Abstract
Dear Editors, — I too have followed the ongoing discussion about the neutering of cats (and dogs). 1–6 I found Dr Furneaux's perspective from the instructional perspective to be thought provoking. 6 I've been performing primarily ovariectomies in dogs and cats for years because I think the evidence heavily supports that without the ovary there is essentially no uterine disease and I believe we were taught to minimize morbidity in our practice wherever possible.
Perhaps mine is a regional bias, but I must say that I never gave progesterone-based medications a thought. I really thought that because of all of the well-documented adverse effects of progestins — from pyometra to diabetes mellitus to mammary cancer — these medications had been withdrawn from our armamentarium. I can honestly say that I have practiced high quality medicine and surgery and have not needed or used progestins in my feline patients in over 25 years. Maybe we should be having a discussion about the problems associated with progesterone-based medications and the alternatives to their use?
Letters to the Editors
Letters commenting on articles published, or expanding on topics covered, in the ‘Clinical Practice’ editions of JFMS are welcome and will be considered on their individual merit. Please e-mail correspondence to