On the positive side, neutering male
dogs •
eliminates the small risk (probably < 1 %) of dying from testicular cancer • reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders • reduces the risk of perianal fistulas • may possibly reduce the risk of diabetes (data inconclusive) On the negative side, neutering male
dogs • if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a common cancer in medium / large and larger breeds with a
poor prognosis.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are the most common causes of chronic vomiting and diarrhea in
dogs, and refer to a group of idiopathic, chronic gastrointestinal tract disorders, characterized by infiltration of the lamina propria by lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils, or combinations of these cells.12 The diagnosis of IBD requires the comprehensive exclusion of potential causes of gastrointestinal inflammation, including intestinal parasites, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bacterial enterocolitis, dietary intolerances or allergies, and neoplasia.12 Failure to
eliminate known causes of gastrointestinal inflammation which can mimic IBD can result in frustration for the owner and clinician due to
poor responsiveness of the animal to dietary or pharmacologic therapy.