There has long been discussion around the most appropriate age for dogs to be neutered. 

Certain dog breeds have been shown to have an elevated risk of developing cancers and/or joint disorders when neutered at an early age. However, that risk had only been assessed across a very limited number of breeds. A new study published by researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California, USA, sheds new light on this topic. ‘Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence’, a 10 year study of 35 dog breeds, has uncovered a large disparity of risk of joint problems and cancer amongst different breeds. 

The joint disorders include hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear or rupture, and elbow dysplasia. The cancers include lymphoma, mast cell tumour, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.

The researchers analysed data from thousands of dogs examined at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital to try to determine whether neutering, the age of neutering, or differences in sex affected certain cancers and joint disorders amongst different breeds of dog.