeuterin, for sterilizing pets. Photo courtesy of Kelly Jordan for The New York Times
This article is a recent Science Section of the NY Times, discusses one of the latest controversial topics in the pet world: whether there is a better alternative to surgical spay/neuter. We first heard of this option from Pukkah's Promise, The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs by Ted Kerasote, who discussed the impact of spay/neuter on a a dog's health and longevity, particularly male canines.
We realize, as this article emphasizes, that the last 40 years or so of promoting spay/neuter has been super successful in reducing the overpopulation of companion animals, thus substantially cutting the shelter euthanasia rate. Get this: Currently, "83%of owned dogs and 91% of owned cats have been spayed or neutered, compared with only 10% in the 1970's. (Parental Unit's first dog, a Miniature Schnauzer named Benjie, was not neutered—in fact, it was never even discussed). But the downside to surgical sterilization is that it's a fairly time-consuming and invasive procedure and has been called "a bottleneck for humane animal control."
The non-surgical remedy that's close to becoming approved for sale in the United States is "Zeuterin", which is injected into a dog's testicles, "killing the sperm and shutting down the passageway through which it would normally travel." There's no mention of how, or even if this drug works for female dogs or cats.
What do you think? Would you go the old-fashioned route and surgically spay/neuter, go the really old-fashioned route and let your pets remain intact, or try this new-ish drug injection to sterilize your pet? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Neither I nor Parental Unit had a choice in the matter—since I'm a shelter dog, I was neutered before I was even put up for adoption. Lookin' pretty good, despite my lack of testicles, don't you think?
Really cool photo of me by Rachel Lauren Photography
This article is a recent Science Section of the NY Times, discusses one of the latest controversial topics in the pet world: whether there is a better alternative to surgical spay/neuter. We first heard of this option from Pukkah's Promise, The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs by Ted Kerasote, who discussed the impact of spay/neuter on a a dog's health and longevity, particularly male canines.
We realize, as this article emphasizes, that the last 40 years or so of promoting spay/neuter has been super successful in reducing the overpopulation of companion animals, thus substantially cutting the shelter euthanasia rate. Get this: Currently, "83%of owned dogs and 91% of owned cats have been spayed or neutered, compared with only 10% in the 1970's. (Parental Unit's first dog, a Miniature Schnauzer named Benjie, was not neutered—in fact, it was never even discussed). But the downside to surgical sterilization is that it's a fairly time-consuming and invasive procedure and has been called "a bottleneck for humane animal control."
The non-surgical remedy that's close to becoming approved for sale in the United States is "Zeuterin", which is injected into a dog's testicles, "killing the sperm and shutting down the passageway through which it would normally travel." There's no mention of how, or even if this drug works for female dogs or cats.
What do you think? Would you go the old-fashioned route and surgically spay/neuter, go the really old-fashioned route and let your pets remain intact, or try this new-ish drug injection to sterilize your pet? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
Neither I nor Parental Unit had a choice in the matter—since I'm a shelter dog, I was neutered before I was even put up for adoption. Lookin' pretty good, despite my lack of testicles, don't you think?
Really cool photo of me by Rachel Lauren Photography
