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Big Dogs Face More Joint Problems if Neutered Early

Study Provides Guidance on Best Age to Neuter Mixed Breeds by Weight

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A new study by 嘿嘿视频 researchers shows large, mixed-breed dogs are at higher risk of joint problems if neutered early in life. (Getty)

Quick Summary

  • Large, mixed-breed dogs face higher risk of joint disorders if neutered early
  • Neutering policies may need review, modification for larger dogs

Heavier mixed-breed dogs have higher health risks if neutered or spayed early, according to a 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鈥檚 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 嘿嘿视频 Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, suggests dog owners should consider their options carefully.

鈥淢ost dogs are mixed breeds,鈥 said lead author Benjamin Hart, distinguished professor emeritus at the 嘿嘿视频 School of Veterinary Medicine. 鈥淲e 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.鈥 

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

鈥淭he study raises unique challenges,鈥 noted co-author Lynette Hart, professor at the 嘿嘿视频 School of Veterinary Medicine. 鈥淧eople 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鈥檛 know anything about the dog鈥檚 parents.鈥

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.

鈥淭hey need to take a serious look at this,鈥 said Hart. 鈥淛oint disorders can shorten a dog鈥檚 useful working life and impact its role as a family member.鈥

A previous study conducted by the 嘿嘿视频 researchers found health risks based on neuter age varied greatly depending on the breed of the dog.

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

Media Resources

Benjamin Hart, School of Veterinary Medicine, blhart@ucdavis.edu

Lynette Hart, School of Veterinary Medicine, lahart@ucdavis.edu

Amy Quinton, News and Media Relations, 530-752-9843, amquinton@ucdavis.edu

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