Enjoy the interview of Dr. Dobias with a board-certified canine reproduction specialist, Dr. Michelle Kutzler DVM PhD, DACT
Dr. Bias: Dr. Kutzler, I’m glad you’re here! I can’t wait to talk to you because dog lovers around the world have so many questions about the side-effects of conventional spay and neuter procedures, and how to protect our dogs from and prevent homelessness to the dog at the same time.
Tell us how your early journey began.
Dr. Kutzler: I started this journey, probably like most vets. In vet school, we were pretty much taught that if it’s a dog or a cat, they need to be surgically sterilized as soon as possible.
What that really meant was the removal of their gonads. Since this is what I was taught in veterinary school, I never questioned it. At the time, veterinarians recommended waiting until a dog went through puberty and was six to twelve months old.
Over time, the age of sterilization began to gradually decrease to the point where it is considered common to sterilize pet dogs and cats as early as three months.
Dr. Bias: What led you to question this conventional approach?
Dr. Kutzler: It is a combination of personal and professional experiences. My in-laws had several Rottweilers, and within a few years, they all died of cancer. This has raised concerns about environmental factors and the health implications for humans.
At the same time, I attended an interview with Dr. David Waters on the effects of ovaries on longevity in the Rottweiler. This lecture, along with my observations, sparked my interest in the long-term health effects of gonad removal.
Dr. Bias: Can you explain the health issues associated with conventional spaying and neutering?
Dr. Kutzler: When the gonads are removed, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rise dramatically and remain high for the rest of the dog’s life. LH receptors are present throughout the body, not just in the reproductive organs.
High levels of LH can activate these receptors, causing problems in various tissues. Issues associated with high LH levels include urinary incontinence, skin problems such as allergic dermatitis and alopecia, hypothyroidism, ligament disorders, and an increased risk of cancer, particularly lymphoma. Behavioral issues such as anxiety can also be connected.
Dr. Bias: Is there any scientific evidence for all this?
Dr. Kutzler: Absolutely. The scientific evidence supporting hormone-sparing sterilization is robust and growing. For example, studies have shown that high LH levels, which occur after gonad removal, are associated with various health issues.
Dr. Bias: What alternatives exist to conventional spaying and neutering?
Dr. Kutzler: Hormone-sparing sterilization methods are available, such as hysterectomy for women and vasectomy for men. These procedures render the dog infertile but avoid the health issues caused by gonad removal. Unfortunately, these alternatives are not widely offered by veterinarians.
Dr. Bias: Can you explain how hormone-sparing sterilization methods, such as hysterectomy and vasectomy, work to avoid these issues?
Dr. Kutzler: Hormone-sparing sterilization methods work by removing the reproductive organs responsible for fertility while preserving the gonads, which produce essential hormones. In women, a hysterectomy involves removing the uterus while leaving the ovaries intact.
This prevents pregnancy and eliminates the risk of uterine infections such as pyometra, but it allows the ovaries to continue producing hormones that are important for overall health.
In men, a vasectomy involves cutting or closing the vas deferens, which prevents sperm from escaping during ejaculation. It renders the male infertile without affecting the testosterone production of the testes.
By sparing the gonads, these methods maintain normal hormone levels and avoid health issues associated with high LH levels.
Dr. Bias: How can dog owners and veterinarians learn about these alternatives?
Dr. Kutzler: Education is the key. Dog owners should learn about hormone-sparing sterilization and request it from their veterinarians. The Parsemus Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fertility control solutions, provides resources and a list of veterinarians who perform these procedures.
Dr. Bias: What challenges do you face in promoting hormone-sparing sterilization?
Dr. Kutzler: A major challenge is convincing veterinarians to use these methods. Despite the evidence, many do not convinced or are reluctant to change their habits. Additionally, funding for research and education is limited. However, I am committed to training veterinarians and educating dog owners who have created the need for these procedures.
Dr. Bias: How do you feel about the impact of your work?
Dr. Kutzler: It is both rewarding and frustrating. While I can’t help every dog, I can raise awareness and provide information that empowers dog owners to make informed decisions. Seeing the positive impact on individual dogs and knowing that more vets are learning about these alternatives keeps me motivated.
Dr. Bias: How can we overcome these barriers and promote the adoption of hormone-sparing sterilization?
Dr. Kutzler: Education and advocacy are key. We need to raise awareness among dog owners and veterinarians about the benefits of hormone-sparing sterilization. Dog owners can play an important role by requesting these procedures from their veterinarians and sharing information with other pet owners.
Vets can find training and resources to learn how to perform these procedures. Organizations like the Parsemus Foundation provide valuable resources and support if they are interested in hormone-sparing sterilization.
Dr. Bias: Are you planning more research?
Yes, we need to continue conducting research and publishing studies that provide more scientific evidence for the benefits of these methods. By building a strong evidence base and promoting education and awareness, we can drive change within the veterinary community and improve the health and welfare of dogs.
Dr. Bias: If you could send one message to all dog lovers and vets, what would it be?
Dr. Kutzler: My message is to stay informed and open-minded. The field of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advances.
Hormone-sparing sterilization is a good alternative to traditional spaying and neutering that can improve the health and welfare of dogs. I encourage dog owners to discuss these options with their veterinarians and advocate for the best possible care for their pets.
Together, we can positively impact the lives of dogs and ensure they live long, healthy, and happy lives.
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To our community and readers, please share this valuable article with your friends. Since I started working with Dr. Kutzler, I experienced an incredible transformation in my dog, Pax, who suffered from repetitive strain injuries and muscle wasting that began within six months of neutering him. I strongly believe that hormone-sparing sterilization can help to prevent serious and chronic problems in dogs.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from spay or neuter issues, share your experience with us here so we can document and compile cases and ultimately create a concise plan to help those affected dog.
In thanks,
Dr. Peter Dobias
