Early Spaying and Neutering in Dogs: What Does it Mean for Their Joints?

biovet612
Aug 6
3 min read

As a dog tutor, you want what's best for your furry friend. When it comes to spaying or neutering, the timing can be a big question. For a long time, it was common practice to perform these surgeries on puppies as early as six months of age. But a growing body of research, including a notable study published in the journal Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, suggests we should take a closer look at this timing, especially concerning our dogs' bones and joints.

Shiloh recovering from her sterilization surgery

The Connection: Hormones and Growth

The main reason for this new perspective is the role of sex hormones (like estrogen and testosterone) in a dog's growth. These hormones are not just for reproduction; they play a crucial part in the development of bones and the closure of growth plates. Growth plates are areas of cartilage at the end of long bones that determine their length and shape. They eventually harden into solid bone when a dog reaches maturity.

When a dog is spayed or neutered early, the removal of these hormone sources can cause the growth plates to stay open for longer. This can lead to a dog growing taller than they normally would, potentially altering their body proportions. This change in skeletal structure may increase the risk of certain orthopedic issues later in life.

What the Research Shows

The study you referenced found a link between early spaying and neutering and an increased risk of specific joint problems, such as hip dysplasia and rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (a knee injury), in some dog breeds. It's important to remember that this isn't a guaranteed outcome for every dog, but it is a factor worth considering.

What to Discuss with Your Vet 👩‍⚕️

So, what's the takeaway? The decision of when to spay or neuter is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. It's now a conversation you should have with your veterinarian, taking into account several factors:

Your dog's breed: The risk seems to be more pronounced in larger breeds.
Their lifestyle: A very active or athletic dog might have different needs.
The pros and cons: While there are potential orthopedic risks, early spaying and neutering also prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Ultimately, the goal is to make an informed decision that balances all the health benefits and risks for your specific dog.

A little extra information: Spay and Neuter Recommendations by Breed: A Summary

1. Small Breed Dogs (less than 20 kg at adulthood)

Examples: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle.

Recommendation: Evidence of orthopedic problems is low. The traditional recommendation to spay at 6 months (or before the first heat in females) is still common. However, some studies suggest that even in these breeds, waiting a little longer may be beneficial. The decision is less critical in terms of joint risk, so prevention of unwanted pregnancies and certain types of cancer is often prioritized.

2. Large and Giant Breed Dogs (more than 20 kg at adulthood)

Examples: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Great Dane.

Recommendation: This is where research has had the greatest impact. It has been observed that early neutering (before the first birthday) can significantly increase the risk of hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, and other joint problems.

Males: It is often recommended to wait until 12–24 months of age to ensure the growth plates have fully closed.

Females: The situation is more complex due to the risk of pyometra and mammary tumors. A common recommendation is to wait until after the first heat (around 9–12 months), but before the second, to balance the orthopedic risk with that of reproductive cancers.