Delayed Spay and Neuter in Dogs

WFAH Advises delaying spaying or neutering for dogs.

Current research suggests optimal timing of spay or neuter is after the growth plates of the growing skeleton close. ln most dogs, this is finished at 18 months of age. Estrogen and testosterone influence bone development and growth, and removal of those hormones by spaying or neutering alters growth plate closure.

ln the past ten years or so, research interest and discussion have increasingly focused on the high incidence of orthopedic injury in altered dogs. As a corollary, there is a lower incidence of orthopedic injury in un-spayed or un- neutered dogs. Medium, large, and giant breeds have received most of the research interest.

We advise that optimal timing of spay and neuter should be discussed at length. Many factors affect this decision. ln females, heat cycle should be considered; also the incidence of uterine infection (pyometra) and mammary disease. Unaltered pets may face many restrictions and prejudices in boarding and training facilities. lndividual behavioral issues such as, increased interdog aggression and urine marking in the household, may require early spay or neuter.

WFAH believes this a very important decision which will affect your pet's health for life. We advise discussion and evaluation so that we can help you to make this decision and understand the ramifications fully. ln large, at-risk breeds for gastric-dilation volvulus, (GDV), WFAH advises a laparoscopic gastropexy at the time of neuter or spay to prevent this life-threatening disease. ln females presented for laparoscopic gastropexy, ovariectomy is advised rather than ovariohysterectomy'