Early Spay and Neuter- Evidence Based Challenge

[Julie and Charlie]

Due to a few comments on a topic in "Puppy Madness", I was challenged (encouraged?) to add a discussion about ES&N. I know this topic has been discussed before, but as I see it, many of the opinions are anecdotal--"my dog has this" or "my vet said this" aren't quite what I am looking for.

That said, what are the most recent evidence-based studies and experts saying about the health impacts of pediatric spay and neuter? I honestly haven't seen enough published evidence to sway my opinion either way- perhaps I am not looking in the right places.

Note: I am not trolling for an argument, but trying to gather some well reasoned information from people that I have come to respect a great deal, even though I only know you through your posts on DK.

EDIT: I included the Whole Dog Journal article that got me thinking about this topic.

Whole Dog Journal Article

[Janelle & Finley]

The bells work great!  :)

[deanna silver]

Do u know for sure that waiting for the first cycle will fix her vuvla problem? My Luna had an introverted vulva and it was an issue for most of her life. It is funny it seemed to have improved when she was older like 7 or 8. When deciding on ghira I had the breeder check her vuvla because I didn't want to go through that again. She is fine. She does have a small hernia in her belly button. That will be fixed when she is spayed. I am spaying her at 6 months,, before her first cycle.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Charli was spayed by a rescue (NOT the DRC) when she was under 7 weeks old! We are keeping paws crossed that she will not have early incontinence issues but if that is the case, I have a lined up someone who will make us matching collar, leash and diaper cover so at least she be well 'dressed'. 

Since I had my choice Samantha was spayed at 6 months. 

Mickey was neutered before I saved his skinny bum from a vile shelter. He was app 4 months old when they neutered him. 

If I ever had a puppy again, I would wait!!!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Sandy- right now, she's 4 in less than a month, her muscles are doing their job. She can sleep until 2pm without going to potty - can you say jealous!! I just pray they stay strong like bull! If not, we will do whatever possible to avoid the diaper covers but I can promise her that it won't make me love her any less. 

[Adina P]

If I had the time (to train, etc) I would keep a future male dog intact for a handful of years before neutering.  But that's a BIG "if" and most people who do it (who are not breeding or showing) probably should neuter at a normal age.  For a female I probably would not hold off more than a year.  But I don't have the reasons/articles at my fingertips.  Though I've posted them before.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Julie, this is a controversial topic but here's another link with a number of studies listed.  

http://www.pets-haven.com/hip_dysplasia_in_dogs.htm

My ALD was diagnosed with HD at 20 months.  Both his parents had excellent hips.  His diagnosis fits the Spain profile.  He's being treated by an orthopedic surgeon from University of Pennsylvania ( PennHip) who strongly recommends against ESN based on their rather broad experience.  My dog was ESN but it could also be that the HD genes skipped a generation. However, it makes sense to me that the dog needs the hormones in puppyhood since they regulate bone growth and much more.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

most of the evidence-based studies seems to focus on impact in risks of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypothyroidism etc.

But none/few seem to document evidence that relates to behavioural or societal issues like aggression, unwanted puppies etc.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Christine Zink's study did include behavioral considerations.

http://www.sccgov.org/keyboard/attachments/Committee%20Agenda/2011/...

[Christine & Camus]

I do not believe in early neuter/spay and if I were to get another puppy I would only adopt/purchase from someone who felt the same.  Although the information available on the topic is mixed, the negative aspects point toward waiting IMO.  The one female dog I had was spayed after her first heat and the males at ~ one year.  My decision, in each instance, was based on what I had read regarding the benefits of hormones, muscle and skeletal development, and more.  Waiting required more work on my part, but it was well worth it. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Two good scientifically based articles; the first one includes Christine Zink's ( DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVP) study data:

http://www.tiarapoodles.com/neutering.html

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-practice-news-columns/bon...

 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Knowing what I know now, I would not again agree to purchasing or adopting a pup that had been early spay neutered.  Finnegan was neutered at 6 or 7 weeks. Much too early IMO.   

[Stella]

We had both of our boys neutered at five months old on the advice of our vet.  In hindsight I think that was too young.  In the future, I would rather wait until they are done growing.

I don't have any scientific studies to hand right now, so this is generally anecdotal evidence.... but it makes sense to me.   I am currently studying towards my Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation (I am a people physio right now!!) and the instructor was discussing the musculoskeltal effects of ESN, in particular that they need those sex hormomes to close the growth plates at the right time.  Dogs that have been ESN generally grow taller with longer limbs, and there are now proposed links between ESN, these skeletal changes and the increasing incidence of joint pathologies and injuries, in particular CCL rupture.  I am interested to see future research to see if the can definitively link ESN with these problems.  I personally think that it makes sense to wait to spay or neuter until the dog has stopped growing.