NEWS ABOUT NEUTERING & WHY WAIT

NOTE: For expediency, the term ‘neuter’ is used for male and female dog sterilization.

Over the years we have found out that having a dog neutered is a very sensitive subject from when to do it to are there implants available?  Yes, they do make male dog replacement parts for aesthetic reasons only. We learned institutional neutering begins at 7 weeks. 

ORIGINALLY POSTED 07.18.22

We also found out the whole process was really set into motion in the 1930s.  The practice of neutering an animal has been set at 6 months or before puberty for decades and has only recently been re-examined. Neutering around the world is a mixed bag and through research here in the States, we are beginning to understand how it impacts more than just the reproductive system. ​     

Gonads are the two testes (sperm) in males and two ovaries (eggs) in females.  They are also the manufacturing houses for many hormones Including sex hormones.  Female sex hormones include estrogen and progesterone and male hormones include testosterone and androsterone. 

​These hormones have multi-purposes beyond reproduction.  They are important to muscle and bone growth. During puberty, the changes during adolescence include muscle and skeletal growth through maturation including when the cartilage plates on the ends of bones close. All the other puberty changes are based on these hormones, too.

DID YOU KNOW? Havanese reach sexual maturity beginning at about 10 months.
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It is important to note sexual maturity is not the same as the emotional maturity of reaching adulthood which begins at about 12 months.   Often with males the spirit is well and willing at four months but the body has to grow up. Population control and other preventative measures are commonly cited but the negative side effects have not been examined until the last few years.  There have been several impressive studies to delve into exactly how healthy an early neuter really is.
    
Cancer.  A cancer shows up in 1 out of 3 dogs.  It’s a big deal.  It is similar with humans, too, and there is tremendous research being done for the benefit of humans based on those similarities regarding dog cancer treatments.  There is also a list of cancers that are alleviated when dogs are neutered.  

DID YOU KNOW? Recovery from testicular cancer (with neutering)  and 30-50% of malignant mammary cancers are caught early, then the  prognosis can be very good  after surgery.

The top five cancers in dogs are: Mast Cell Tumors, Melanoma, Lymphoma, Osteosarcoma, and Hemangiosarcoma.  When pre-puberty neutering occurs,  several studies reveal other cancers develop outside of the sex organs. 

In dogs, cardiac tumors are considered common cancers today.  Osteosarcoma is an extremely aggressive bone cancer not usually detectable before spreading.  A 1999 study (Ware and Hopper) conducted over 13 years concluded that the increased risk of cardiac tumors in neutered dogs was significant, particularly in female dogs (5X). Another 14-year study compared purebred dogs with osteosarcoma (3062) to purebred dogs without osteosarcoma (3959).  The conclusion was that early neutering increased the risk of bone cancer (2X).  Similar findings concerning lymphosarcoma (3X) and other cancers are being studied. 

DID YOU KNOW? If growth hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are removed pre-puberty, it affects the maturation of the bones and muscle mass growth.

The pictures provided in this article are very clear about the difference between open and closed growth plates in a young dog versus an adult. One survey found that early neutered dogs are taller but the growth plates closed later than an intact dog. Later closing growth plates (bone ends) results in taller dogs and increases the chances of hip dysplasia (Cornell Univ./early age neuter-2013) and/or a cruciate rupture (tearing of knee ligaments) and other abnormal bone developments. Slauterbeck (2004) study showed intact animals had a significantly lower account of ruptured ACLs than neutered dogs.

It only makes sense if you take away a very important item with multiple uses, there will be additional fallout including other organs, etc., overworking to compensate for the loss such as with the overworking thyroid and hypothyroidism, and more. 
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In conclusion, although the American Veterinary Association still supports early neutering there are other international veterinary associations who believe otherwise.  2 Cute Havanese supports neutering 100% and believes if a dog can safely be guarded until closer to 12 months, waiting is an option that deserves more consideration. With mature bone growth and muscle mass development, there are many other benefits for the long-termed health of a dog. We are very much aware of dog overpopulation.  This article is strictly about newer information available regarding the negative effects of an old pre-puberty neutering practice and consideration based on more current studies.

References: 
Davies, Kevin "Ken". “Dog Cancer Statistics & Facts That You Need to Know.” Petloverguy.com, https://petloverguy.com/dog-cancer-statistics/.

“Spay/Neuter Awareness Month: The History of Spaying & Neutering Pets.” DogTime, 1 Feb. 2022, https://dogtime.com/dog-health/spay-neuter/34567-history-spaying-neutering-pets.

“Top 5 Cancers in Dogs.” Fetch, 7 Apr. 2022, https://fetchvets.com/top-5-cancers-in-dogs/.