Posted by Katherine on August 12, 2000 at 06:45:41:
In Reply to: Re: A thought and a question.... posted by Marsha on August 11, 2000 at 19:07:30:
I dont' see how it would shorten their lifespan. Spaying/neutering doesn't shorten the lifespan of anything else..in fact, it usually prolongs it b/c of zero risk of uterine cancer, testicular cancer, hormonal problems, etc. As to what to do with fertile eggs....I've never been faced with that, but I would probably freeze then dispose. I wouldn't want the chance of one of the eggs ending up somewhere it could hatch. But spaying the female would definitely prevent any unwanted eggs. :) Really the only risk is during the surgery, but a qualified vet should take away most risks.
Katherine
: I had thought about it too. I didn't want to bring any more Iguanans into the world. There's hardly enough good homes to go around as it is. I couln't find any solid evidence that it would cause harm....but for some reason I think it would shorten their life span. There arn't enough studies done on them to really tell. I was told to put the eggs out for the birds. I haven't reached that plateau yet. Sounds better than tossing them though. I'm reading on the female breeding cycle AGAIN. The male gets agreesive and the female stops eating. They say the male will stop eating too sometimes. I'm not looking forward to this. Does this sound right ?