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✂️ Spaying/Neutering Too Early May Lead to Cancer

A new study is determining when it's time for certain breeds to go under the knife...

Author

Chris Equale
September 19, 2024

Knowing when to fix your dog can decrease the chances of certain cancers.

When bringing home a new puppy, scheduling a spay or neuter surgery might not top your excitement list, but it's a crucial step.

Veterinarians widely advocate for spaying and neutering due to its benefits: it prevents unwanted litters (which helps reduce the number of dogs in shelters), lowers the risk of mammary gland and testicular cancers, and can mitigate various behavioral and health issues.

Determining the optimal timing for this surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Recent research indicates that spaying or neutering too early can lead to health complications, and recommendations can vary depending on the breed.

For dogs adopted from shelters, the spay or neuter procedure is typically handled before the dog is placed in your home. Shelters often enforce these procedures to control population and prevent breeding, which is crucial. For additional advice, check out our detailed guides on spaying and neutering.

The advantages of spaying and neutering are significant. It can significantly lower the risk of breast (mammary) cancer, eliminate the risk of testicular cancer in males, and reduce prostate cancer risk. Additionally, spayed or neutered dogs may live up to three years longer than those who are not.

Veterinarians have long recognized that a dog’s size can influence spay/neuter surgery risks. Larger dogs generally mature sexually later than smaller dogs, so it’s often recommended that they undergo the procedure at a later age—typically between nine to 15 months, compared to around six months for smaller breeds.

“Spaying or neutering large breeds too early can lead to various health issues later on, such as urinary incontinence, orthopedic problems, and some cancers,” notes Dr. Alycia Washington.

A 2020 study involving 35 dog breeds highlighted that spaying or neutering puppies within their first year can elevate the risk of joint disorders or cancer for some breeds. Researchers identified increased risks of joint issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament tears, particularly for mixed-breed dogs over 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds) and some large breeds. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, which already have a high cancer risk, showed an increased likelihood of cancers such as lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.

The most recent study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, expanded the list to include five additional purebred breeds: the German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Siberian Husky. It confirmed similar risk patterns for these breeds when spayed or neutered early.

For instance, Pointer breeds showed increased risks of joint disorders and cancers, male Mastiffs had higher chances of joint issues, female Newfoundlands had elevated risks for joint disorders, and female Ridgebacks were more prone to mast cell tumors. These risks often decreased when spaying or neutering was delayed.

Researchers have developed a chart recommending optimal spaying or neutering times for different breeds. For example, Australian Cattle Dogs might be best spayed or neutered around six months, while male Irish Wolfhounds may benefit from waiting until about two years of age.

These findings don’t suggest avoiding spaying or neutering altogether but highlight the potential benefits of a tailored approach rather than a universal guideline. If you're unsure, your veterinarian can provide guidance tailored to your pup's needs.

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