Medical Terminology

Gonadectomy - The procedure to sterilize dogs so they cannot reproduce.

Spay (Ovariohysterectomy) - a surgical procedure that removes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries of female animals, making them unable to reproduce

Neuter/Castration (Orchidectomy) - a surgical procedure that removes the testicles of male animals, making them unable to reproduce.

Testes - primary reproductive organs of male animals, aka testicles

Uterus - part of the reproductive system of female animals

Fallopian Tubes - part of the reproductive system of female animals

Ovaries - part of the reproductive system of female animals

Ovary Sparing Spay (OSS) - a surgical procedure that removes a dog's uterus and cervix, but leaves at least one ovary. This procedure sterilizes the dog but allows her to retain her ovaries and produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Vasectomy - a surgical procedure that prevents a male dog from impregnating a female dog by removing a part of the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the outside. The testicles are still able to produce the hormone testosterone.

Spay/Neuter

A study recently published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science has updated the ideal timeline for choosing to spay or neuter popular dog breeds to prevent the development of certain joint disorders or cancers. The study states males shouldn't be neutered earlier than 6 months of age and 12 months of age for females. Here at Howard Hounds we have completed extensive research in lessening the chances of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in our breeding program. Genetics, weight, exercise, nutrition, age of spay/neuter, and overall health all play roles in the risk factors for a dog to develop IVDD. Spaying/Neutering all Dachshunds before 12 months of age adds a significant risk of IVDD. Female Dachshunds have an increased risk even when spayed after 12 months of age. "A recent study of 99 female intact and 212 female neutered Dachshunds reported that 38% of the intact females had intervertebral disc disorders, compared with 61% of females neutered at <6 months and 59% of females neutered at 6 to 11 months (Hart et al., 2020)." The UK has completed extensive research studies linking IVDD and the age of spay/neuter in Dachshunds.

At Howard Hounds Dachshunds we support alternative options to traditional spay/neuter such as vasectomy for males and Ovary Sparing Spay (OSS) for females. We can assist you in finding a veterinarian that offers these procedures near you and we would be happy to further discuss the benefits and risks involving these alternative sterilizing methods. At Howard Hounds if wanting to pursue the traditional route of spay/neuter it must not be done before 24 months of age.