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Introduction
One of the current major questions of veterinary practice is whether an animal should be neutered or not. Although apparently simple, the answer is highly complex, contradictory and may have implications not only for animal behaviour but also may present risk or even protective factors for disease development(1–3). On this matter, veterinarians are expected to be able to advise owners on castration and make sure that caring procedures, risks and benefits based on available research are easily comprehended.
Gonadectomy is often performed to promote health. According to Bailey(4), several studies evaluated longevity and health in dogs and observed that neutered animals are more likely to suffer from reproductive diseases such as pyometra and non-cancerous prostate disease, breast and reproductive tumours, pregnancy-related disorders or unwanted hormone-associated behaviour. On the other hand, numerous recent publications have identified specific complications related to gonadectomy in animals, with conflicting results between the studies, among which can be cited for example: neoplasic changes, surgical interventions, pyometra, behavioural/anxiety issues, prostate disease, urinary incontinence, obesity, dysplasia and ligament rupture(4). According to Reichler(5), this is mainly because gonadectomy confers a mix of benefits and adverse effects that depend on age of neutering, sex, species and breed(4).
The development of recommendations for an informed case-by-case assessment requires an assessment of the risks and benefits of gonadectomy, including potential effects on neoplasia, orthopedic disease, reproductive disease, behaviour, longevity and population management, as well as anaesthetic and surgical risk complications. However, many factors other than neutered status play an important role in these outcomes, including breed, sex, genetics, lifestyle and body condition(6).
The neutering procedure in dogs and cats is predominantly performed before puberty, between 7 and 10 months of age. Large and giant dog breeds tend to reach puberty later than smaller breeds; for this reason, large and giant breeds should be neutered or spayed at a later stage of life(2).
Current prospects about the ideal age for the neutering of dogs and cats have been updated and published by Howe(7), and it becomes clear that there is not a preferable age for this procedure. The decision of the ideal age for neutering is influenced by several factors, which...