Some pet parents seek a way to ensure that their pet does not reproduce yet still benefits from sex hormones throughout life. Dr. Rastetter has over a decade experience in these alternative sterilization options. She offers both ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy) and vasectomy.
Both traditional and hormone sparing sterilizations have advantages and disadvantages. Learn the differences between spay (subtotal ovariohysterectomy) vs. ovary sparing spay (hysterectomy) in female dogs, and neuter (castration) vs. vasectomy in male dogs.
Be aware some boarding or daycare facilities will not accept hormonally intact dogs.
Spay
Subtotal Ovariohysterectomy or Ovariectomy
Removes the ovaries and, often, part of the uterus.
No heat cycles will occur.
Cannot become pregnant since no ovaries producing eggs. No chance of false pregnancy or lactation.
Removing ovaries when younger can reduce risk of mammary cancer.
Ovary Sparing Spay
Hysterectomy
Removes the uterus and cervix, while leaving the ovaries intact.
Surgeon must remove the entire uterus (no “stump”); otherwise, ovarian hormone exposure can cause uterine bacterial overgrowth and pyometra (infection of the remaining uterus tissue). Thus, the surgical incision will be larger than with an ovariohysterectomy.
Ovaries are still functional, so heat cycle behavior and small amounts of bleeding from vaginal membranes can still occur. Will stand to mate, thus at risk of sexually transmitted diseases, or trauma from males. False pregnancy and lactation possible.
Cannot become pregnant since the uterus is missing.
Mammary tumors are the only significant health risk remaining after a hysterectomy.
Neuter
Removal of testicles. Not able to father a litter of puppies.
Typically won’t mate, but some neutered males still engage in mating behaviors.
Eliminates risk of testicular cancers and benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate). Reduces risk of prostatitis (infection of prostate).
Does not always eliminate male marking behavior and should not be expected to stop roaming behavior.
Vasectomy
Removing a piece of the spermatic cord (vas deferens) to prevent transport of sperm from testicles during ejaculation.
Still displays typical male behaviors and characteristics, including desire to mate
Sexually transmitted diseases can also occur.
Does not reduce risk for prostatitis, which can be life-threatening.
Good fencing and/or leashing and supervision still necessary when outside to control wanderlust. Wandering and attempts to mate can lead to auto injuries or death.
No single sterilization recommendation can fit every dog and pet parent. The decision to traditionally sterilize, alternatively sterilize, or leave intact, and what age to perform a procedure, rests on a foundation of science, dogma, and culture.
You might consider hormone sparing sterilization if:
Read more about the impacts and what to consider for spaying and neutering your dog.
We recommend performing hormone sparing sterilizations at the same recommended age of traditional sterilization: between 6 and 8 months of age depending on pet size.
“Effective” depends on your goals. The removal of sex hormones can both increase and reduce risk for various medical and behavioral conditions. The decision to traditionally vs. alternatively sterilize is not a simple one, and different factors such as age, breed, expected growth size, household environment, other dogs in the home, and behavior influence the decision.
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Should I Consider Hormone Sparing Sterilization for My Dog?
Vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay in dogs: comparison of health and behavior outcomes with gonadectomized and sexually intact dogs
Aggression toward Familiar People, Strangers, and Conspecifics in Gonadectomized and Intact Dogs
Are you treating spay/neuter cases like any other medical choice?
Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence
