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Risks associated with spaying or neutering a young dog
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Italian Mastiff, known as the Cane Corso
The huge uptick in neutered dogs in the US has been accompanied by an equally huge increase in number of dogs with bone cancer. Researcher Laura Sanborn published a paper which addresses this topic from Rutgers University in 2007.
Apparently, the hormones in the testes contribute to the immune system, strengthening it to prevent bone cancer. This protective quality of the reproductive was previously unknown and is still not well-understood. A lot more research over many years would be needed to determine exactly what mechanism is involved.
In England, where few dogs are ever neutered, they are not suffering this cancer epidemic.
Here is an excerpt from the research paper:
“On balance, it appears that no compelling case can be made for neutering most male dogs, especially immature male dogs, in order to prevent future health problems. The number of health problems associated with neutering may exceed the associated health benefits in most cases.
“On the positive side, neutering male dogs
• eliminates the small risk (probably <1%) of dying from testicular cancer
• reduces the risk of non-cancerous prostate disorders
• reduces the risk of perianal fistulas
• may possibly reduce the risk of diabetes (data inconclusive)
"On the negative side, neutering male dogs
• if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a common cancer in medium/large and larger breeds with a poor prognosis.
• increases the risk of cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 1.6
• triples the risk of hypothyroidism
• increases the risk of progressive geriatric cognitive impairment
• triples the risk of obesity, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems
• quadruples the small risk (<0.6%) of prostate cancer
• doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract cancers
• increases the risk of orthopedic disorders
• increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations."
Most veterinarians routinely ask their clients to have their dogs neutered at a young age, anytime after three months. Responsible breeders often send puppies off with a contract requiring it to be neutered at age six months. But according to this research, the risk is greatest when the dog is young.
If the dog is likely to be roaming the streets, where he can randomly breed female dogs, pediatric neutering is definitely indicated. But for responsible dog owners who are able to successfully train, exercise and supervise a dog, waiting to neuter until the dog is fully mature may prevent thousands of dollars in vet bills as the dog ages.
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