In a landmark development, researchers at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have made a comprehensive update to their guidelines on age of neutering in dogs. They have charted out directions for the optimal age to neuter 40 of the most popular dog breeds.
Study
The study, published in the prestigious Frontiers of Veterinary Science, looked into the correlation between early neutering (before one year of age) and the potential health risks that can manifest in different breeds, including joint disorders and certain types of cancer. The study highlights the importance of the age of neutering in dogs
“This is a shift from a long-standing model of early spay/neuter practices in the U.S. and much of Europe to neuter by six months of age, but it’s important to consider as we see the connections between gonadal hormone withdrawal from early spay/neuter and potential health concerns,” explained Professor Lynette Hart, lead author of the study.
Study foundations
Building on the teams previous work that began in 2013 with a study of Golden Retrievers, the latest iteration of the research focused on an additional five breeds — German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Siberian Husky.
Findings
The findings revealed significant breed-specific variations in the health risks associated with early neutering, underscoring the need for a more personalized approach to this crucial decision.
“It’s always complicated to consider an alternate paradigm, but this guidance provides information and options for veterinarians to give to pet owners, who should have the final decision-making role for the health and well-being of their animal,” said Professor Benjamin Hart, the study’s co-author.
Individual breeds
The research showed that male and female Pointer breeds had elevated risks of joint disorders and increased cancer incidence when neutered early, while male Mastiff breeds experienced heightened cranial cruciate ligament tears and lymphoma. In contrast, Siberian Huskies showed no significant effects on joint disorders or cancers.
“We’re invested in making contributions to people’s relationship with their animals,” Professor Benjamin Hart continued. “This is about empowering veterinarians and pet owners to make informed decisions that prioritize the long-term health and well-being of their canine companions.”
Updated guidelines
The updated guidelines, which will soon be available as a free e-book called Effective Options Regarding Spay or Neuter of Dogs, aim to provide the veterinary community with a comprehensive, evidence-based resource to handle this complex issue.
Final Thoughts
As the industry embraces this paradigm shift, the future of canine healthcare is poised to enter a new era of personalized, breed-specific approaches to neutering, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for dogs around the globe.
www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/when-should-you-neuter-or-spay-your-dog
