Roman turned 8 last month and I have to take him in for his first dental soon. I'm sure I'll be asked about neutering him again. I've been told by the vet and I've read elsewhere that intact male dogs commonly get an enlarged prostate which is typically avoided or remedied by a neuter. Since he hates the vet's it would be much better to have this all done in one fell swoop if a neuter really is in his best interests at this age. Plus, it is no doubt safer to neuter now than as a sick, older dog.
For some reason I'd really rather he wasn't neutered... it just seems odd after he's been intact and well-mannered so long, but that's not really a good basis for decision making. I know there are problems associated with neutering (which IIRC are mainly developmental issues and an increased, but still small risk of some rarer cancers), but does that still hold true for senior dog neuters? And if so, are the risks associated with intact dogs (testicular cancer, enlarged prostate) greater?
For some reason I'd really rather he wasn't neutered... it just seems odd after he's been intact and well-mannered so long, but that's not really a good basis for decision making. I know there are problems associated with neutering (which IIRC are mainly developmental issues and an increased, but still small risk of some rarer cancers), but does that still hold true for senior dog neuters? And if so, are the risks associated with intact dogs (testicular cancer, enlarged prostate) greater?