Here in Germany, there are rarely any neutered dogs. I think it's illegal to do here, without a serious medical reason.
In my many years of research on U.S. canine veterinary care trends I am begining to notice some things that I find disturbing. First of all is the alarming takeover of veterinary medicine by large investment firms. Second is the resistance of U.S. veterinray medicine to take heed of the ever growing number of scientific studies that suggest disturbing the balance of the endocrine system is a very bad idea wrought with lots of negative conseqeunces <likely because it throws egg in the face of the whole "fix your dog because its healthier" BS that has been the mantra of most vets, the AVMA and every one with a social voice, since the 70's> <Bob Barker ect>
But the thing that concerns me the most is that its not at all hard to draw lines connecting to flow of money to certain things, such as "drug marketing detailing" of the vets and the colleges alike<google that>. So first you get a dog, and you shell out money at the big chain store for all the stuff a young dog needs < bed crate vaccinations chew toys treats training aids ect> then you are convinced to do a surgey to " be a good owner" then not long later your dog begins to gain weight, have joint troubles, have increased aggression issues or fear issues, have urinary incontinence, and a whole laundry list of other issues associated with disturbing the balance of the endocrine system
. BUT WAIT! we have a whole multicolor universe of drugs and diets and treatments for all that ails your beloved k9. < All of which cost vast sums of money that can be traced back to investment firms, such as MARS CO ect>.
Follow the money. It didn't start out like this, but now that this is the "norm" the folks with the control dont want it to change. They like the fact that your dog will have more ailments and live a shorter life because it makes them more money. Even the shelters make them money one way or another < tax write offs, meds, toys, treats surgeries..... all the same stuff. Distressingly I am beginning to conclude that dogs are now seen as furry dollar signs to the investor controlled market. The more " fixes" they can sell you on , the bigger their bonus is . If they can sell you on a fix that actually breaks your dog so you now "need treatments" then they love that.
Not all vets are falling into this mess. But sadly, it is getting worse at an alarming rate. MARS now owns about one quarter of all vets globally in the markets I've studied.
Thank DOG for the likes of Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway and the others who demonstrate and educate on the right way to live with dogs.
I had a situation recently where I had need for Alizin treatment, something I could easily get in most other countries, but was very difficult to get here in the states. But one I found a clinic with clearance from the American FDA to have it, it saved the life of my dog without surgery.
I would say it was nothing short of miraculous. But its not made locally, so no one lobbies the FDA to allow its use here in the states.
FYI the 16th letter of the alfabet doesn't work on this old junker< amongst other keys as well>. I had to get creative in my grammar.