The topic of neutering is emotionally charged for many pet owners.
It’s become the “responsible” thing to do. So we commonly hear of the benefits of this surgery … but rarely the risks.
And when savvy pet owners avoid early neutering (or forgo neutering altogether) to mitigate that risk … they’re often vilified for contributing to the pet over-population problem. But decisions made on emotion aren’t usually the best decisions we can make.
So here’s an objective and scientific look at what’s causing all the fuss. Let’s start with one well-known study that showed reasons to reconsider early neutering in dogs …
In February 2014, a study was completed on over 2500 Vizsla dogs and the results were a blow to those who vehemently defend spay/neuter (1). But this study is just the one of a long line of work showing that removing a quarter of the dog’s endocrine system might not be in the dog’s best interests – and maybe not even in the best interests of rescues and shelters.
Effects Of Neutering A Dog Too Early
Let’s look at what this research shows are the three most important reasons you should reconsider neutering your dog
explains (6) …
“…if the femur has achieved its genetically determined normal length at eight months when a dog gets spayed or neutered, but the tibia, which normally stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age continues to grow, then an abnormal angle may develop at the stifle. In addition, with the extra growth, the lower leg below the stifle likely becomes heavier (because it is longer), and may cause increased stresses on the cranial cruciate ligament.“
Additionally, sterilization can cause obesity and a loss of bone mass (7). Both of these factors could lead to an increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament tear and hip dysplasia. And a 2005 Austrian study showed that spayed/neutered dogs are over three times more likely to suffer from patellar luxation (8).
There are many things you can do to help your dog’s joints. Unfortunately … there are even more sinister issues with early neutering in dogs.
Neutering And Cancer
Contrary to popular belief, we can’t neuter cancer. In fact, this surgery mostly increases the risk of many common canine cancers.
The Golden Retriever study found that the incidence of lymphosarcoma was three times higher in males neutered before 12 months of age. These results are similar to other studies. They also found that spayed/neutered dogs were 3.5% more likely to suffer mast cell cancer and 4.3 times more likely to suffer lymphoma.
2002 research on Rottweilers at Purdue University found that male and female dogs neutered or spayed before 1 year of age had an approximate one in four lifetime risk for bone sarcoma … and they were significantly more likely to develop bone sarcoma than dogs that were sexually intact (9).
A 2002 study at Utrecht University found that prostate cancer occurs in neutered males about four times as frequently as in intact males (10) … despite the popular belief that neutering prevents prostate cancer.
Neutering And Behavior
Neutering had been previously linked to cognitive impairment and even a three-fold risk of hypothyroidism (which often creates behavior changes). But the Viszla study yielded some particularly interesting insight into this link. They found that neutered dogs were also more likely to develop behavior disorders than intact dogs. The problems included:
- Fear of storms
- Separation anxiety
- Fear of noises
- Timidity
- Excitability
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity
- Fear biting
Another study in 2010 (10) found neutered dogs were more:
- Aggressive
- Fearful
- Excitable
- Less trainable than intact dogs
This is contrary to the popular belief that neutering reduces aggression and other behavior problems.
These findings also present a conundrum for shelters and rescues who advocate early neutering in dogs.
What Happens If You Neuter A Dog Too Early?
Reducing the number of dogs in shelters is an important goal … but it would be much better to prevent them from ending up at the shelter in the first place. Most people believe that shelters are full because of over-population. But in fact, behavior problems are the most common reason owners give up their dogs.
And is it fair for shelters to burden adopters with the increased risk of cancer and joint disease? There are alternatives to the complete removal of the reproductive organs and this might play a role in reducing the risk of cancer, joint disease and behavior issues.
Conventional neutering immediately shuts off the supply of protective hormones in the body. Hormones produced by the reproductive organs are essential for reproduction … but they’re also vital in developing …
- Homeostasis
- Body condition
- Cholesterol levels
- Energy levels
- Urinary continence
- Muscle tone
- Cognition
- Behavior
Reproductive hormones also play a role in the immune system. The rise in the risk of many cancers after removal of the reproductive organs is evidence of this.
Hopefully the emerging research will encourage more shelters to look into safer and less intrusive options.
Safer Neutering Options For Dogs
Modified neutering methods have less impact on the hormones and endocrine system. So dogs enjoy more hormone protection, even when sterilized.
Vasectomy can be a safer option for males. There is also a zinc injection but it may be hard to find due to the company’s recent financial difficulties.
Finally, if your goal is to give your dog the best chance at a life free of joint disease, cancer and behavior issues, then keeping your dog intact is certainly an option. If you’re thoughtful and caring enough to get this far in the article, you’re certainly thoughtful enough to manage an intact dog.
Simply make certain that your intact male isn’t allowed to wander (and you keep your intact female on leash for a few weeks when she is in estrus).
Removing a significant part of your dog’s endocrine system should be anything but routine.
As research continues to show the damning results of early neutering in dogs, it’s certainly in your dog’s best interests for you to consider these three important reasons to keep your best friend just the way mother nature made him.
article by Dana Scott 2022-07-19
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