A new, collaborative study with the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D) published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) contributes to a body of knowledge that may help veterinary professionals take a more individualized approach to canine sterilization education and counseling.
In certain parts of the world, including the U.S., elective sterilization (gonadectomy) has long been a routine procedure, benefiting pets at both the individual and population levels. While sterilization is known to reduce or eliminate the risks of conditions such as pyometra (uterine infections in females), testicular tumors in males, and other conditions, our research has uncovered breed and age-specific risks for the development of canine obesity, which can significantly impact health, behavior, and overall pet wellbeing. This previous study with ACC&D identified that the relative risks of developing obesity varied by age of sterilization and dog breed size. This raised additional questions, including regarding obesity outcomes in individual breeds.
This newest study brought together clinician scientists from Mars Veterinary Health, including Banfield Pet Hospital, along with a multidisciplinary team convened by ACC&D, including experts from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine; University of California, Los Angeles; Hunter College; and University of Padova. It reveals substantial breed variation in underlying rates of overweight and obesity among intact dogs as well as how surgical timing and proactive weight management can be important considerations for at-risk dogs.
The comprehensive study spanned six years and leveraged anonymized data from over 100,000 dogs seen at Banfield, across 15 dog breeds, to uncover new insights on the topic. The analysis considered the five most recorded large breeds (26,369 dogs) and the 10 most recorded toy/small breeds (90,002 dogs). Results show that intact Pugs, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers had the highest underlying susceptibility to overweight or obese (OvOb) outcomes. Among toy/small breeds, gonadectomy at three or six months (prepubertal) had relative risks lower than gonadectomy at one year or older. For large dogs, OvOb outcomes associated with prepubertal gonadectomy varied by breed.
“Sterilization has historically been more of a one-size-fits-all approach, and that may still be appropriate in some situations, but our research reinforces the need for customized recommendations whenever appropriate, especially for dogs with risk factors,” said co-author JoAnn Morrison, DVM, MS, DACVIM Director of Global Veterinary Science and Health Outcomes at Mars Veterinary Health. “This latest study contributes to a body of knowledge that can help inform more individualized recommendations for surgery timing and proactive strategies around diet and exercise—all while balancing the broader context and importance of population-level benefits.”
Results showed substantial variation in underlying susceptibility according to breed and can help veterinary professionals and pet owners be more attuned to potential breed-related risks with the procedure. As always, pet owners should consult their veterinary professional, who can help customize recommendations and plans that promote proactive management of healthy weight and overall wellbeing, based on the needs of each pet.
“These findings hold significance for veterinarians, animal shelters and rescues, breeders, and pet owners,” said lead author Valerie Benka, MPP, MS, Program Consultant at the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs. “It’s critical to note that a higher relative risk of obesity should not deter spay/neuter; rather, it should encourage proactive consideration regarding the timing for sterilization surgery when possible, while also managing diet, exercise, and weight among dogs that are potentially more at risk of becoming overweight or obese.”
More details are available in the ACC&D press release. A special thank you to collaborators Valerie Benka, John Sahrmann, Katherine Rieke, Joyce Briggs, Nathaniel Spofford, Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Dr. Audrey Ruple, Dr. Stefano Romagnoli, and Dr. JoAnn Morrison.
Mars Veterinary Health is committed to advancing veterinary science through research and innovation in service of our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Find this and more peer-reviewed research from Mars Veterinary Health authors at marsveterinary.com/veterinary-science.
