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Big Dogs Face More Joint Problems if Neutered Early

posted by martyb on Friday August 14 2020, @07:48AM   
from the how-much^W-big-is-that-doggie-in-the-window? dept.

upstart writes in with an IRC submission:

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)

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Original Submission

• Re:Dogs Come Into Heat As Early As 6 Months Re:Dogs Come Into Heat As Early As 6 Months (Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Friday August 14 2020, @10:18PM (2 children)

  by barbara hudson (6443) <barbara.Jane.hudson@icloud.com> on Friday August 14 2020, @10:18PM (#1036795) Journal

  Most of my dogs I got as adults. I could never understand why anyone would want a puppy - you really don't have any idea what you're getting into. And an active dog forces you to get off your arse. Jack Russells are freaking active, which forced me to be as well, which is a good thing after 60. I got him 3 years ago when he was between 5 and 7 years - so he's still got a ways to go before he reaches 16, which seems to be the average. The shihtzu is 6, been with me most of his life (owner died) and he was the first tiny dog I've ever owned. Before that it was Newfoundland's, St Bernard, Huge Mutts. Amazing what people give you when they know you're good with big dogs. But neither size nor purebred/mutt matters to me. I take anything that needs a home (maximum of 3 at a time). A dog makes a house a home.

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• Re:Dogs Come Into Heat As Early As 6 Months Re:Dogs Come Into Heat As Early As 6 Months (Score: 2) by DannyB on Monday August 17 2020, @03:02PM (1 child)

  by DannyB (5839) on Monday August 17 2020, @03:02PM (#1037827) Journal

  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.

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  • Re:Dogs Come Into Heat As Early As 6 Months (Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Monday August 17 2020, @05:29PM

    by barbara hudson (6443) <barbara.Jane.hudson@icloud.com> on Monday August 17 2020, @05:29PM (#1037942) Journal

    It's interesting how, as we mature, we can better appreciate a mature dog. There are some real gems out there. They seem to appreciate that, after losing what should have been their forever home, they get another . Just takes them a year or 3 to overcome any lingering insecurities.

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