Big dogs face more joint problems if neutered early
Study provides guidance on best age to neuter mixed breeds by weight


Date:
August 13, 2020
Source:
University of California - Davis
Summary:
Heavier mixed-breed dogs have higher health risks if neutered or
spayed early, according to a new study.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Heavier mixed-breed dogs have higher health risks if neutered or spayed
early, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Davis. The study found mixed-breed dogs weighing more than
44 pounds as adults are at higher risk for one or more joint disorders
if neutered before 1 year of age. Dogs weighing up to 43 pounds had no increased risk for joint problems.

The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.


==========================================================================
It's standard practice in the U.S. and much of Europe to neuter dogs
by 6 months of age. This study, which analyzed 15 years of data from
thousands of dogs at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital,
suggests dog owners should consider their options carefully.

"Most dogs are mixed breeds," said lead author Benjamin Hart,
distinguished professor emeritus at the UC Davis School of Veterinary
Medicine. "We hope this study will influence the spay or neuter process in order to give people wishing to adopt a puppy the time to make an informed decision on when to spay or neuter." Researchers examined common joint disorders including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears, a knee injury, in five weight categories. They also
looked at risks of mixed-breed dogs developing cancers based on weight but found no increased risk in any weight category compared to intact dogs.

The risk of joint disorders for heavier dogs can be up to a few times
higher compared to dogs left intact. This was true for large mixed-breed
dogs. For example, for female dogs over 43 pounds, the risk jumped from
4 percent for intact dogs to 10-12 percent if spayed before a year of age.

NEUTERING POLICIES SHOULD BE REVIEWED "The study raises unique
challenges," noted co-author Lynette Hart, professor at the UC Davis
School of Veterinary Medicine. "People like to adopt puppies from
shelters, but with mixed breeds it may be difficult to determine just
how big the dog will become if you don't know anything about the dog's parents." Neutering prior to adoption is a common requirement or policy
of humane societies, animal shelters and breeders. The authors suggested
the policy be reviewed and modified appropriately. Shelters, breeders
and humane societies should consider adopting a standard of neutering
at over a year of age for dogs that will grow into large sizes.

Lynette Hart said the study is especially relevant for people and
organizations raising service dogs.

"They need to take a serious look at this," said Hart. "Joint disorders
can shorten a dog's useful working life and impact its role as a family member." A previous study conducted by the UC Davis researchers found
health risks based on neuter age varied greatly depending on the breed
of the dog.

Other authors include Abigail Thigpen with UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and Neil Willits with the Department of Statistics in the UC
Davis College of Letters and Science. Research support came from the
Center of Companion Animal Health at UC Davis.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by
University_of_California_-_Davis. Original written by Amy Quinton. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Benjamin L. Hart, Lynette A. Hart, Abigail P. Thigpen, Neil
H. Willits.

Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for Mixed Breed
Dogs of Five Weight Categories: Associated Joint Disorders
and Cancers. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2020; 7 DOI:
10.3389/fvets.2020.00472 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200813162809.htm

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