Canine health management can be enhanced by understanding the link between various aspects of gonadectomy and obesity.

Maintaining a healthy weight is a crucial aspect of overall canine health. A recent retrospective cohort study conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital in the US from 2013 to 2019 sheds light on a significant dimension of canine health – the relationship between gonadectomy and the risk of developing an overweight or obese body condition score (BCS) in dogs.

Study Objectives

The objective of the study was to explore the risk factors associated with developing an overweight or obese BCS in gonadectomized dogs compared to intact dogs. The researchers also examined how age at gonadectomy, sex, and breed size influenced the outcomes, providing valuable insights.

Key Findings

After analyzing a substantial sample of 155,199 dogs and applying rigorous exclusion criteria, the study revealed that gonadectomy increased the risk of developing an overweight or obese BCS for most dogs compared to their intact counterparts. Surprisingly, the study uncovered that the risk ratios for overweight or obesity were higher in gonadectomized males than females, a departure from most prior findings. Moreover, the research highlighted that the risk of overweight or obesity varied not only by sex but also by breed size and age.

Among dogs of all age groups, the highest hazard ratios (HRs) linked to gonadectomy were observed in toy/small breeds, while giant breeds showed the smallest HRs. Interestingly, large dogs displayed HRs more akin to those of toy/small breeds, while medium-sized dogs exhibited similarities to giant breeds in terms of HRs.

Sterilizing dogs at one year old tended to yield a lower risk compared to procedures performed later. The study also unveiled that the comparative risk of overweight or obesity varied among dogs gonadectomized at 6 months versus 1 year, showcasing the significance of the timing of sterilization in influencing weight-related outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

The study’s findings have significant clinical relevance, especially for veterinarians who play a crucial role in the health management of their canine patients. Understanding the risk factors associated with obesity in dogs, particularly concerning gonadectomy, enables veterinarians to tailor recommendations for individual dogs. This extends beyond considerations of weight management and incorporates an understanding of the implications of sterilization procedures on canine health.