Some dog breeds have a higher risk of developing certain cancers and joint disorders if neutered or spayed within their first year. Until now, studies have only assessed that chance in a few breeds. A new, 10-year study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found vulnerability from neutering varies greatly depending on the breed. The study is in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
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 increase risks of debilitating joint disorders and some cancers, complicating pet owners' decisions on neutering. The common conditions include hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear or rupture, and elbow dysplasia. The cancers include lymphoma, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. In previous studies on the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd Dog, neutering before a year of age was associated with increased risks of one or more joint disorders, 2–4 times that of intact dogs.
The following are the general findings for Golden Retrievers, along with suggested guidelines for the age of neutering that came out of the comprehensive study.
Golden Retrievers
The study population was 318 intact males, 365 neutered males, 190 intact females, and 374 spayed females, for 1,247 cases. In intact males and females, the occurrence level of one or more joint disorders was 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Neutering males at <6 mo. and 6–11 mo. was associated with 25 percent and 11 percent risks, respectively (p <0.01). In females, spaying at <6 mo. and at 6–11 mo. was associated with risks of 18 percent and 11 percent (p <0.01, when combined). The occurrence of one or more of the cancers followed in intact males was a high 15 percent, and for intact females, 5 percent. Neutering males at <6 mo. and at 6–11 mo. was associated with increased risks of cancers to 19 and 16 percent, respectively (p <0.01). Spaying females at <6 mo. and at 6–11 mo. was associated with increases in cancers to 11 and 17 percent, respectively (p <0.05, when combined), and spaying at one year and 2–8 years was associated with increased risks of 14 percent (p <0.01, when combined). MC in intact females was 1 percent, and for those spayed at 2–8 years, it was 4 percent. For females left unchanged, 4 percent have PYO—no cases of UI in females spayed at any age.
The suggested guideline for males, based on the increased risks of joint disorders and cancers, is delaying neutering until beyond a year of age. The recommended policy for females, based on the increased occurrence of cancers at all spaying ages, is leaving the female intact or spaying at one year and remaining vigilant for the cancers.
Call us at 407-474-5574 to discuss when to spay or neuter and ensure your furry companion has a healthy, happy future.
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