[DoyleClan]

I neutered my boy at age 6 due to prostate infections. So keeping your boy intact means that you should also monitor him as he ages for any reproductive issues. I found out Riot had an infection on collecting him for breeding and his sperm count was zero. We sent the semen out for testing and it was found to be a prostate infection, after fighting the infections for awhile, we gave up. Like keeping a girl intact, you do have to be aware of pyometra. Reproductive organ infections are something to know about and know the symptoms of. Riot acted like he had huge hip problems. Once the infection was treated, that symptom went away.

Are these things that will be found with routine visits? Or is there something more I would need to do to check for things like that?

 

[Alaska7133]

Are these things that will be found with routine visits? Or is there something more I would need to do to check for things like that?

This was not found with routine visits. I had Riot collected and they could tell using a microscope that his sperm was all dead. The collection company then offered to have it tested for infection. Which they then sent out for a report.
I'd suggest if you have a boy, collect them if you see them limping or sore in their hips. Your vet could collect your boy, and view the collection under a microscope. Then they can get a better idea of the health of your boy's prostate. Another option is to take him to a dog show where they offer collections, and then you can use that method like I did. I'm now personally in the camp that any boy I own in the future will be collected at least annually to make sure there are no problems lurking. Dogs just don't show us when they are ill very well.

 

[Smitty1]

I agree with this. There are far more irresponsible dog owners in this country than those of us who nurture their pups into well behaved dogs. That led to the long standing shelter mantra of spay and neuter at six months

I had a two boy Goldens that were neutered by the breeder at 4 months.Both had torn ACL issues that the surgeon attributed to them being neutered at such a young age.I now have 5 Goldens.The oldest is the boy who was neutered at 4mo.His brother got a ruptured spleen and died in 3 hrs.We didn’t have a chance to save him( he had just turned 8)My new vet is old school and is anti neutering.My two boys just turned two and a female just turned 1 and we are not going to neuter them unless we are given a reason.Best of luck

 

[Bob Rubin]

Our boy is exactly like your boy. No need to neuter except for the female we have at home. We opted for vasectomy.. best of both worlds.

I expect my first Golden in the July timeframe and I'm learning every single thing I can. I had no idea that vasectomy was an option! I wouldn't imagine that it stops the the drive to mate, so I'm guessing that the boys will still go to any length to mate with a nearby female in season?

 

[GoldenDude]

Neutering depends on your dog’s purpose. It’s a legit and appropriate procedure for certain work.

 

[Deborus12]

I expect my first Golden in the July timeframe and I'm learning every single thing I can. I had no idea that vasectomy was an option! I wouldn't imagine that it stops the the drive to mate, so I'm guessing that the boys will still go to any length to mate with a nearby female in season?

My boy had his vasectomy when he was about a year old. He is now 5 years old and I have never had a problem with females in heat. But he is just too busy with Agility classes and Nosework classes/trials to pay attention to them. He also spends his days with us on our horse farm that is fenced in. I think it depends on your situation.

 

[Bob Rubin]

My boy had his vasectomy when he was about a year old. He is now 5 years old and I have never had a problem with females in heat. But he is just too busy with Agility classes and Nosework classes/trials to pay attention to them. He also spends his days with us on our horse farm that is fenced in. I think it depends on your situation.

Thanks! That is comforting to know. I do plan on keeping 'Wyatt' a busy lad as well 🐕 🐕

 

[Boondox]

Notably, a lot of veterinary practices are corporate owned now too. Which has been nothing but detrimental to vets and owners. We just paid 1k for two stitches in the ER 😑 and they can’t do anything because corporate runs the business.

That’s a very interesting perspective. I was a PA in the Navy. I enjoyed being a clinician and those I worked with shared a high degree of altruism. When I left the service I found civilian medicine a completely different experience. It was MBAs, not health care professionals, calling the shots. We were encouraged to churn - ordering expensive tests if there was even a hint it might be indicated - and there was much pressure to prescribe the latest and greatest drug when a tried and true generic at a fraction of the cost would have done just fine. I lasted six months before leaving the field.

My vet is a trusted independent. If she ever sells out to a corporate overlord I’ll find another vet