Advantages and Disadvantages

• The rationale behind spaying or neutering a pet is to thwart overpopulation. There are too many strays and not enough homes, and animal shelters tend to be overloaded. The Humane Society backs the practice.
  
  The positive aspects of spaying and neutering are that they help to decrease the possibility of testicular tumors and prostate disease. In addition, they tend to decrease the animal's need to roam aggressively, so he is more complacent.
  
  However, adverse side effects can be cause for great concern. They include the potential of a negative reaction to the anesthesia for the procedure; the possibility of an increased cancer risk; adverse effects from the vaccinations; joint problems; the disturbance of the hormones that manage bone, tendon and muscle growth; and the increased chance of thyroid disease.
  
  

Thyroid Problems

• The thyroid glands are positioned in the trachea underneath the larynx. The hormones that are manufactured by the thyroid gland control a mammal's functioning metabolism. They also affect protein, lipid and carbohydrate levels. The thyroid glands, therefore, are vital to the body's overall system maintenance. The symptoms of thyroid disease in mammals include fatigue, lack of interest in activity, loss of focus, weight gain, skin infections or a change in nature, such as becoming aggressive.
  
  

Diagnosis and Treatment

• In order to diagnose thyroid disease, a veterinarian will need to do a thyroid test that involves blood work. The treatment includes two doses per day of levothyroxine. The dosage amount is based on the weight of the animal. The veterinarian will need to continue doing blood work every six to 12 months to check the blood levels and to stay apprised of the animal's health.