That Puppy in the Window http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com Shih-Tzu Puppies for Sale in Ohio Mon, 20 May 2013 19:08:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 New Research on Spaying and Neutering http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/new-research-on-spaying-and-neutering/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/new-research-on-spaying-and-neutering/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 01:29:33 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8449  

New Research on Spaying and Neutering

Thursday, 25 April 2013 09:32 by Dr. Jane

 

bc7b5764068fdb403e93c25313764950 New Research on Spaying and Neutering
 

This month, I’d like to share with you a study on spay and neuter procedures that’s making big waves in veterinary circles. It really has surprised many people. However, before I launch into the review, I want to caution you that sometimes studies can be misleading, so let’s take the following with a grain of salt before we overhaul the way we think about the importance of alteration surgeries.

This new study was published by researchers at the University of California – Davis. It indicates that neutering may adversely impact the risk of some dogs for developing certain cancers and joint problems. This study runs counter to prevailing sentiments, so it’s worth a review of where we stand now.

In the U.S., pet parents overwhelmingly support the neutering of dogs, justified by concerns about overpopulation and minimizing the development of unwanted behaviors (such as roaming, aggression and marking). Nowadays, neutering is considered part of responsible pet care, and spay and neuter surgeries are usually done when dogs are less than one-year-old.

But in the past 10 years, studies have indicated that neutering can have negative health effects for certain breeds (see references). Drawing on these previous studies, researchers at Davis used historical data from their veterinary hospital to examine the effects of neutering on the risks of several diseases in one breed, the Golden Retriever. The researchers involved chose to focus exclusively on Goldens due to their popularity in the U.S. and Europe, as well as their predisposition to certain genetic issues. The study focused on joint disorders and cancers because neutering removes sex organs (testes or ovaries), which interrupts the production of certain hormones that play important roles in key body processes (such as the closure of bone growth plate).

The study showed that in Golden Retrievers, the rates of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear (knee injury), lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumors were higher in both males and females that were neutered compared to intact (non-neutered) retrievers. Specifically, early neutering was associated with an increase in the occurrence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears and lymphosarcoma in males, and cranial cruciate ligament tears in females. In fact, there was a doubling of the incidence of hip dysplasia among early-neutered males.

Another interesting finding was that late neutering (after the first heat cycle) in females was associated with a higher incidence of mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcomas, with no apparent explanation. In contrast to the rather strong evidence for neutering males and/or females as a risk factor for certain cancers and joint disorders, evidence for neutering as protection against a dog acquiring one or more cancers is weak. The most frequently mentioned is mammary cancer, however, a recent systematic review of published work on neutering and mammary tumors found the evidence that neutering reduces the risk of mammary neoplasia to be weak, at best (Beauvais W, Cardwell JM, Brodbelt DC, 2012).

Even given the results of this new study, the relationship between neutering and disease-risk remains a very complex issue. For example, the increased incidence of joint disease seen in early neutered dogs is likely a combination of the effect on the growth plates and the increase in weight on the joints that is commonly seen in neutered dogs, and may even be affected by genetic factors yet to be determined. Obviously, more research is needed in this arena.

This research is notable for a couple of reasons. In Goldens, it suggests that the neutering of males well post-puberty could possibly help to avoid the problems of increased rates of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears and lymphosarcoma. For females, the issue is more convoluted and more studies are needed, because early neutering seems to increase the incidence rate of cranial cruciate ligament tears and late neutering may be tied to higher rates of certain cancers. For pet parents of pure-bred Goldens, the bottom line is that it is extremely important to gather all information before deciding if and when to neuter. As with all medical decisions, please review the options available to your companion animal with your veterinarian before deciding on a course of action.

It is important to note that the results of this study are breed-specific to Golden Retrievers and cannot be extrapolated to other breeds, or dogs generally. This study may or may not be the tip of an iceberg, as a full understanding of the disease conditions affected by neutering across all breeds would require many more breed-specific studies, and these may not bear any meaningful fruit. Needless to say, veterinarians will be following new research closely.

Pet parents wanting to learn more about this provocative study can read it at the link below (first listing under ‘References’).

Just to be absolutely clear, I am still very much committed to neutering pets at a young age (although perhaps not the very young) due to the systemic problem of overpopulation and the horrible consequences of doing nothing at all to turn the tide.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

ef1c691a7e73656530300fe3c9d39058 New Research on Spaying and Neutering  Dr. Jane Bicks

References

Torres de la Riva G, Hart BL, Farver TB, Oberbauer AM, Messam LL, Willits N, Hart LA. Neutering dogs: effects on joint disorders and cancers in golden retrievers. PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e55937. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055937. Epub 2013 Feb 13. http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0055937

Ru G, Terracini B, Glickman LT (1998) Host related risk factors for canine osteosarcoma. Vet J 156: 31–39. doi: 10.1016/S1090-0233(98)80059-2.
Cooley DM, Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman MW, Glickman LT, et al. (2002) Endogenous gonadal hormone exposure and bone sarcoma risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prevent 11: 1434–1440.

Ware WA, Hopper DL (1999) Cardiac tumors in dogs: 1982–1995. J Vet Intern Med 13: 95–103. doi: 10.1892/0891-6640(1999)013<0095:CTID>2.3.CO;2
Prymak C, McKee LJ, Goldschmidt MH, Glickman LT (1988) Epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic, and prognostic characteristics of splenic hemangiosarcoma and splenic hematoma in dogs: 217 cases (1985). J Am Vet Med Assoc 193: 706–712.

Teske E, Naan EC, van Dijk E, Van Garderen E, Schalken JA (2002) Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk in castrated dogs. Mol Cell Endocrinol 197: 251–255. doi: 10.1016/S0303-7207(02)00261-7

Villamil JA, Henry CJ, Hahn AW, Bryan JN, Tyler JW, et al. (2009) Hormonal and sex impact on the epidemiology of canine lymphoma. J Cancer Epidemiol 2009: 1–7 doi:10.1155/2009/591753.

Root Kustritz MV (2007) Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 231: 1665–1675. doi: 10.2460/javma.231.11.1665.

Beauvais W, Cardwell JM, Brodbelt DC (2012) The effect of neutering on the risk of mammary tumours in dogs – a systematic review. J Small Anim Pract 53: 314–322. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01220.x.

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]]> http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/new-research-on-spaying-and-neutering/feed/ 0 Shih Tzu Puppies http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/shih-tzu-puppies-3/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/shih-tzu-puppies-3/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:34:45 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8395

3 Adorable Shih Tzu Puppies

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]]> http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/shih-tzu-puppies-3/feed/ 0 Shih Tzu’s face trimmed http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/shih-tzus-face-trimmed/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/shih-tzus-face-trimmed/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:32:33 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8392 How I keep my Shih Tzu’s face trimmed between groomer visits
f0ca4f608337c1a43e46124a8478f8f8 Shih Tzus face trimmedCynthiam·8 vídeó
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]]> http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/shih-tzus-face-trimmed/feed/ 0 Gizmos first bark!!:) http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/gizmos-first-bark/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/gizmos-first-bark/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:31:01 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8390

  • Gizmo the Shih Tzu - first bark (10 weeks old) – YouTube

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEJfT-oB4v4
    Jan 14, 2007 – Uploaded by konkybunny

    My shih tzu puppy Gizmo at 10 weeks playing with his reflection in the mirror gives his first bark!

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    ]]>     http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/gizmos-first-bark/feed/ 0     All Natural Doggy Biscuits!!:):) mmmm Yummy Ruf Ruf!!!:) http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/all-natural-doggy-biscuits-mmmm-yummy-ruf-ruf/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/all-natural-doggy-biscuits-mmmm-yummy-ruf-ruf/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:42:56 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8373 Stop giving your dogs crap from China that is killing our dogs!! Here is a Pumpkin Recipe that is healthy for them icon smile All Natural Doggy Biscuits!!:):) mmmm Yummy Ruf Ruf!!!:) Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

    2 eggs
    1/2 cup canned pumpkin
    2 tablespoons dry milk
    1/4 teaspoon sea salt
    2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
    1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

    Preheat oven to 350.

    In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.

    Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2? – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.

    * Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.

    Makes up to 75 small (1?) biscuits or 50 medium biscuits

    share save 171 16 All Natural Doggy Biscuits!!:):) mmmm Yummy Ruf Ruf!!!:)

    ]]>     http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/all-natural-doggy-biscuits-mmmm-yummy-ruf-ruf/feed/ 0     Living with a Shih Tzu!!!:) http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/living-with-a-shih-tzu/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/living-with-a-shih-tzu/#comments Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:35:39 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8370  

     

     

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    61f4359b80e903425aa471a9d2e31c07 Living with a Shih Tzu!!!:)

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    ]]>     http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/living-with-a-shih-tzu/feed/ 0     The best dog/puppy food and made in the USA http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/the-best-dogpuppy-food-and-made-in-the-usa/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/the-best-dogpuppy-food-and-made-in-the-usa/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:59:02 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8296
    Do You Really Know What’s In Your Pet’s Food
    63ed705cba0332d91bc3324443789ba9 The best dog/puppy food and made in the USA
    		Although you may think all pet food manufacturers have your pet’s best interests in mind, this is not always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never knowingly give to your pet. In fact, you may be shocked to learn what some brands of pet food really contain. Watch this short presentation before you commit to a brand of food for your loving companion. Click on the video icon to see this important message!

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    ]]>     http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/the-best-dogpuppy-food-and-made-in-the-usa/feed/ 0     Sizes of a Shih tzu http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/sizes-of-a-shih-tzu/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/sizes-of-a-shih-tzu/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:35:37 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8180 Size
    Estimating the size of a puppy is just that- an estimate. Beware of breeders who promise you a certain size dog. Chances are they are banking on the fact that by the time your puppy is grown, you will be so in love you won’t mind that it isn’t the size you were promised. When we bought our first shih tzu puppy, she was very small and we were told she would be way less than six pounds. She ended up being seven. Her litter mate was almost three times her size, and they thought he was going to be huge. In truth, he ended up being not much larger than her.

    There is just no way to be sure. We will give you our best guess what your puppy will end up weighing, but that is in no way a guarantee. For this reason we do not charge extra for smaller puppies. We feel that it’s unfair to charge extra for a puppy just because it may end up being smaller than average.

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    ]]>     http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/sizes-of-a-shih-tzu/feed/ 0     A boy or a girl?? http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/a-boy-or-a-girl/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/a-boy-or-a-girl/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:22:17 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8177 Boy vs. Girl
    When every litter is born we are flooded with emails from people wanting a female puppy but not even willing to consider a male. It seems like males have gotten a bad reputation. It has been our experience (and that of other breeders) that males are much more forgiving and willing to allow you to be the pack leader than a female. Females tend to test your dominance all the time. This especially applies to males who have been neutered. Males tend to be sweeter and more loving than their female litter mates. (As one breeder told me, “They don’t call them ‘bitches’ for nothing!”) While both genders make great pets, there is no reason to fear that a male will be less loving or attached to you. In our experience, the opposite is true. (While all our dogs love us, it’s obvious that our male is more attached to us than any of the girls are.)
     
    It seems that the main reason people want a female is because they think a male will mark in their house and hump their  legs. A male that is neutered at  6 months of age will rarely display these behaviors.

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    ]]>     http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/a-boy-or-a-girl/feed/ 0     Housebreaking a Shih Tzu http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/housebreaking-a-shih-tzu/ http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/housebreaking-a-shih-tzu/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:14:35 +0000 Kathy http://www.thatpuppyinthewindow.com/?p=8174 Housebreaking, Training and Playtime 1. Housebreaking There are many methods used to housebreak new puppies or adults. Many Shih Tzu owners like to “dual train” to paper and outdoors. This means that if your dog has an attack of diarrhea, or if it is raining or snowing, or if you do not get home at the regular time to take the dog outside, there is a place in the house where it is acceptable for your dog to “potty.” If you lay a sheet of unprinted newspaper (available in rolls from a newspaper or in precut sheets from a wholesale paper supplier) over the newspaper, the dog will not get ink on its feet and track it across the floor. Another good product are washable, reusable “Pooch Pads” available at most pet stores. Some owners lay a teflon-coated floor grate meant for use in the bottom of an exercise pen (available from wholesale pet suppliers) on top of the newspaper; this keeps the dog from shredding the paper or getting its feet wet with urine. Gradually decrease the papercovered area as the dog learns what the paper is for. Confining a puppy to an area that is easily cleaned is best for initial training, This could be an area with linoleum, polycoated wood, or tile flooring. Puppies need to eliminate first thing upon awakening in the morning, immediately after eating, at noontime, in the early evening, and approximately twice in the later evening before bedtime. If you notice your Shih Tzu sniffing the floor and running back and forth or in a circular pattern, this is a sign to get the dog to the paper or outside so it knows that this is the appropriate spot to go. Once the mission is accomplished, praise the dog immediately. Should an accident occur, a harsh “No” and “Bad Dog.’ is effective for correction. Any correction should take place immediately to be effective—corrections long after the fact will only confuse the dog, Soon your Shih Tzu will know what pleases you by your voice tone and will want to eliminate in the appropriate spot. Use white vinegar or club soda to remove the odor if the dog has

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