Veterinarians are sworn to prevent suffering, a commitment that should extend to the surgical sterilization techniques taught in veterinary schools. Currently, most veterinary schools do not include hormone-sparing sterilization techniques such as vasectomies and ovary-sparing spays (hysterectomies) in their curriculum. These methods render dogs unable to reproduce without compromising healthy hormone production, thus reducing potential health risks associated with traditional neutering and spaying procedures.

According to a study published by the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), traditional neutering can increase the risk of certain health issues like obesity and orthopedic disorders. By incorporating these less hormonally-impactful surgical techniques into veterinary education, we can better equip future veterinarians with skills that promote animal welfare while adhering to their oath of preventing suffering.

We call upon all accredited veterinary schools worldwide to revise their curriculum and include hormone-sparing sterilization techniques as part of their standard training. This change will ensure our pets receive care that respects both their physical health and hormonal balance. Please sign this petition if you believe in improving our pets' quality of life through responsible veterinary education.

 “Gonadectomized (spayed/neutered) dogs have been reported to have a higher incidence of obesity, urinary incontinence, urinary calculi (bladder stones), atopic dermatitis (itchy skin), autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, inflammatory bowel disease, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, aggressive and fearful behavior, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, prostate adenocarcinoma and transitional cell adenocarcinoma (bladder cancer). Musculoskeletal issues may be especially significant for large breed dogs gonadectomized before they have finished growing, as bone physeal closure is delayed.” 

            -Michelle Anne Kutzler, MBA, DVM, PhD, DACT, Professor of Theriogenology, Oregon State University

For more information on alternative sterilization techniques, please visit the Parsemus Foundation.