Prostate Cancer

- R - A.K., Pasadena, TexasDear R - A.K.: You raise an important issue.

Small dogs are not invariably going to be more aggressive if they are not neutered, nor are they likely to contribute to the canine overpopulation problem because they are not usually allowed to roam free.

And if they did find a receptive female, larger males would probably keep them away.Prostate enlargement, A non-neutered small breed may well enjoy a more active life and be less prone to obesity than one who is castrated early in life.

Castration later in life would be indicated if prostate problems were to develop.In my opinion, castration is a toss-up decision for small dogs, with the caution that, if they are not castrated, they are more likely to get into fights with other dogs and be "humped" by neutered males who find noncastrated dogs attractive or a stimulus over which to assert dominance.This is a controversial issue, and some veterinarians are now questioning the h...

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