Did you know that dogs spayed before their first heat cycle almost never get breast cancer? Likewise, did you know that spaying your kitty before she’s one year old reduces the risk of mammary cancer by a whopping 90 percent? Protect the boobies! Regardless of your age, gender, or political affiliation, it’s a manifesto we all can support. Let’s bust a move to endorse preservation of these most important anatomical features, thus indisputably safeguarding the well-being of our pets.
For women, as well as cats and dogs, the dangers of breast cancer can prove devastating. Aggressive cancer cells invading mammary glands may transform into malignant tumors, which, in turn, can insidiously spread to other mammary glands and even metastasize to brew disastrous perils elsewhere. If your pet falls among the unfortunate ones and contracts mammary cancer, initial treatment ordinarily involves surgical removal, which can be expensive. I’ve removed many mammary tumors, and along the way, I’ve discovered it’s not one of my favorite surgeries. The procedure can be challenging, tedious, and time-consuming. Post-operatively, the arteriole spray that paints my surgical gown often resembles a spatter pattern that only Gil Grissom, my wife’s favorite CSI character could appreciate.
Beyond surgery, additional therapies for mammary cancer include chemotherapy and radiation. However, if you decide to pursue further therapy, proceed with caution, since only limited information is available regarding success rates.
Not convinced? Don’t forget that spaying, the preeminent chastity belt, prevents unwanted litters, controls the pet population, reduces unnecessary euthanasias, and lowers animal shelter costs. Amazingly, a single cat and her first-year offspring can yield upwards of 150 kittens within a three-year period. Cats and dogs are designed to be efficient procreators, and their frenzied rate of reproduction can quickly evolve into shockingly astronomical numbers. I’d imagine that even a supercomputer engineered for mastermind spy James Bond would probably sooner or later detonate in its furious attempt to calculate the multiplication statistics. We’re all aware of the plight of overcrowded and woefully underfunded animal shelters across the country. Despite the heroic efforts of animal organizations and pet advocates, trying to find good homes for all stray cats and dogs remains a difficult hurdle. Consequently, many adoptable pets remain homeless, or are unfortunately put to sleep.
PREVIOUS PAGE
