Welcome to Florida PON Fanciers!
Attention PON Exhibitors and Club Members: The Central Florida
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Fanciers' Club is pleased to announce the
AKC approval for our A-Mach to be held in Lakeland, Florida on June
6th, 2008. The match will begin at 11:00 AM. Our match premium list
for entering has been mailed. Anyone wishing to enter and has not
received a mailing yet, please contact: Elaine Newnham or
myself (Bill Gilchrist) and you will be sent a premium
list immediately. Hope to see everyone there for a day of fun.
Bill
From your President ~ March 2008
Spaying - Neutering??
April 2008 AKC Gazette article
There is an article on page 72-3 in the April AKC Gazette that
should be required reading for anyone debating spaying their PON.
It is under an article about the Lowchen.
Spaying prior to the age of two in a PON (fully grown) can lead to
incontinence and since growth plates are closed by sex hormones-
spaying or neutering young dogs whose bones are still growing can
cause uneven growth - hip dysplasia - bone cancer - cranial cruciate
ligament rupture - etc.
The article goes on to list many other problems created by early
spaying and neutering (prostate cancer, cardiac and splenic
hemangiosarcoma, hyprothyroidism, obesity, adverse reactions to
vaccines, urinary-tract tumors- to name a few) and is common
knowledge among vets but not the general public. Many areas where it
is thought to reduce risks - the results of the study actually
showed it increasing the risks.. This topic must be discussed with
your vet prior to any actions taken for the healthy outlook of your
PONs. The old wives tale of it reduces problems is just that -
old wives tales.
Bill Gilchrist.