Male Canine Castration

2.0 Introduction
Neutering of male canines is a broad topic with contrasting arguments for and against routine castration. One aspect is described as being a component of responsible pet ownership in neutering animals to promote health and quality of life while preventing unwanted litters (Palmer et al., 2012). However, this view is not held by all including the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) in which it is recommended to routinely neuter companion animals. Although they further stated male canines should be assessed on an individual basis in association with castration (BSAVA, 2006). Both views will be considered in detail, through research on the effects of castration in
Health benefits include preventing or removing testicular disease for example testicle cancer, this is particularly important in male canines as this one of the most common sites for cancer to form and develop (Reichler, 2009). The risk is further increased for canines suffering from cryptorchidism, which increases their chance of developing cancer by up to 13% and almost by 5% if suffering from inguinal hernia (Hayes and Pendergrass, 1976). Both of these conditions require surgical intervention as a treatment, routine neutering allows this as a form of prophylactic
This means neutering vastly reduces the amount of testosterone within the circulation but does not completely remove it (Hedges, 2014). Therefore it can result in behaviours remaining regardless of the treatment of castration even if carried out before reaching puberty (Reisner et al., 1994). This is due to testosterone presence during foetal development, therefore increasing receptivity to the hormone and can mean behaviours are established from birth. However, castration can still reduce undesirable behaviours linked to hormones produced by the testes, for example sexual dimorphic which can include marking, aggression, sexual attraction, roaming (Landsberg et al., 2003). This is highlighted by Heidenberger and Unshelm, (1990) in which it was discovered following castration, 74% of behavioural problems were reduced or disappeared. However, this study is dated and does not indicate at what stage of life the canines were neutered and what type of behaviours were reduced. This is further supported by Maarschalkerweerd et al., (1997) who recorded reductions to sexual dimorphic behaviours by 60-90% following castration, in which the mean age of the candidates were 4 years old and undesirable behaviours was the most predominant reason for