Why Neutering & spaying became so important to me - 

 by  Connie Wright, DVM

     I adopted a kitten while I was in veterinary school. I found her at the local pound, a filthy little creature with one weak rear leg. But she was climbing desperately up the door of her cage, pleading for my attention. I took her home, cleaned her up and named her Chance.

     Chance helped me through vet school. She rested, sphinx-like, and listened for hours as I lectured her on topics in pathology, immunology and surgery. She allowed me to palpate and recite her muscles and bones (as long as it didn't involve touching tummies or feet). She endured neurological exams. Best of all, she demanded that I occasionally stop all that nonsense and play for awhile.

     I tried hard to do everything right for Chance. She was my baby, and I wanted the best for her. I fed her the best food. After she ran in front of my car one day, I kept her indoors, away from harm. I kept her vaccinations current and toiled to keep her and our home free of fleas. I did everything to keep her safe and happy.

     But I neglected one important thing. I neglected to get her spayed at an early age. My reasons seemed valid at the time: I was a student, and usually broke. I wanted to spay her myself. I even toyed with the idea that I should let her have kittens (heaven forbid!). Well-meaning and silly as I was, Chance was not spayed until she was 4 years old. And, just as I had learned in school, all those heat cycles exacted their toll- Chance developed mammary cancer later in her life. Even though we helped her with chemotherapy, and even though she was 15 years old, she could have lived many years longer had she not developed cancer. Cancer she would never have developed had I spayed her as a kitten.

     Spaying and neutering pets is not just aimed at controlling overpopulation. Neutering is also in the best interest of pets. It prevents life-threatening infections and cancers, especially if done before puberty. It also helps to control problem behaviors that land many pets in shelters, where they are killed by the  millions every year.

     I learned my lesson from Chance. I will never wait to spay or neuter a pet of mine again. You shouldn't, either.