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

[Stella]

Great article, thanks for posting Karen.  

[a.k.a. Rodney]

i cant believe i have been reading this website every nite since getting DD in march and never heard anything about this discussion/controversy...i just had her spayed 2 weeks ago. She was 4 mo. she missed the ESN job by her breeder b/c she was to small @ 8 wks..3lbs. She was bred to be a petite doodle....im very upset i had no idea that earlier than a year might be harmful.  What about my vet was he irresponsible not mentioning this to me?? she is 7.1 lbs. now and expected to be 15-20 lbs.. Did i blunder/or what?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For a dog her size, spaying earlier than a year is not harmful. 6 months would be optimal, but 4 months is still better than 7 weeks. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

You didn't blunder but your vet did.  In my opinion, they should be up to date on the research and should have explained the benefits and risks and given you options.   Because she's small, she's at less risk than the larger breeds for skeletal problems so just enjoy her and don't beat yourself up.  4 months is better than 7 weeks. But if it was me, I would have a conversation with the vet.  Maybe you can help educate them. If you're not satisfied, find a new vet.

[Adrienne]

I was also concerned about ESN because my breeder spays/neuters at 7 weeks.

However, in all of my reading it appears that whether my pup has the procedure at 7 weeks or 7 mos. the increased risks remain the same.  My pup is expected to be large/standard and will not be fully grown until 14-18 mos. old.  It also didn't help that I found convincing arguments in support of ESN.  There does not seem to be concrete evidence either way.

I talked to my breeder about my concerns and appreciated her honesty about the pros and cons of ESN and why she chooses to have her pups spayed/neutered at 7 weeks.  She was fine with whatever I decided to do...walk away with refund or stay the course.  After speaking with others (via FB & email) who had gotten their pups from her, I decided to stay the course...

The one thing that I do know from reading many posts on this site is that there are no guarantees when it comes to the health of our pups, no matter when we spay or neuter.  We should love them like every day is their last and appreciate the Blessing of having them in our lives no matter how long/short.

[Toni Clayton]

Thank you Julie for asking the questions, and thank you to everyone for your input..George is turning 6 months on Thursday and going to get neutered on Friday. He is a "tiny" (weight range for his litter 10-25lbs), and I"m pretty sure he is still under 20lbs. I was feeling a little freaked after some reading, but am sure of what I'm doing now. Thanks again.