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Suggested Guidelines by Breed for Age of Neutering. Suggested guidelines for age of neutering: 35 breeds
Source publication
Neutering (including spaying) of male and female dogs in the first year after birth has become routine in the U.S. and much of Europe, but recent research reveals that for some dog breeds, neutering may be associated with increased risks of debilitating joint disorders and some cancers, complicating pet owners' decisions on neutering. The joint dis...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... included in the breed summary information is a suggested guideline for neutering age for males and females to avoid increasing the risks of a disease under consideration. When there was no noticeable occurrence of an increase in joint disorders or cancers with neutering, the guideline statement was made that those wishing to neuter should decide on the appropriate age (or briefly stated as choice in Table 1). When neutering at < 6 months was associated with an increased disease risk but no increased risk was evident with neutering beyond 6 months, the default recommended guideline was neutering beyond, 6 months. ...Context 2
... findings are also mentioned if appropriate, such as IDD occurrence in Dachshunds and Corgis. A second format, represented in Table 1, is a very brief summary of spaying and neutering guidelines based on findings regarding joint disorders and cancers for each breed, allowing the reader to quickly scroll through the various breeds. In the third format, the data-based findings, with statistical notations for each breed, are reported in Appendix 1. ...Context 3
... suggested guideline for the use of the data presented here for those who may wish to focus on a breed or two, is to first scroll through Table 1 to peruse the breeds for a brief look at the neutering guidelines for the breeds of interest. The next step could be to refer to summary paragraphs in the Results section, which present the major findings with a suggested guideline for neutering age. ...Context 4
... included in the breed summary information is a suggested guideline for neutering age for males and females to avoid increasing the risks of a disease under consideration. When there was no noticeable occurrence of an increase in joint disorders or cancers with neutering, the guideline statement was made that those wishing to neuter should decide on the appropriate age (or briefly stated as choice in Table 1). When neutering at < 6 months was associated with an increased disease risk but no increased risk was evident with neutering beyond 6 months, the default recommended guideline was neutering beyond, 6 months. ...Context 5
... findings are also mentioned if appropriate, such as IDD occurrence in Dachshunds and Corgis. A second format, represented in Table 1, is a very brief summary of spaying and neutering guidelines based on findings regarding joint disorders and cancers for each breed, allowing the reader to quickly scroll through the various breeds. In the third format, the data-based findings, with statistical notations for each breed, are reported in Appendix 1. ...Context 6
... suggested guideline for the use of the data presented here for those who may wish to focus on a breed or two, is to first scroll through Table 1 to peruse the breeds for a brief look at the neutering guidelines for the breeds of interest. The next step could be to refer to summary paragraphs in the Results section, which present the major findings with a suggested guideline for neutering age. ...Similar publications
Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (EOSA) in dogs is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor of somatic soft tissues or more commonly visceral organs with a poor prognosis. In dogs, EOSAs have been described as arising from multiple locations, but differently from humans, never from a main vessel. In this report, we describe the first case of an EOSA arising fr...
Citations
... In relation to the demographic data, to ensure the homogeneity of groups, age was considered, ensuring that all the female dogs had gone through at least one estrous cycle before undergoing surgery [24]. It has been observed that OV or ovariohysterectomies (OHTs) performed before 6 months, particularly in large breeds (>20 kg), may more commonly promote the development of joint problems, urinary incontinence, recurrent genital tract infections, and the appearance of neoplasms [25]. Additionally, animals with similar BCSs were selected [26]. ...
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of trazodone as part of premedication in routine surgical procedures. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study was conducted on 16 adult female dogs undergoing elective ovariectomy. Behavioral responses were assessed after oral administration of trazodone (5 mg/kg) in eight dogs and compared with a control group (n = 8). Sedation levels at the time of induction and the required dose of propofol were recorded. Additionally, intraoperative fentanyl IV boluses (2.5 µg/kg) administered in response to surgical pain, along with heart rate (HR) and non-invasive arterial pressure (NIAP), were compared between groups. Dogs receiving trazodone exhibited significantly lower stress scores on the Clinic Dog Stress Scale (CDSS) and fewer episodes of vomiting after premedication, and they required lower doses of both propofol and intraoperative analgesia. These findings suggest that oral trazodone administration two hours before hospital arrival may help reduce preoperative stress in dogs undergoing elective ovariectomy. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results and fully evaluate the role of trazodone in preoperative protocols.
... The timing of neutering, most frequently related to the age at neutering, has been suggested to impact the health outcomes of female dogs [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. However, the evidence describing the impacts on health is not consistent across diseases. ...
... However, the evidence describing the impacts on health is not consistent across diseases. This is further complicated by breed differences, and variations between studies in terms of populations and methodology [4,5,10]. ...
... The osteoarthritis observed in the present study may not have been associated with HD or ED, with only small numbers of bitches being diagnosed (1% of bitches overall were diagnosed with HD). Hart et al. [4] reported HD in between 2.1 and 9.6% of Golden Retriever and Labrador bitches. HD and ED are complex diseases that are influenced by many factors. ...
There are scant studies of associations between the pubertal status at neutering and subsequent health outcomes of female dogs. This study examined health data for Labrador and Golden Retriever crossbreed bitches neutered by ovariohysterectomy either before (PrePN, n = 155) or after (PostPN, n = 151) puberty using a prospective study design. Data were extracted from an electronic database containing detailed health records for all bitches. Cruciate ligament disease occurred in significantly more PrePN (n = 11) than PostPN bitches (n = 1; Yates Chi-square = 6.784, D.F. = 1, p = 0.009), and PrePN bitches had lower probabilities of remaining free from osteoarthritis (χ² = 5.777, D.F. = 1, p = 0.016). Additionally, PrePN bitches were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (PrePN: 3.9 ± 0.6 years, PostPN: 1.6 ± 0.3 years; Mann–Whitney U test = 90.5, p = 0.008) and perivulval dermatitis (PrePN: 4.7 ± 0.9 years, PostPN: 0.8 ± 0.1 years; Mann–Whitney U test = 40.0, p = 0.002) at significantly older ages and had lower probabilities of remaining free from otitis externa (χ² = 7.090, D.F. = 1, p = 0.008). No associations were identified between the pubertal status at neutering and the incidence of any urogenital disease, including urinary incontinence, which was diagnosed in a small number of bitches (one PrePN and six PostPN). The results suggest that prepubertal neutering may have a detrimental effect on some future musculoskeletal and immune diseases in bitches of these crossbreeds, providing important information to support neutering policies and to help maintain optimal dog welfare.
... Terefore, sterilization is frequently made in canines older than 1 year since some studies have suggested that neutering before the frst year of life may be associated with long-term health risks in dogs. Some experts recommend waiting until animals have reached physical maturity [15,16]. ...
Background and Aim: Marijuana poisoning in canines is still considered a taboo topic. Poisoning in pets is becoming increasingly common, in many cases resulting in severe clinical signs, such as ataxia, urinary incontinence, mydriasis, depression, and hyperesthesia. Colombia does not have any reliable test for the diagnosis of exposure to cannabis in animals, and it is not an obligation to report this kind of poisoning to the authorities. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the frequency of cases compatible with tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC) poisoning in canines in the Aburrá valley (Antioquia-Colombia), 2023-2024.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Aburrá valley (Antioquia-Colombia) from 2023 to 2024. Veterinary centers that were allowed to participate were visited, and the clinical records were examined on the canines that were diagnosed positive for marijuana poisoning. We examined the clinical record for different risk factors that could explain the poisoning. A descriptive statistic and a Chi-square test were used to identify risk factors; p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: One hundred and thirteen (113) cases compatible with cannabis poisoning were found in dogs. Puppies, crossbreeds, trim sizes, and canines whose owners have middle or high economic incomes were the most affected. In addition, a relation between the route of possible cannabis poisoning and the severe presentation of clinical signs was found, with ingestion and inhalation being the routes that generated a more pronounced sign. Likewise, a relationship between age and the most probable route of exposure was found, finding that puppies were more related to the ingestion of cannabis products.
Conclusion: This is the first article in Colombia that was focused on determining the frequency of possible cannabis poisoning in canines. The dogs that are more susceptible to suffering cannabis poisoning are puppies and small-size dogs that are attended by veterinary medical centers and are in neighborhoods that are recognizable by people who have high salaries.
... Рання стерилізація підвищує ризик остеоартриту як для великих, так і для малих собак. Цей ризик поступово зменшувався з відкладеною до 2-річного віку стерилізацією (Hart et al., 2020). ...
Osteoarthritis is a common chronic joint disease in dogs, characterized by the progressive development of pain, lameness, and a significant reduction in activity, which significantly impacts the quality of life of the affected animals. This disease develops gradually and can have various etiological factors, including trauma, genetic disorders, dysplasia, and obesity. Osteoarthritis is accompanied by changes in the osteochondral complex, including alterations in cartilage tissue, subchondral bone, synovial membrane, and periarticular structures. These pathological changes complicate the diagnosis of the disease and require the use of modern imaging techniques and laboratory tests. The application of contemporary diagnostic methods enhances the accuracy of osteoarthritis diagnosis and allows for detecting the disease at early stages. In particular, the Canine Osteoarthritis Staging Tool (COAST) should be noted, which includes a comprehensive approach to assessing the condition of the animal, encompassing both clinical symptoms and radiological changes. Radiography remains the primary imaging method, but its sensitivity at early stages is insufficient, limiting its use in detecting initial joint changes. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are more precise imaging methods that allow for detecting small osteophytes, subchondral changes, and other pathological processes that cannot be visualized using radiography. In addition to imaging methods, synovial fluid analysis plays a crucial role in diagnosing osteoarthritis, as it identifies inflammatory processes in the joints. Specifically, the assessment of inflammation biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein and hyaluronic acid, can be helpful in differentiating osteoarthritis from other inflammatory joint diseases. Despite significant progress in diagnosing osteoarthritis in dogs, certain limitations remain, related to the high cost and limited availability of modern imaging methods and biomarker analysis. This necessitates further research to improve early detection methods of osteoarthritis and to optimize treatment strategies, which will help improve the prognosis and quality of life for animals with this disease.
... The relationship between the risk of other diseases such as joint disorders and cancers, and the timing of neutering is contentious. Evidence suggests that the decision to neuter and the timing should be tailored to breed, sex, and lifestyle [97][98][99][100]. It is helpful for the veterinary practice team to have a united interpretation of the scientific evidence and keep this under review. ...
The health of adult dogs and cats is affected positively or negatively by their development in utero and throughout postnatal growth. Preventive veterinary care is particularly important when animals are physiologically immature and sensitive to modifiable environmental factors. Veterinary nurses/technicians are often at the forefront of promoting healthy development, reinforcing the work of veterinarians and using their knowledge, experience, and passion to lead initiatives with breeders and pet guardians. This opinion article considers the role of qualified veterinary nurses/technicians in the care of puppies and kittens throughout their developmental life stages—gestation, the suckling period, growth post-weaning to puberty or neutering, and late growth to adulthood. Much of their influence is through the education of pet carers; they provide trustworthy information relevant to the individual pet and focused on the practicalities of best husbandry practices. These include practical advice on recognizing dystocia, neonatal care, weaning, introduction to the new home, the prevention and management of infectious diseases, socialization with conspecifics and humans, habituation to potential environmental stresses, nutrition, oral hygiene, and grooming. The veterinary nurse’s goal is not only to see young pets develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults but also to see pet guardians developing sustainable human–animal bonds.
... A castração é amplamente reconhecida na medicina veterinária como um método eficaz para o controle reprodutivo, além de desempenhar um papel significativo na eliminação de comportamentos indesejáveis e na prevenção de doenças (Overley et al., 2005;Silva et al., 2015;Silveira et al., 2021). Pesquisas demonstram que a castração pode prevenir doenças reprodutivas em cães machos, como câncer testicular e doenças prostáticas, contribuindo para o aumento da expectativa de vida dos animais, apesar do risco aumentado de desenvolvimento de certas doenças, como o câncer (Hart et al., 2020;Sundburg et al., 2016). Em cadelas, a castração está associada a uma redução significativa no risco de câncer mamário e piometra, enquanto em machos, observa-se uma diminuição no risco de câncer testicular (Costa et al., 2022). ...
... A castração precoce em cães, tanto machos quanto fêmeas, tem sido amplamente investigada devido aos seus potenciais efeitos adversos nas lesões articulares. Estudos conduzidos por Hart et al. (2020) apontam para uma associação significativa entre a castração realizada antes do primeiro ano de vida e o aumento do risco de desenvolvimento de distúrbios articulares, como displasia de quadril, displasia de cotovelo e rupturas do ligamento cruzado cranial. Esses achados sugerem que o momento da castração, ou seja, a idade em que o animal é submetido ao procedimento, pode influenciar diretamente a ocorrência dessas lesões, especialmente em determinadas raças. ...
... A literatura reforça que a castração precoce está correlacionada com um risco elevado de distúrbios articulares em raças como Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever e Pastor Alemão (Hart et al., 2020). Esses distúrbios, que incluem displasia de quadril, displasia de cotovelo e rupturas do ligamento cruzado cranial, parecem ser mais prevalentes quando a castração é realizada antes dos 12 meses de idade, sobretudo em cães de porte maior (Graves et al., 2023). ...
Early neutering in dogs is a common practice initially aimed at population control and the prevention of behavioral and health issues. The literature suggests that neutering performed before the first year of age may be associated with significant health risks for the animals. Studies show that early neutering can increase the propensity for joint injuries, such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament rupture, particularly in larger dogs and certain breeds. Additionally, there is evidence that neutering may elevate the risk of various types of cancer, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma, with the age of neutering and the dog's sex being critical factors in the development of these conditions. In contrast, early spaying of females has shown to be effective in reducing the risk of mammary tumors, especially when performed before the first or second estrous cycle. However, early neutering may also increase the risk of urinary incontinence in females, necessitating appropriate management and treatment strategies. Behaviorally, neutering can lead to improvements in issues such as urine marking, mounting and escaping, particularly in male dogs. This article discusses the importance of carefully evaluating the optimal timing for neutering, considering each dog's specific characteristics and the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure.
... For instance, many cat breeders still have their kittens neutered before they are sold at around three months of age for lineage maintenance purposes [50], and many veterinarians still support and/or practice early-age neutering in cats [51][52][53]. As for dogs, although the recommended neutering age may vary depending on a variety of factors (e.g., breed, size, sex, context, etc.), prepubertal interventions are usually not recommended by the scientific community [54][55][56][57]. The current species-specific discrepancy in recommended neutering age may be due to the overall fewer number of studies on the effects of early neutering on cat psychophysical welfare, as well as the fewer number of findings correlating early neutering to behavioral and physical alterations in this species [58], compared to their canine counterpart. ...
This study aimed to investigate differences and similarities of the pet–owner relationship and management of dogs and cats living in the same household. An online survey was completed by 1270 individuals who owned both dog(s) and cat(s). Most of the respondents owned only one dog (56.4%) but two or more cats (63.1%; p < 0.001). Moreover, cats were acquired earlier and were more likely to be neutered than dogs (p < 0.001). The neutering rate was also affected by breed (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.05), and the number of pets owned (p < 0.05). Two types of owners were identified according to how they managed their pets: owners who keep cats both indoors and outdoors and dogs indoors (65.3%) and owners who keep cats indoors and dogs outdoors (34.7%). The former group was characterized by a higher percentage of owners younger than 25 years (p < 0.01), owners with more than one dog or cat, large dogs (p < 0.001), and intact (p < 0.04) and mix-breed cats (p < 0.001). Finally, most respondents described the relationship with their cats (93.0%) and dogs (97.0%) as “loving” or “friendly”. Keeping cats indoors (p < 0.05) and allowing dogs and cats to sleep in the owners’ bedroom were associated with a stronger perceived pet–owner bond. Implications for cat and dog welfare are discussed.
... The impact of neutering on female dog health has been studied and summarised in many narrative and systematic reviews [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Both positive and negative effects on bitch health have been reported, and these are suggested to be associated with age at neutering for some diseases [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. However, comparing and consolidating evidence from different studies is challenging due to variations in study populations and methodological approaches, along with the multifactorial nature of the diseases studied. ...
... For some diseases, such as urinary incontinence (UI), the association with age at neuter is unclear: Lutz et al. [22] reported an increased risk for bitches neutered at earlier ages, while Reichler et al. [23] reported the opposite, and others failed to find a significant association [24][25][26]. Breed differences are also reported for certain diseases, which further complicates interpretation of the findings [16,17]. ...
... Nine of the 18 studies that included male and female dogs did not report results by sex separately. Differences in incidence of certain diseases between male and female dogs have previously been reported [16,62] and this prevents a clear understanding of the impacts specifically on bitch health. Additionally, 25 studies did not consider previous breeding history, which may have affected disease occurrence. ...
Background
Effects of neutering on bitch health have been reported, and are suggested to relate to bitch age at the time of neutering for some diseases. However, variation between published studies in terms of study populations and methodologies makes comparison and consolidation of the evidence difficult.
Objective
A scoping review was designed to systematically search the available literature to identify and chart the evidence on the effect of neutering timing in relation to puberty on five health outcomes: atopy, developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD), neoplasia, obesity and urogenital disease.
Design
A protocol was registered, and literature searches were conducted in CAB Abstracts, Medline and Web of Science. Studies were reviewed against inclusion criteria. Data on study and population characteristics and health outcomes were charted for the final included studies.
Results
A total of 1,145 publications were reviewed across all five searches; 33 were retained for inclusion and charting. Only six of the 33 studies categorised the timing of surgical neutering as prepubertal or post-pubertal; one investigating mammary neoplasia and the other five, urogenital disease, commonly urinary incontinence. No studies were identified that examined the impacts of neutering bitches before or after puberty on atopy, DOD or obesity. One study considered bitches that were pre or post-pubertal at the time of the first treatment with deslorelin acetate for oestrus suppression and 26 examined the effects on health related to age, rather than pubertal status, at neutering.
Conclusion
This scoping review suggests that robust evidence to support veterinarians, those working with dogs and dog owners when discussing the timing of neutering relative to puberty does not yet exist. The impact of neutering before or after puberty on atopy, DOD, neoplasia, obesity and urogenital disease in female domesticated dogs remains unclear.
... This finding concurs with other investigations looking at age of neutering relative to disease occurrence where, when age of neutering is significant within a given breed and sex, neutering before 12 months of age is associated with greater risk of CR development, while overall neuter status is less impactful. 9,13,16,23,24 In agility dogs, CR is more commonly seen in females neutered before their first heat cycle and males neutered before 10 months of age. 25 The overall effect of neutering on risk of CR across all dog breeds is unclear. ...
... Studies investigating CR risk in individual breeds indicate that the impact of sex on disease risk is breed dependent. 9,13,23 It is for this reason that results from studies using mixed dog populations are inconsistent with regard to the effect of sex on disease risk. 4,9,10,13,16,23,24,[27][28][29][30][31][32] The pathophysiology behind the role of neutering on CR risk in dogs is not known. ...
... 9,13,23 It is for this reason that results from studies using mixed dog populations are inconsistent with regard to the effect of sex on disease risk. 4,9,10,13,16,23,24,[27][28][29][30][31][32] The pathophysiology behind the role of neutering on CR risk in dogs is not known. Sex hormones influence risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in humans, in which it is well established that females, particularly adolescents, experience ACL rupture at a higher rate than their male counterparts. ...
OBJECTIVE
Cruciate ligament rupture (CR) in Labrador Retrievers is a complex polygenic disease with high heritability. The environmental contribution to CR risk remains poorly characterized. An accurate genetic risk test for CR in the Labrador Retriever has been developed. This enables evaluation of environmental risk with knowledge of genetic disease predisposition through study of dogs with phenotypic disease status that is discordant with their genetic risk. The objective of this study was to identify environmental factors that contribute to CR in Labrador Retrievers through evaluation of dogs with clinical phenotypes that are discordantly predicted with the use of genetic markers.
METHODS
Dogs were prospectively recruited between January 2013 and December 2022. To study discordant subjects, case dogs with a posterior risk probability value < 0.75 and control dogs with a posterior risk probability of > 0.25, determined with the use of an average of 8 statistical models, were selected. The environmental factors investigated were neuter status, age of neuter, withers height measured at the dorsal-most ridge between the scapulae, weight, body mass index, and athletic activity.
RESULTS
Ninety three dogs were discordant: 58 dogs were discordant CR cases, and 35 dogs were discordant CR controls. Neutering before 12 months of age was a significant risk factor for CR development. Sex, neuter status, or status as an athlete was not associated with CR risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Neutering before 12 months of age influences risk of CR in Labrador Retrievers.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This information can inform management decisions about Labrador Retrievers regarding age of neutering, body condition, and athletic activity. The primary factor influencing CR development in Labrador Retrievers is polygenic intrinsic genetic risk.
... This may reflect veterinary advice to delay sterilizing large breed dogs until older than 12 months to reduce the risk of orthopaedic issues and certain cancers associated with early sterilization. These include increased likelihood of hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumours, and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in neutered dogs [80,81]. However, most dogs in our study were aged over 12 months and only 74% of those aged 1-6 years and 79% of those aged 7 to 15 years were sterilized. ...
Simple Summary
Management of stray cats in urban areas is an ongoing challenge in Australia, and many are euthanized, particularly in disadvantaged regions. The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation aimed to assess the impact of a free cat sterilization program in Ipswich, Queensland. Before that intervention, a situational analysis was conducted to evaluate cat and dog ownership behaviours. In a sample of 343 residents from the area, 35% owned cats, and 3% fed strays. Cats were mainly obtained from family or friends and shelters, while 53% of respondents owned dogs, mostly sourced from breeders and family acquaintances. A higher percentage of owned cats (91%; but only 74% for those aged 4 to <12 months) were sterilized compared to owned dogs (78%). Among cat owners, 51% contained their cats all the time and 18% at night. Our findings suggest that community-based sterilization programs targeting both owned and semi-owned cats, and assisting semi-owners in becoming owners, would assist in reducing unplanned litters and the stray cat population. It is also recommended that assistance with cat containment be provided where vulnerable native species are present in urban and peri-urban areas. These insights are crucial for developing effective policies aligned with One Welfare principles.
Abstract
Managing stray cats in urban areas is an ongoing challenge, and in Australia, many are euthanized. Most stray cats are from disadvantaged areas and are under 1 year of age. The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation intended to assess the impact of a free cat sterilization program in an area with high shelter intake of cats in the city of Ipswich, Queensland. The aims of this pre-intervention study were to undertake a situational analysis of cat ownership, semi-ownership and cat caring behaviours, and compare those in the same demographic with dog ownership and caring behaviours relating to sterilization rates, to provide a basis against which to assess the program’s effectiveness. In a sample of 343 participants from that area, 35% owned cats and 3% fed stray cats. Cats were predominantly obtained from family or friends (31%) and shelters (20%). More respondents owned dogs (53%), which were most often sourced from breeders (36%) and family acquaintances (24%). More owned cats than owned dogs were sterilized (91% versus 78%). However, only 74% of cats aged 4 to <12 months were sterilized. Cat containment practices varied, with 51% of owners containing their cat(s) at all times, and a further 18% doing so at night. These results suggest the need for community-based programs that focus on sterilizing owned and semi-owned cats, and assisting semi-owners in becoming full owners to reduce stray cat populations and associated negative impacts. This includes assistance with cat containment where vulnerable native species are present. Public understanding of the causes and effective solutions for free-roaming cats, alongside legislative changes, are required to facilitate these efforts. Assistive programs aligned with One Welfare principles are expected to benefit the wellbeing of animals, humans and their environments.
