Aggressive Behavior Needs Immediate Attention, And Neutering May


December 27, 1987|By Ann Huntington, D.V.M., Tribune Media Services.

Q-I have a 1-year-old male springer spaniel. Over the last few months he has become more aggressive toward strangers and frightfully territorial when it comes to our home. He has tried to bite the paperboy, and I`m sure he would react the same to the mail carrier. Some friends with dogs have suggested that I bring the paperboy inside the house to assure the dog that he`s not an intruder. Would neutering this dog make him less aggressive?

A-By all means, have your dog neutered immediately. It may or may not make him less aggressive. Usually, the only way neutering reduces aggression is to reduce a dog`s protectiveness of his territory. Therefore, he may not look upon strangers as a menace and thus behave with less hostility.

Admittedly, the chances are only 50-50 that neutering would make your pet less aggressive. But in a dog with such an aggressive personality, the last thing you should do is allow him to breed. For that reason alone, it would be wise to have him neutered.

In addition, there are medical reasons for neutering a male dog. It helps prevent prostate disease and various forms of cancer as the dog gets older.

I also suggest that you ask a veterinarian about your dog`s behavior problem. He could recommend a behavior consultant. The sooner you correct this problem, the better.

Q-A friend of mine says that when pit bulls attack, they`re unable to let go because their jaws lock. I say this isn`t so.

A-No. Pit bulls are simply tenacious.

Q-I have a 9-year-old male, long-haired Chihuahua. He is diabetic, and I give him insulin shots every morning.

He also has been diagnosed as having cataracts. I understand that this often occurs in diabetic dogs. Is there a safe operation for cataract removal, and what would be the approximate cost? My vet told me my dog can get along fine with the cataracts, but I`d prefer him to see clearly.

A-There is a safe surgical procedure for removing cataracts. The most common method used for dogs is to remove the cataractus lens, and various techniques are used.

The cost is approximately $1,000 per eye. The exact amount, of course, depends on the individual ophthalmologist, presurgical workup, surgical facility, etc., and could vary several hundred dollars either way.

Keep in mind also that even after cataract surgery, your dog would not see perfectly. Removal of the entire lens eliminates some focusing capability. Although surgery would certainly improve your pet`s vision, it would never restore normal vision.

It is true that a blind dog, or one with cataracts, can get along quite well. Blind dogs can learn their way around their home environment so quickly and completely that, in many instances, an unknowing visitor would be hard put to tell the dog is blind.

If you still want to go ahead with surgery, contact the nearest veterinary ophthalmologist or veterinary college for a referral. Your dog would then be evaluated to determine if it would be a good candidate for the procedure. -
