By Pauline Machado
In March, Women's Health Awareness Month, we also maintain our focus on the health care of female dogs and cats.
The campaign aims to raise awareness among pet owners about the prevention of common diseases, such as breast cancer and uterine problems, which affect many unspayed female dogs.
To discuss this topic with us, we invited the Veterinary Doctor, Janaina de Souza , specializing in Integrative and Systemic Veterinary Medicine.
Watch the interview and share it with friends and family!
Pet Med – For those who don't yet know, what is Yellow and Lilac March and why is it important for the health of female pets?
Janaina de Souza – The Yellow and Lilac March campaign raises awareness about the health of female pets, primarily addressing the prevention and treatment of diseases such as breast cancer and pyometra. The campaign aims to inform pet owners about the importance of caring for the reproductive health of female dogs and cats, highlighting methods of prevention, early identification of diseases, and available treatments.
Pet Med – What are the main diseases affecting the health of female dogs and cats that are addressed during Yellow and Lilac March?
Janaina de Souza – The diseases most addressed during this campaign are breast cancer and pyometra, a serious uterine infection. In addition to these, we can also include hormonal diseases such as hyperthyroidism, which is more common in cats, hypothyroidism, Cushing's and Addison's syndromes, and reproductive tract infections such as hemometra, which can compromise the quality of life of female pets.
Pet Med – Why is breast cancer so common in female pets?
Janaina de Souza – Breast cancer is one of the most frequent neoplasms in female dogs and cats, especially in those that have not been spayed or were spayed late. The incidence is not directly related to the influence of sex hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, but rather to the fact that owners opt for the use of oral contraceptives, poor diet, and, over time, a drop in hormone levels.
Unspayed females can develop breast tumors; however, I want to emphasize that this is not due to not being spayed, but rather to the use of oral contraceptives, dysbiosis, and leaky gut syndrome, which is based on inadequate diet, excessive use of antiparasitic drugs, antibiotics, and other medications.
Of course, spaying is beneficial in terms of population control, but regarding the health of females, it should be reevaluated. I, personally, do not recommend it, and for owners who want to do it, I suggest doing it only after the owner insists a lot, starting at age 4 and beginning hormonal modulation.
Pet Med – Why do you recommend neutering only from the age of 4?
Janaina de Souza – There are several reasons, as I explain below:
Maintaining natural hormonal balance: Sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, have essential functions in the bone, immune, and metabolic development of pets. Early castration interrupts this process and can cause hormonal imbalances.
Impacts on growth and development: Female dogs and cats spayed before the epiphyses, which are the bone growth zones, have closed may have longer bones and weaker joints, increasing the risk of orthopedic problems. In medium and large breed dogs, there is an increased risk of hip dysplasia, looser ligaments, and a greater propensity for early arthritis.
Increased risk of endocrine and immunological diseases: Early castration may increase the predisposition to autoimmune and endocrine diseases, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and Cushing's syndrome. There is evidence that early removal of the gonads may alter the regulation of the immune system.
Obesity and metabolic disorders: Without sex hormones, the metabolism of pets slows down, increasing the risk of obesity. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, joint problems, and insulin resistance.
Risk of cancer in other organs: Although spaying reduces the early incidence of mammary tumors, studies show an increased incidence of other types of cancer, such as osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma.
Mental and behavioral health: Sex hormones also influence the behavior and cognition of pets. Early neutering can lead to anxiety, excessive fear, and difficulties in socialization. In some breeds, a lack of hormones can result in learning difficulties and undesirable behaviors.
Pyometra: Pyometra is one of the main reasons for early neutering, but it can be prevented with proper management of natural feeding, supplementation, and herbal medicine. Regular checkups and adjustments to the pet's lifestyle help prevent this condition.
In summary:
- After this age, the body is fully formed and the negative effects of hormone withdrawal are less pronounced.
- The risk of breast cancer can still be reduced if spaying is done before the age of 6, although with less impact on the pet's quality of life.
- Late castration allows the pet to develop in a healthy and balanced way before the removal of the reproductive organs.
Given all of this, I emphasize that the decision to spay or neuter a pet should consider not only the prevention of breast cancer, but also an integrative view of overall health. Late spaying balances the benefits of preventing mammary tumors with maintaining metabolic, bone, immune, and behavioral health. Furthermore, there are natural ways to prevent the main reproductive diseases without the need for early spaying or neutering.
Pet Med – How can family members identify early signs of this disease in their female dogs and cats?
Janaina de Souza – Early signs include the presence of nodules or lumps in the mammary chains, changes in the color or shape of the breasts, abnormal secretions, and local pain. Frequent tactile examination is essential for early detection, and always consult a veterinarian for a better diagnosis. I reiterate that veterinary follow-up is crucial.
Pet Med – How does spaying female pets help prevent these diseases and positively impact their health?
Janaina de Souza – Early castration, which in small breeds and cats occurs before 5 months of age; in medium breeds, in dogs weighing 10 to 25 kg, before 6 months of age; and in large and giant breeds, before 8 to 12 months of age, drastically reduces the incidence of mammary tumors because owners do not use oral contraceptives. However, early castration predisposes to other tumors and also to obesity. Therefore, castration should be carefully evaluated. After 4 years of age, the body is fully formed and the negative effects of hormone withdrawal are less pronounced.
The risk of breast cancer can still be reduced if spaying is done before the age of 6, although with less impact on the pet's quality of life. Therefore, late spaying allows the pet to develop in a healthy and balanced way before the removal of reproductive organs.
However, in cases of population control, for example with stray females, spaying is recommended before their first heat, at around six months of age. In the case of domesticated females, where owners manage to prevent mating, I do not recommend spaying, and if the owner chooses to spay, I recommend waiting until after four years of age.
Pet Med – Is there a maximum age for neutering/spaying? Why?
Janaina de Souza – There is no age limit, but the decision should be based on the animal's health. In older animals, it is necessary to assess anesthetic risks and the presence of concurrent diseases.
Pet Med – And regarding pyometra, what are the signs that a female dog may have this infection, and what are the treatment options?
Janaina de Souza – Pyometra is a serious uterine infection that can be fatal. Signs include lethargy, fever, sometimes purulent vaginal discharge, other times no vaginal discharge, abdominal distension, excessive thirst, and vomiting. Treatment can be surgical, involving removal of the uterus, or medical in early stages. Another important factor to know is that pyometra is related to an intestinal inflammation called Leaky Gut Syndrome, where bacterial translocation occurs; that is, they leave the intestine, reach the uterus, and reproduce using the blood of the estrus female as "food."
Pet Med – Is it possible to prevent these diseases without resorting to neutering? What other forms of preventative care should pet owners consider?
Janaina de Souza – Yes, through a balanced, natural carnivorous diet, hormonal modulation, the use of herbal remedies, supplementation, and regular veterinary monitoring of hormonal and reproductive health.
Pet Med – Are there any special recommendations for feeding female pets to maintain their reproductive health?
Janaina de Souza – Yes, a diet rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, a carnivore diet, and nutrients that modulate the hormonal system can help prevent reproductive diseases.
Pet Med – Does the age of female pets also influence the risk of developing these diseases?
Janaina de Souza – Yes, the risk increases with age, especially in unspayed females. Therefore, monitoring should begin in adulthood with regular checkups.
Pet Med – What are the consequences for a female dog or cat that does not receive adequate treatment for diseases such as pyometra or breast cancer?
Janaina de Souza – Without treatment, breast cancer can progress to serious complications such as systemic infection, metastasis, and death. Pyometra, on the other hand, can lead to systemic infection, acute kidney disease, and death in animals.
Pet Med – We're nearing the end of our interview, so what's the main message you'd like to leave for pet owners of female pets regarding Yellow and Lilac March?
Janaina de Souza – Prevention is always the best approach! Maintaining regular check-ups and examinations, opting for a natural carnivorous diet, natural management, and paying attention to your pet's body signals can make all the difference in the quality of life and longevity of your companions.
Beyond clinical aspects, it's important to remember that the emotional health of female pets also impacts their physical health. A balanced environment, free from excessive stress, with good nutrition and emotional support contributes to disease prevention. Pet owners should always seek knowledge to provide the best possible life for their pets! And for those who don't know, it's possible to train your pet as a support dog so it can learn to cope with daily adversities and avoid mental and emotional overload.
