Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs

CHF Grant 01488-A: Health Implications of Spay and Neuter: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever

Publication: Hart, B. L., Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., & Willits, N. H. (2020). Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388

What can we learn?
An increasing body of evidence shows that neutering (including spaying) male and female dogs can have adverse health effects with regard to an increased risk of certain joint disorders (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament rupture) and cancer (lymphoma, mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma). However, this risk varies depending on the breed, age at neuter, and sex of the dog. Examination of medical records from the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital over a 15-year period was completed to provide guidelines on a breed-by-breed and sex basis to avoid increasing the risks of a dog acquiring these joint disorders or cancers.

Conclusion: A table referencing 33 different breeds, including 3 varieties of Poodle, is presented to provide veterinarians and dog owners with data-based information regarding the best age for neutering any individual dog to avoid increasing the risk of some joint disorders and cancers.