Neuter/Spay - Pros, Cons, Risks, Benefits - Research Article Links

Here is a list of research articles I've put together on the pros and cons of neuter/spay. The first article deals only with health and does seem to present the most information in an easy to read and understand format and I believe it to be a very good place to start reading. The second article deals with health too but also some societal and behavioural concerns. One link is to a radio show talk and one link is a rebuttal of the one above it. It is all very interesting (brain wracking) reading.

These articles are listed, with two exceptions, in the order I discovered them. That does not mean the ones at the end of the list are necessarily the newest information as it sometimes takes a while for information of this sort to become available to pet owners on the internet.

The exception to the order are articles three and four. The third deals with behaviour differences noted between altered and intact dogs and I found it to be fascinating and quite surprising, quite contrary to much of what we’ve all been told in some areas. Labrador Retrievers are one of the breeds studied in this research but make sure to note the summaries sometimes differ from individual breed reports.

The fourth link is to the resource used to compile the information used in the third article. As it is so different from most information known to date on behaviour and details the reasons it was compiled in the first place I included it. It has a section where you can do a behaviour survey on your own dog and it will be rated as to other dogs of the same breed, if your breed is one of the ones in the intial survey.

Most of these articles are the actual results of scientific research or they summarize the results of the research of others. Most do cite the sources used and you can search these sources out for more detailed background.

All of these have the url link where I first found them, then the title, then the authors. The links change sometimes and you may have to search for them yourself by author or title.

Some things I will add now that are my own personal observations or obtained from the comments of others that are not in the articles but may affect your decision of when or whether to alter your dog. Some doggy day care, boarding kennels, dog parks and some training centres may not allow intact dogs. You may have to pay a higher fee to license an intact dog where you live. Some Vets will increase the price to alter after a certain age, often after six months. In some cases the price will depend on the weight of your dog but in some cases I have known of it to double. The age at which to alter your dog may be part of the contract you have with your breeder and in some cases acting outside your contract may void your health guarantee.

Read carefully, prepare a list of what affects you and your dog. Be aware that some things are gender and breed specific. I strongly suggest you discuss your research with your Vet and your breeder. Good luck. I hope the information here helps you make the best decision for your dog and you in your situation.


https://www.frontiersin.org/articles...DCg4mqUucLhZaE
Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence
Benjamin L. Hart1*, Lynette A. Hart2, Abigail P. Thigpen2 and Neil H. Willits3
September 21, 2020

https://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/Long...uterInDogs.pdf
Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs
Laura J. Sanborn, M.S.
May 14, 2007

https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/pd...ma.231.11.1665
Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats,
Margaret V. Root Kustritz, dvm, phd, dact

https://www.cdoca.org/downloads/file...20Behavior.pdf
Non-reproductive Effects of Spaying and Neutering on Behavior in Dogs
Deborah L. Duffy, Ph.D., and James A. Serpell, Ph.D., Center for the Interaction of
Animals and Society, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society > Home
Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
- follow the drop down box on the left to CBARQ

A Veterinary "Review" Article on Neutering, with Implications for Dalmatian Stone-Formers
Veterinary "Review" Article on Neutering, with Implications for Dalmatian Stone-Formers Abstracted by Carroll H. Weiss
Study Group on Urinary Stones
Research Committee
Dalmatian Club of America

https://www.showdogsupersite.com/ken...vet/neutr.html
NEUTERING MALE AND FEMALE DOGS
Mary C. Wakeman, D.V.M.
©2003 for BREEDERVET

https://www.littleriverlabs.com/neuter.htm
The Question Of Neutering and at what age
(Put together by Gregg Tonkin, Little River Labradors from postings by Pam Davol PHD and Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVP)

https://leerburg.com/pdf/neutering.pdf
Should You Neuter Your Dog?
Ed Frawley, Leerburg Kennels * words are l e e r b u r g.com and L e e r b u r g Kennels

https://www.traciehotchner.com/dt/fi...Villalobos.pdf
The Bond and Beyond for VPN December 2008
by Alice Villalobos
Will We Change on Early Spay-Neuter?

https://www.showdogsupersite.com/ken...ionindogs.html
ISSUES REGARDING CASTRATION IN DOGS
Mary C. Wakeman, D.V.M.
©2003 for BREEDERVET

https://www.petresource.com/Articles..._neutering.htm
New Views On Neutering
By Ruth Marrion, DVM

https://www.acc-d.org/2006%20Symposi...ession%20I.pdf
Non-reproductive Effects of Spaying and Neutering
Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Non-Surgical
Contraceptive Methods for Pet Population Control • Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs - Alliance for Contraception in Cats Dogs
SESSION OVERVIEW - Dr. John Verstegen

https://www.peptech.com/HTML/Animal_...n_general.html
A non-surgical method to suppress testosterone

https://prdupl02.ynet.co.il/ForumFiles_2/23999370.pdf
Pros and Cons of Neutering
E. Hardie
Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.


https://www.doglistener.co.uk/neutering/rspca.shtml
RSPCA Admit to Spaying and Castrating Puppies AT SIX WEEKS OLD
Stan Rawlinson MTCBPT.MPAACT
Doglistener Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer

https://users.lavalink.com.au/theos/...euter.htm#vacc
Should I spay or should I no..? -- pros and cons of Spay-neuter
Hungarian Vizsla Health Resource

https://www.doglistener.co.uk/neuter...eutering.shtml
Spaying and Castration (Neutering) Dogs and Cats A Stark Warning
Stan Rawlinson, a full time Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer.

https://www.wholedognews.com/
Spay, Neuter, and Cancer: Revisiting and Old Trinity
Myrna Milani, BS, DVM

https://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html
Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete One Veterinarian's Opinion
© 2005 Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVP

https://www.columbusdogconnection.co...ebuttal%20.pdf
Rebuttal to “Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete”
Lisa M Howe, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS Associate Professor, Small Animal Surgery Co-Chief
Surgical Sciences Sect Dept of Vet Small Animal Clinical Sci
College of Vet Med and Biom Sciences Texas A&M Univ College Station TX 77843

https://www.pluggd.tv/audio/channels...episodes/4njnh
Dog Talk Show #96 Tracie Hotchner (10-18-2008)
Early spay/neuter may be harming our dogs! Hear Dr. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, DAVCP on the physical benefits of delaying neutering and trainer Parvene Farhoody on how it can reduce aggression.

https://www.antrozoologisenteret.no/.../art_breed.pdf
Effects of breed, sex, and neuter status on trainability in dogs
James A. Serpell* and Yuying Hsu†

Castration, gonadectomy, neutering, in dogs
Gonadectomy and behavior
Dr Joël Dehasse

https://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/home...lityReview.pdf
Temperament and personality in dogs (Canis familiaris): A review and evaluation of past research
Amanda C. Jones *, Samuel D. Gosling

https://www.skeptvet.com/index.php?p...s-of-Neutering
Evaluating the Benefits and Risks of Neutering
Update Oct. 22, 2016 Thanks to forum member smartrock I now know the SkeptVet author is Dr. Brennen McKenzie, MA, VMD.

https://www.petfinder.com/for-shelte...ay-neuter.html
Pediatric Spay/Neuter
Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA

https://k9harmony.co.uk/spaying-and-castration/
Spaying and Castration – What Your Vet and the Rescue Centres May Not Tell You
Pauline Waller, member #178 Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers, - articles referenced and searchable

https://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/cgi...ate#pid1123732
To Castrate or Not? – Interesting discussion regarding a young male targeted by an aggressive older male.


https://www.2ndchance.info/spayneuter.htm
At What Age Should I Spay or Neuter My Dog or Cat?
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Neutering My Pet?
Revisiting The Idea Of Early-Age Neutering
Ron Hines DVM PhD 10/05/09

https://saveourdogs.net/category/health/
Articles and links to Veterinary organizations opposing mandatory spay/neuter

https://askdryin.com/blog/tag/dog-be...n-spay-neuter/
Can Spaying Make Dog Behaviour Worse?
Sophia Yin, DVM, MS March 5, 2009

https://www.associationofanimalbehav...neutering.html
The Effects of Spaying and Neutering on Canine Behaviour
James O’Heare, Based on section from Aggressive Behavior in Dogs, 2006,

https://www.petfriendlyworld.com/cha...ad.php?t=23096
The Behavioural Effects of Canine Castration
Hazel Palmer, 1993 See post #8 in the chat forum at Pet Friendly World.

https://www.cdoca.org/downloads/file...20Behavior.pdf
Does Spaying and Neutering Reduce Aggression?
Dr. Polley DVM, 2001 American Dog Breeders Association

GPMCF: Healthier Respect for Ovaries
A Healthier Respect for Ovaries (in dogs)
David J. Waters, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS
Director, Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies
Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation

Message for women and dogs: keeping ovaries is linked to longevity
Message for women and dogs: keeping ovaries is linked to longevity
To the Purdue Research Park, https://www.purdueresearchpark.com

https://www.rockllewellinsetters.com...talDec2009.pdf
Exploring mechanisms of sex differences in longevity: lifetime ovary exposure and exceptional longevity in dogs
David J. Waters,1,2 Seema S. Kengeri,1 Beth Clever,1 Julie A. Booth,1 Aimee H. Maras,1 Deborah L.
Schlittler1 and Michael G. Hayek3


https://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/may09/090515j.asp
AVMA: Mandatory spay/neuter a bad idea
Javma News, May 15, 2009

https://www.pet-informed-veterinary-...neutering.html
Veterinary Advice Online: Male Dog Neutering

https://www.pet-informed-veterinary-...g-spaying.html
Veterinary advice Online: Dog Spaying (Spaying a Female Dog)
Dr. Shauna O’Meara Pet Informed: https://www.pet-informed-veterinary-...com/index.html

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Breed differences in canine aggression 1, Dec. 2008
Deborah L. Duffy, Yuying Hsub, James A. Serpella

https://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/11/11/1434.full
Endogenous Gonadal Hormone Exposure and Bone Sarcoma Risk
Dawn M. Cooley, Benjamin C. Beranek, Deborah L. Schlittler, Nita W. Glickman, Lawrence T. Glickman, and David J. Waters

Pyometra in the Bitch - The Information Website for the Health Welfare of the St Bernard
Pyometra in the Bitch
Jenny King

Early Spay and Neuter | AKC Canine Health Foundation
Early Spay and Neuter
Podcast with Dr. Benjamin Hart

https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health...r-in-dogs.html
Bone Cancer in Dogs
Dr. Jaime Modiano

https://news.ucdavis.edu/search/news...lasso?id=10498
Golden Retriever Study Suggests Neutering Affects Dog Health
UC Davis, News and Information. Media Contacts: Benjamin Hart, School of Veterinary Medicine, (530) 752-1555, blhart@ucdavis.edu; Pat Bailey, UC Davis News Service, (530) 752-9843, pjbailey@ucdavis.edu

https://www.plosone.org/article/info...l.pone.0055937
Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers
Gretel Torres de la Riva, Benjamin L. Hart ,XThomas B. Farver, Anita M. Oberbauer, Locksley L. McV. Messam, Neil Willits, Lynette A. Hart

https://www.parsemusfoundation.org/ovary-sparing-spay/
Ovary Sparing Spay
Parsemus Foundation works to advance innovative and neglected medical research.

https://www.vizslacanada.ca/SNBehavi...taSnapShot.pdf
Behavioral and Physical Effects of Spaying and Neutering Domestic Dogs(Canis familiaris)
Summary of findings detailed in a Masters thesis submitted to and accepted by Hunter College
by Parvene Farhoody in May, 2010.

https://www.theriogenology.org/displ...barticlenbr=59
Basis for Position on Mandatory Spay-Neuter in the Canine and Feline
American College of Theriogneologists, 2013, Society for Theriogenology
Note: The ACT and SFT oppose mandatory spay/neuter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enPC...ature=youtu.be
The Truth About Spaying and Neutering
Dr. Karen Becker,

https://www.caninesports.com/uploads...avma_study.pdf
Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas
M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD; Parvene Farhoody, MA; Samra E. Elser, BS;
Lynda D. Ruffini; Tom A. Gibbons, MS; Randall H. Rieger, PhD


https://sciencenordic.com/should-dogs-be-neutered
Should Dogs Be Neutered?
Ida Korneliussen in Science Nordic


https://healthypets.mercola.com/site...neutering.aspx
Don’t Neuter Your Dog YET – Read This Life-Saving Information First!
Healthy Pets with Dr. Karen Becker

https://royalcaninshelterprogram.nin...-pros-and-cons
Spay and Neuter in dogs: Pros and cons!
Posted by PRO Technical Services Emmanuel on March 15, 2013 (Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine DVM)

Ovary Sparing Spay and Vasectomy Info Group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/alte...inginfo/files/



List updated September 21, 2020

thats alot of reading/links!

this is one of my favorite links on the subject-short easy read

Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay/Neuter in Dogs

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Originally Posted by voodoo

thats alot of reading/links!

this is one of my favorite links on the subject-short easy read

Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay/Neuter in Dogs

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LOL, that's the Sanborn article in a slightly different guise. :) First one I ever read and first one in the list. That's the one responsible for Oban being the man he is today. :)