When should we neuter dogs?

…it depends!

At Central CPD we strive to provide the most up-to-date relevant information and keep ourselves at the forefront of new ideas and changes within the industry. One area of interest is the timing of neutering in companion animals.

Surgical neutering has always been commonplace in the veterinary world and seen as incredibly important, both as a means for population control but also considering the health-related and behavioural benefits. For many years, vets have recommended surgical neutering in prevention of mammary tumours and pyometra in bitches, plus the prevention of testicular and prostatic disease in male dogs.

Problem behaviours were also historically perceived as being reduced with surgical neutering. These include roaming, mounting, and urine-marking in male dogs, or phantom pregnancies and behaviours seen during seasons in bitches.

But are the tables turning? Should we always offer surgical neutering as our first line treatment option?

Within recent years, research publications (Frontiers Assessing the Effect of Canine Surgical-neutering) have been looking into negative health-related effects of surgical neutering. In general, the studies show an increased incidence of joint diseases including hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament rupture, various types of cancers such as haemangiosarcomas and MCTs, and urinary incontinence.

Behaviourists have also questioned early neutering, (‘Demographics and comorbidity of behavior problems in dogs’) with studies showing neutered dogs were over three times more likely to develop into fearful adults.

Our brand new Surgical Refresher learning series with Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery Specialist Davina Anderson also discusses some considerations that are often overlooked when it comes to making decisions about neutering.

It is clear each patient should be individually assessed and more of a case-by-case protocol employed. Gone are the days that we should have a blanket “all dogs should be neutered at six months” rule. Breed, lifestyle, temperament and age should all be considered and a risk-based approach to neutering used. Medical neutering in a variety of cases could be used an alternative, with the delay of surgical neutering being promoted in some high-risk breeds, such as Boxers.