cant neuter

Question
Hi. I've got a problem. I got a 2 year old pure breed male cocker spaniel field dog from my uncle. He is moving with his family for a year and needed someone to watch the dog for him while they are gone. It is a very well trained dog. My land lady wants the dog fixed. My uncle, in a not very detailed form told me that the dog is too weak to have this operation done. He has a problem where if he exercises too much his limbs will lock up and he will tip over. He's gotten to the point where he knows when to take a break on his own so it doesn't happen anymore. But the breeder strongly recommended against fixing the dog anyway. My land ladies concern with not fixing the dog is that it will spray everywhere and she will have to replace all the carpet if we don't. The dog is trained not to do this indoors. We've had him for 3 weeks now and has not had a problem. Wouldn't you think if the dog hasn't done it by now he more then likely won't? I don't care if I have to fix the dog. But its not my choice. What do you think? Do I have to find the dog a new home or is there some way to explain this to my land lady? She also has two little dogs that look like white mop heads with faces that bark alot, don't listen to her very well. They are very territorial if thats any condolence.

Answer
Bradley, I would do two things; first, I would contact the dog's veterinarian and ask his/her opinion in regards to having the surgery done. Then, I would get another opinion from a different vet, just to be sure. I have never heard of a disease such as what you are describing, but it sounds like it may be a form of Epilepsy, which is, unfortunately, common in the breed.

Second, if the vet consensus is that the dog is too ill to undergo neuter surgery, I would speak with the landlady and explain to her that the dog is completely housebroken and does not go to the bathroom in the house (if you know for a fact that this is true - don't lie to her about it!); however, if she would feel more comfortable if you were to put down a refundable (whenever the dog leaves) deposit to cover any damages he may cause while he is in your care, then you would be happy to do that. Try to come up with a compromise that you both can live with, rather than being defensive and/or argumentative about it.

I can think of absolutely NO reason to leave this dog intact. It doesn't sound as if your uncle is involved in competing with the dog in dog shows. Plus, he has a condition that makes him unsuitable for breeding anyway, because it could be passed on to his offspring. He is more than mature enough to be neutered now without any effects on his growth or development, so as long as the vet says he's healthy enough, I'd go ahead and have him neutered.