Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh

Welcome to the digital space of Dr. Cynthia Maro, a seasoned veterinary expert based in Pittsburgh. This platform showcases Dr. Maro’s unwavering commitment to advancing veterinary medicine through her extensive work in animal care, practice management, and holistic pet health. Beyond her day-to-day veterinary responsibilities, Dr. Maro is deeply invested in innovating animal care practices and providing support to pet owners, veterinary professionals, and the local community. With a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach, Dr. Cynthia Maro offers invaluable insights and guidance for those seeking high-quality, integrative care for their beloved animals.

About Dr. Cynthia Maro – Integrative Veterinarian, Cynthia Maro, DVM, CVA, CAC, VMRT, VNAET

Dr. Cynthia Maro, a seasoned veterinary professional from Pittsburgh, has dedicated years to providing exceptional animal care. Her deep-rooted passion for veterinary medicine began in her youth while growing up on a farm, where she frequently assisted veterinarians, gaining valuable experience in caring for a variety of animals such as dogs, cats, horses, chickens, rabbits, and ducks.

Dr. Maro pursued her academic endeavors at The Ohio State University College of Agriculture, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Animal Sciences. She further advanced her expertise by obtaining a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her academic journey, Dr. Maro served as a graduate teaching and research assistant and balanced her practical experience by working in a mixed veterinary practice, splitting her time between small animal clinics and farm visits.

Throughout her career, Dr. Maro has demonstrated her commitment to veterinary excellence by founding several successful animal care institutions. She established the Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, in 1987, followed by the College Hill Animal Clinic in 1988, the Center Animal Clinic in 1991, the Chippewa Animal Hospital in 1998, and most recently, Cranberry Holistic Pet Care in 2015. In every practice, Dr. Maro emphasizes compassionate care and a commitment to bringing hope and happiness to pet owners and their animals.

Dr. Maro’s contributions to veterinary medicine have not gone unnoticed, as she recently took on the prestigious role of Medical Director at VDI Labs, further showcasing her leadership and dedication to the field. Additionally, this year, Dr. Maro was appointed as the Chairperson of the Council of Elders for the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), and in October 2024, she was elected to a 3 year term on the AHVMA Board of Directors.

Dr. Maro’s extensive experience extends beyond her practices. She has mentored countless veterinary students and professionals, volunteered with the Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence County Humane Societies, and actively participated in community initiatives such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board and various school programs. She has also been instrumental in founding nurse home-pet visitation programs, ensuring that pet care is accessible to all.

In addition to her practical work, Dr. Maro has served on the Board of Health and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) for five years. She has contributed her expertise to numerous publications and has been recognized as an expert witness on veterinary health topics.

Colleagues describe Dr. Maro as a dedicated professional who is passionate about bringing innovative and comprehensive solutions to the veterinary field. Her unwavering joy in witnessing the positive outcomes of integrated care on pets and their owners continues to drive her mission. Dr. Maro is highly regarded for her dedication to advancing high-quality, accessible pet care and her commitment to developing her teams and the broader veterinary community.

Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh on The Pros and Cons of Spaying and Neutering: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Owning a pet is a rewarding experience with its share of responsibilities. One of the most crucial decisions a pet owner can make is whether to spay or neuter their furry friend. Spaying and neutering are common surgical procedures that prevent pets from reproducing. While some pet owners may hesitate to consider these procedures, there are both benefits and downsides related to surgically altering pets. Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh will delve into sharing considerations for helping pet owners make the decision about both whether to spay/neuter, and if owners do decide to spay/neuter, the best time in a pet’s life to schedule the surgery.

Considerations will be discussed for health, behavioral, and societal benefits, and why every pet owner should research, consult with their veterinarians and spend time considering all the ramifications, before scheduling these procedures for their pets.

Understanding Spaying and Neutering

Before exploring the benefits and risks, it’s important to understand what spaying and neutering entail. Spaying usually refers to the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) in female animals, while neutering involves the removal of the testes (orchiectomy) in male animals. Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh explains that many veterinarians perform these procedures regularly and with proper pre-surgical testing and monitoring, they are considered to have minimal risk.

Though some shelters do the procedures on pets as early as 8 weeks of age, Dr. Maro recommends delaying the procedure until pets develop more fully. Full development varies greatly between breeds.

Recent research shows there is benefit in waiting until approximately 18 months of age to spay a female dog, to allow for better immune function, while still reducing the risk of future mammary cancer.

Cats benefit from earlier spaying/neutering, as around 6 months of age. At this age, most males will not develop urine spraying behaviors.

Dr. Maro does not recommend spaying any dog before 6 months of age, and the larger breeds really benefit from keeping hormones/ovaries and testes in place for up to 2-4 years of age.

Health Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of delayed spaying and neutering is the improvement in your pet’s health. Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh reveals how:

Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Spaying female pets drastically reduces the risk of developing uterine, ovarian, and mammary gland cancers. Studies show that spaying a female dog after her first heat cycle, but before 2 years of age, decreases her chances of developing all cancers, including mammary tumors later in life. Delayed neutering male pets, at around 2-4 years of age, eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate issues.
Prevention of Infections and Diseases: Spaying prevents uterine infections such as pyometra, a potentially fatal condition that affects many unspayed females. Neutering males reduces the risk of prostate problems and infections, leading to a longer, healthier life.
Increased Longevity: Spayed and neutered pets tend to live longer than their unaltered counterparts. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), neutered male dogs live 18% longer, and spayed female dogs live 23% longer. This longevity is attributed to the reduced risks of certain cancers, infections, and the avoidance of dangerous behaviors such as roaming and fighting. Recent research suggests that delaying these surgeries adds longevity through reduced risk of non-sex organ cancers.

Behavioral Benefits

Spaying and neutering can also have a significant impact on your pet’s behavior, making them easier to manage and more enjoyable companions. Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh shares key behavioral benefits include:

Reduced Aggression: Unneutered male pets often exhibit aggressive behaviors, especially toward other males. Neutering can help reduce aggression, making your pet calmer and less likely to engage in fights. This is particularly beneficial for households with multiple pets or when visiting dog parks.
Decreased Urine Marking and Spraying: One of the most frustrating behaviors for pet owners is when their pet starts marking territory with urine. Neutering can significantly reduce or even eliminate this behavior in male cats and dogs. Female pets may also exhibit less marking behavior after being spayed.
Less Roaming: Unspayed and unneutered pets have a strong instinct to roam in search of a mate, which can lead them into dangerous situations, such as traffic accidents or encounters with other animals. By spaying or neutering your pet, you reduce their desire to wander, keeping them safer and closer to home.
Lowered Mounting Behavior: Neutered pets are less likely to engage in mounting behavior, which can be embarrassing or bothersome, especially when guests are around.
Reduced Vocalization: Unspayed female cats often go into heat several times a year, leading to excessive meowing and yowling. Neutering male cats also reduces the likelihood of loud vocalizations, creating a quieter home environment.

Societal Benefits

In addition to the health and behavioral advantages, spaying and neutering have far-reaching effects on society as a whole. Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh shares how:

Reducing Pet Overpopulation: Each year, millions of pets enter animal shelters, and many of them are euthanized due to overpopulation. By spaying and neutering your pet, you’re contributing to reducing the number of unwanted animals that end up in shelters. This helps alleviate the strain on shelters and ensures that more animals have a chance at finding loving homes.

Some pet owners may choose ovariectomy in females and vasectomy in males, in order to keep their pets’ sex organs intact, while reducing the risk of producing unwanted puppies and kittens. The down-side to these procedures are that prostatitis, aggression, and pyometras may still occur.

Decreasing Stray Animal Population: Stray animals can pose significant challenges to communities, such as spreading diseases, causing accidents, or becoming a nuisance. By spaying and neutering pets, we can reduce the number of stray animals, making neighborhoods safer and more pleasant.
Lowering the Cost for Taxpayers: The cost of managing stray animals, including sheltering, feeding, and euthanizing them, is often covered by taxpayers. Reducing the pet population through spaying and neutering helps lower these costs, resulting in financial savings for communities.

Addressing Common Myths and Misconceptions

Despite the numerous benefits, many pet owners still hesitate to spay or neuter their pets due to misconceptions. Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh addresses some of the most common myths:

Myth: My Pet Will Gain Weight After Being Spayed or Neutered
Fact: Spaying or neutering will cause changes in metabolic rate, but it doesn’t cause weight gain. Pets become overweight due to their owners’ feeding excessive calories and providing lack of exercise. As long as you provide a balanced, evolutionary diet high in minerals and low in processed carbohydrates, along with regular physical activity, your pet can maintain a healthy weight.
Myth: It’s Better to Let My Female Pet Have One Litter First
Fact: There is no health benefit to allowing your pet to have a litter before being spayed, but recent research suggests that female dogs may have reduced risk of non-sex hormone related cancers, when they are spayed later at 18-24 months.
Myth: Neutering My Male Pet Will Change His Personality
Fact: Neutering can reduce undesirable behaviors but doesn’t change your pet’s fundamental personality. Your pet will still be the same loving companion but with fewer tendencies to roam, mark, or be aggressive.

The Ideal Time for Spaying and Neutering

Many veterinarians recommend spaying and neutering pets at six months of age. However, the timing can vary depending on the breed, size, and health of your pet. It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best time for the procedure.

Post-Surgery Care and What to Expect

After surgery, most pets recover quickly and return to their normal activities within a few days. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s post-surgery care instructions, which includes limiting your pet’s activity, preventing them from licking the incision, and administering prescribed pain medication.

Spaying and neutering are essential aspects to carefully consider as part of responsible pet ownership. From reducing health risks and improving behavior to preventing overpopulation, there are some well-established advantages. Dr. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh emphasizes that as more research is brought to light, veterinarians will continue to update pet owners and advise pet parents on data which can guide you to the best decision for your pet, family and the community. If you’re a pet owner who hasn’t yet made this decision, consider discussing all your options with your veterinarian today.