Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Call for more research on dog health after neutering
The review identified limited evidence regarding the impacts of neutering female dogs before or after puberty.

Review finds conflicting information in veterinary literature. 

Researchers at the University of Nottingham are calling for more studies to understand how the timing of neutering impacts dog health.

Previous research on neutering female dogs suggests that the effects of neutering relate to age for some diseases. However, these studies vary in
populations and methodology, which complicates comparisons.

The review, led by Dr Rachel Moxon from the University of Nottingham, examined the literature on neutering and its timing in relation to puberty on five health outcomes: atopy, developmental orthopaedic disease, neoplasia, and urogenital disease.

It found a lack of evidence on the health impacts of neutering around puberty, and stressed the importance for vets and owners to consider this when deciding on when to neuter.

Rachel explained: “Conflicting information in the veterinary literature regarding the beneficial and detrimental impacts of neutering at different times makes decisions regarding the best time to neuter female dogs difficult for pet dog owners, and providing advice to owners difficult for veterinarians.

“Similar to the findings of another review by this research group that looked at the effects on behaviour, this review has identified a lack of evidence related to the impacts of neutering female dogs before or after puberty on five aspects of health.

“Studies generally propose that neutering female dogs earlier appears to be protective for some, but not all, cancers, but increases the risk of developmental orthopaedic disease and potentially urinary incontinence; contrasting results that make applying the findings to benefit female dog health difficult.”

The study, Effect of neutering timing in relation to puberty on health in the female dog–a scoping review, is published in Plos One.

Image (C) Shutterstock.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.