Let’s face it gentlemen, women are the natural caregivers to society, humanity & the World. (This, of course, is a general observation. There’s no need to send any hate-mail calling me a gutless, spineless, pedicure-getting, “Metro-sexual”.) All I’m saying is that because women tend to be the “caregivers”, they also tend to be better veterinary clients than men. One of the best examples I can think of is that if it were left up to the male of the species to have their pets vaccinated, spayed or neutered, there would only be around ten Veterinarians in the KC Metro instead of over 500.

Having said that, now seems like as good a time as any to bring up neutering. Most people think the term “neutering” refers to “fixing” only a male pet. In actuality, “neuter” is a Latin based word that means “non-gendered” or neutral. “Neutering”, therefore, can be applied to “fixing” both male and female pets. If you want to be specific about “neutering” a male animal, you would use the term “castrate” or “geld”. Both are rather unpleasant sounding words that refer to the removal of the testes. With regard to “neutering” a female animal, the term is “spay” (removal of the ovaries). The origins of all three of those words have to do with cutting. Spaying, in case you were wondering, involves cutting the animal open while castration does not. In any case, it seems that most people agree (men probably more so) that it is preferable to say (and hear) “Let’s neuter the dog.” instead of “Let’s castrate the dog.”

“CASTRATE!” Now, that’s a term of finality! In men it conjures up thoughts & feelings of “ain't got nothin’ to live for” or that maybe it’s time to take up water coloring. No male in the family wants the “family jewels” tinkered with even their pet’s.

Even so, we should explore the reasons for neutering. Sadly, thousands of animals are euthanized in the KC Metro annually. Most are unwanted animals that have had the misfortune of being born because pet owners have neglected to neuter their pets (male or female). Most people don’t even want to discuss or think about that because it’s such an uncomfortable topic. The problem is ignored.

Men, ignorance is NOT bliss! Let me, therefore, approach neutering from another angle. One that might get your attention.

Have you ever seen an 80-year-old man shuffle along; slowly taking baby steps? I call it the “Prostate Shuffle”. Testosterone, a hormone produced in the testes (testicles), has an effect on the prostate gland which can lead to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia . . . simply put, an enlarged prostate gland. Although it isn’t fatal, it can result in other problems such as impeding normal urine flow. Have you ever seen an old dog try to urinate for 15 minutes and only manage an occasional “squirt”? Well, there you go.

Y’all still not convinced? Let me bring out the big gun . . . the “C”-word. That’s right, even we, thick-skulled men, understand the word “CANCER”. The previously mentioned prostate gland can become cancerous in your pet just as it can in us. Cancer of the prostate can often be treated, but it is not inexpensive. Furthermore, in case you don’t think there are enough reasons to neuter at this point, let me strike the final and most excruciating blow. Dogs that are not neutered have a much higher incidence of malignant (that’s the very bad kind) anal cancer. Trust me on this if on nothing else; you do not want your pet to suffer from this! Your worst enemy? Perhaps. Your best friend? NEVER!

So guys, while your petty, insecure, manly-man feelings are certainly valid and should never, ever be discounted; I urge you with every “Y” chromosome in my body to GET OVER IT! Neuter your pets.