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from the how-much^W-big-is-that-doggie-in-the-window? dept.
Big Dogs Face More Joint Problems if Neutered Early:
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.
[...] Researchers examined common joint disorders including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears, a knee injury, in five weight categories.
[...] 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.
"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. [...] 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.
Journal Reference:
Hart, Benjamin L., Hart, Lynette A., Thigpen, Abigail P., et al. Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for Mixed Breed Dogs of Five Weight Categories: Associated Joint Disorders and Cancers, Frontiers in Veterinary Science (DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00472)
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Friday August 14 2020, @09:04PM (4 children)
Believe me, I know all that.
This dog may be the last because we're getting old enough that we have less and less energy to take care of a dog. We have a good sized fenced in back yard, which is good. But we don't do as many walks as we used to. I would hate to have a new rambunctious puppy full of energy. Of course, there are probably older dogs that are adoptable. And my wife may want one more than I do, since I spend most of the days at the office. It's not an issue as long as have our current dog that we've had from a puppy.
Its amusing that since I do the feeding right before I leave for work, and right when I get home, I always get the anxious greeting. And if I'm running 20 minutes late, there is some anxiety in the dog I am told.
Dogs don't judge you for programming in Java.
The lower I set my standards the more accomplishments I have.
(Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Friday August 14 2020, @10:18PM (2 children)
SoylentNews is social media. Says so right in the slogan. Soylentnews is people, not tech.
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Monday August 17 2020, @03:02PM (1 child)
When we got this dog as a puppy of 3 months, the kid still lived at home, was in high school, we all had a lot more energy than we do now. The dog has had and still has a great life. But both the dog and us are getting older. If we were to get another dog, it would be worth considering an older dog.
The lower I set my standards the more accomplishments I have.
(Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Monday August 17 2020, @05:29PM
SoylentNews is social media. Says so right in the slogan. Soylentnews is people, not tech.
(Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Saturday August 15 2020, @01:32PM
Found out after posting this that one of my sisters had to put down a dog riddled with cancer. She had gotten it from a woman who was dying of cancer and couldn't keep it. Sad, but at least the dog outlived it's owner, And had a good life. But yes, a fancy poodle. Inbred.
She's insisting that her current dog is the last one. Getting old, doesn't need the shedding and the inconvenience. Mind you, the same day she sent me a pic of a St Bernard that needed to be re-homed, she swore her current dog would be the last, and a few hours later she heard about the woman with cancer and took the dog. My bet is she'll continue with older dogs - not as much work as they've settled down, and it's not a commitment of a decade or more.
SoylentNews is social media. Says so right in the slogan. Soylentnews is people, not tech.