When should bitches be neutered.
(2001). The Veterinary Record 148(16): 491-493. ISSN: 0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: attitude of health personnel, dogs,
ovariectomy, age factors, postoperative complications
Aronsohn, M.G. and A.M. Faggella (1993). Surgical techniques for
neutering 6- to 14-week-old kittens. Journal of the American Veterinary
Medical Association 202(1): 53-55.
ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: Ninety-six kittens (48 males and 48 females)
between the ages of 6 and 14 weeks were neutered. There were no important
anesthetic complications, or complications during or after surgery. Pediatric
neutering of kittens is a low-risk procedure when specific guidelines are
followed. It is recommended that a complete preanesthetic evaluation be
performed, a quiet and warm preoperative and postoperative environment be
provided, handling of kittens be minimized, bleeding during surgery be
meticulously controlled, fragile pediatric tissues be handled gently, kittens
be offered food shortly after standing to prevent hypoglycemia, and dextrose be
administered PO or IV if recovery is prolonged.
Descriptors: age factors, animals, castration, cat
diseases, cats, cryptorchidism, female, intraoperative complications, male,
postoperative complications
Buff, S. (2001). Reproduction des carnivores domestiques:
Sterilisation tres precoce: de nombreux avantages. [Early neutering in dogs and
cats: numerous advantages]. Le Point Veterinaire 32(221): 52-54. ISSN: 0303-4997.
NAL Call Number: SF602.P6
Descriptors: age, bones, castration, hysterectomy, mammary
gland neoplasms, ovariectomy, prostate, young animals
Note: Language of text: French; Summary in English.
Buff, S. and A.J. de Vargas Cheuiche (2002). Castracao e ovariectomia
de filhotes: um procedimento com muitas vantagens. [Early neutering of dogs and
cats: numerous advantages]. A Hora Veterinaria 22(127): 58-60. ISSN: 0101-9163.
Descriptors: age, castration, kittens, male genital
diseases, mammary gland neoplasms, puppies
Note: Language of text: Portuguese; Summary in English and French.
Chalifoux, A., G. Niemi, P. Fanjoy, and B. Pukay (1981). Early
spay-neutering of dogs and cats. The Canadian Veterinary Journal: La
Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 22(12): 381.
ISSN: 0008-5286.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 R3224
Descriptors: postoperative complications, gonadectomy,
dogs, cats
Dowling, S.P. (1997). Opposition to prepubertal gonadectomies in cats.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 210(3): 321. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: risk of early spay neuter, lower urinary
tract disease, letter
Faggella, A.M. and M.G. Aronsohn (1993). Anesthetic techniques for
neutering 6- to 14-week-old kittens. Journal of the American Veterinary
Medical Association 202(1): 56-62.
ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: Forty-eight male and 48 female 6- to
14-week-old kittens were neutered by use of 4 anesthetic protocols.
Preanesthetic disposition, depth of sedation, loss of resistance to handling,
induction quality, induction time, sternal and stand times, and recovery
quality were evaluated. Analgesia and muscle relaxation without supplemental
inhalational anesthetics were evaluated in male kittens, and the time until
extubation was recorded in female kittens. Intramuscular administration of
tiletamine/zolazepam (TZ), midazolam/ketamine,
atropine/midazolam/ketamine/butorphanol (AMKB), and
atropine/midazolam/ketamine/oxymorphone (AMKO) produced rapid sedation and
smooth induction into anesthesia. In male kittens, there were no significant
differences in sedation, relaxation, induction time, or quality.
Tiletamine/zolazepam administration induced the best analgesia, and
midazolam/ketamine administration induced the least analgesia for castration.
The recovery time in male kittens was longest with TZ and shortest with the
opioid groups (AMKB, AMKO). In females, TZ produced significantly faster
induction times, but the degree of sedation and relaxation after administration
of injectable agents was not significantly different among the groups. More
females given TZ could be intubated without supplemental inhalational agents
than females in other groups. Extubation time was rapid in all groups, but the
times until sternal and standing were significantly longer, and recovery
quality was significantly poorer in females given TZ. In kittens given opioids,
reversal of the opioid did not shorten recovery time or improve recovery
quality.
Descriptors: analgesia, anesthesia, butorphanol,
castration, cats, drug combinations, drug effects on heart rate and
respiration, ketamine, midazolam, oxymorphone, preanesthetic medication,
tiletamine, zolazepam
Faggella, A.M. and M.G. Aronsohn (1994). Evaluation of anesthetic
protocols for neutering 6- to 14-week-old pups. Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association 205(2): 308-314. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: Ninety-nine 6- to 14-week-old pups were given
anesthetic agents according to 10 anesthetic protocols. Mean quality rating
scores were determined to compare anesthetic protocols. In male pups, IV
administration of propofol (6.5 mg/kg of body weight) 15 minutes after IM
administration of atropine (0.04 mg/kg) and oxymorphone (0.22 mg/kg) provided
the best quality anesthesia. Intramuscular administration of midazolam (0.22
mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.44 mg/kg) instead of oxymorphone provided little
sedation, but induced good analgesia. Atropine/oxymorphone/midazolam/xylazine,
atropine/butorphanol/midazolam/xylazine, and tiletamine/zolazepam were
unsatisfactory combinations for use in castration of 6- to 14-week-old male
pups. In female pups, IV administration of propofol (3.4 mg/kg) 15 minutes
after IM administration of atropine (0.04 mg/kg) and oxymorphone (0.11 mg/kg)
was the most effective anesthetic protocol. Administration of the drugs
according to this protocol enabled a pup to be intubated. Anesthesia was
maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. If inhalational induction was preferred,
IM administration of 13.2 mg of tiletamine/zolazepam/kg, 0.04 mg of atropine/kg
and 0.11 mg of oxymorphone/kg, or 0.22 mg of midazolam/kg and 0.44 mg of
butorphanol/kg may be used prior to mask delivery of inhalational anesthetics.
In female pups, it was not advantageous to combine midazolam with oxymorphone,
and use of high dosages of oxymorphone (0.22 mg/kg) or midazolam/butorphanol
provided little sedation. Time of recovery after use of tiletamine/zolazepam
was the longest for the combinations used, but did not adversely affect pups.
Male pups were castrated via scrotal incisions, using hemostatic clips.
Ovariohysterectomies were performed via a ventral abdominal midline approach,
using hemostatic clips for ligation, five females developed signs of inflammation
at the surgical site within 1 to 2 weeks after surgical, and were treated
conservatively with warm compresses.
Descriptors: anesthesia, dogs, hysterectomy, orchiectomy,
ovariectomy, analgesia, adverse effects of anesthetics, muscle relaxation,
postoperative complications
Goeree, G. (1998). Pediatric neuters can be technically challenging.
The Canadian Veterinary Journal: La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 39(4):
244. ISSN: 0008-5286.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 R3224
Descriptors: kittens, puppies, castration, ovariectomy
Gourley, J. (1997). When to spay dogs and cats. The Veterinary
Record 140(4): 104. ISSN: 0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: age, animals, methods of castration, cats,
dogs, sex maturation, prepubertal gonadectomy
Guarneri Boe, M.A. and D. Lange (1995). When to neuter: the
controversy.
Descriptors: kittens, surgery, age, anesthesia,
postoperative complications, castration, cats
Gunzel-Apel, A.R. (1998). Fruhkastration von Hunden und Katzen unter
Tierschutzgesichtspunkten. [Early castration of dogs and cats from the point of
view of animal welfare]. Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift
105(3): 95-98. ISSN: 0341-6593.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 D482
Abstract: The castration of dogs and cats is regulated
in section 6 of the German Law for Prevention of Cruelty To Animals
(Tierschutzgesetz) dated February 17, 1993. Gonadectomy in juvenile and
prepuberal as well as in adult vertebrates is only permitted by law in case of
a medical indication or a special using of the animal. On account of his
special knowledge, the veterinarian is made responsible by law for the
estimation of the indispensibility and for the performance of castration. As
early-age castration means usually the surgical removal of healthy gonads from
a healthy organism, it is principally forbidden by law at present. The bill of
June 30, 1995 points to the legitimation of castration for contraception. This
does, however, not dispense the veterinarian from deciding in each individual
case under consideration of unwanted side effects and consequences that can be
caused by castration and early-age castration, respectively.
Descriptors: animal welfare, prepubertal gonadectomy,
castration, ovariectomy, sex maturation, cats, dogs
Note: Language of text: German; Summary in English.
Hart, B.L. and L. Cooper (1984). Factors relating to urine spraying
and fighting in prepubertally gonadectomized cats. Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association 184(10): 1255-1258. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: cats, castration, fighting, scent marking
behavior
Herron, M. (1972). The effect of prepubertal castration on the penile
urethra of the cat. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Association 160(2): 208-211. ISSN:
0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: castration, cats, male, penis, testosterone,
time factors, urethra
Hilsenroth, R. (1999). Pediatric neutering of dogs. Canine
Practice 24(1): 24. ISSN: 1057-6622.
NAL Call Number: SF991.A1C3
Descriptors: puppies, castration, age
Hoskins, J.D. (1999). Paediatrics: puppies and kittens. The
Veterinary Clinics of
NAL Call Number: SF601.V523
Descriptors: pediatrics, young animals, congenital
abnormalities, mycoses, helminthoses, myiasis, protozoal infections, viral
diseases, bacterial diseases, dogs, cats
Howe, L.M. (1999). Prepubertal gonadectomy in dogs and cats. I. Compendium
on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 21(2): 103-111,
176. ISSN: 0193-1903.
NAL Call Number: SF601.C66
Descriptors: puppies, kittens, castration, ovariectomy,
preanesthetic medication, anesthesia, body heat loss, clinical examination,
fluid therapy
Howe, L.M. (1999). Prepubertal gonadectomy in dogs and cats. II. Compendium
on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 21(3): 197-201,
267. ISSN: 0193-1903.
NAL Call Number: SF601.C66
Descriptors: puppies, kittens, ovariectomy, castration,
tattooing, postoperative complications
Howe, L.M. (1997). Short-term results and complications of
prepubertal gonadectomy in cats and dogs. Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association 211(1): 57-62. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine short-term results
and complications of prepubertal gonadectomy in cats and dogs. DESIGN:
Prospective randomized study. ANIMALS: 775 cats and 1,213 dogs. PROCEDURE:
Animals undergoing gonadectomy were allotted into 3 groups on the basis of
estimated age (group 1, < 12 weeks old; group 2, 12 to 23 weeks old; group
3, > or = 24 weeks old). Complications during anesthesia, surgery, and the
immediate postoperative period (7 days) were recorded. Complications were classified
as major (required treatment and resulted in an increase in morbidity or
mortality) or minor (required little or no treatment and caused a minimal
increase in morbidity). An ANOVA was used to detect differences among groups in
age, weight, body temperature, and duration of surgery. To detect differences
in complication rates among groups, chi 2 analysis was used. RESULTS: Group 1
consisted of 723 animals, group 2 consisted of 532, and group 3 consisted of
733. Group-3 animals had a significantly higher overall complication rate
(10.8%) than group-1 animals (6.5%), but did not differ from group-2 animals
(8.8%). Differences were not detected among the 3 groups regarding major
complications (2.9, 3.2, and 3.0% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively), but
group-3 animals had significantly more minor complications (7.8%) than group-1
animals (3.6%), but not group-2 animals (5.6%). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In this
study, prepubertal gonadectomy did not increase morbidity or mortality on a
short-term basis, compared with gonadectomy performed on animals at the
traditional age. These procedures may be performed safely in prepubertal
animals, provided that appropriate attention is given to anesthetic and
surgical techniques.
Descriptors: age factors, cats, dogs, adverse effects of
hysterectomy, orchiectomy, ovariectomy, population control, postoperative
complications.
Howe, L.M. and P.N. Olson (2000). Prepubertal gonadectomy: early-age
neutering of dogs and cats. In: P.
Concannon, E. England and J. Verstegen (editors), Recent Advances in Small
Animal Reproduction, International Veterinary Information Service:
URL: http://www.ivis.org
Descriptors: online article, early-age neutering, side
effects, recovery times, pet overpoulation, gonadectomy, risks, benefits,
veterinarians
Howe, L.M., M.R. Slater, H.W. Boothe, H.P. Hobson, T.W. Fossum, A.C.
Spann, and W.S. Wilkie (2000). Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at
an early age or traditional age in cats. Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association 217(11): 1661-1665. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term results and
complications of gonadectomy performed at an early age (prepubertal) or at the
traditional age in cats. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 263 cats from animal
shelters. PROCEDURE: Cats that underwent gonadectomy were allotted to 2 groups
on the basis of estimated age at surgery (traditional age, > or = 24 weeks
old; prepubertal, < 24 weeks old). Adoptive owner information was obtained
from shelter records, and telephone interviews were conducted with owners to
determine physical or behavioral problems observed in the cats after adoption.
Follow-up information was obtained from attending veterinarians for cats with
complex problems or when owners were uncertain regarding the exact nature of
their cat's problem. RESULTS: Compared with traditional-age gonadectomy,
prepubertal gonadectomy did not result in an increased incidence of infectious disease,
behavioral problems, or problems associated with any body system during a
median follow-up period of 37 months. Additionally, the rate of retention in
the original adoptive household was the same for cats that underwent
prepubertal gonadectomy as those that underwent traditional-age gonadectomy.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prepubertal gonadectomy may be performed
safely in cats without concern for increased incidence of physical or
behavioral problems for at least a 3-year period after gonadectomy.
Descriptors: prepubertal gonadectomy, cats, animal
welfare, animal behavior, age factors, follow-up studies
Howe, L.M., M.R. Slater, H.W. Boothe, H.P. Hobson, J.L. Holcom, and A.C.
Spann (2001). Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or
traditional age in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Association 218(2): 217-221. ISSN:
0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term results and
complications of gonadectomy performed at an early age (prepubertal) or at the
traditional age in dogs. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 269 dogs from animal
shelters. PROCEDURE: Dogs that underwent gonadectomy were allotted to 2 groups
on the basis of estimated age at surgery (traditional age, > or =24 weeks
old; prepubertal, < 24 weeks old). Adoptive owner information was obtained
from shelter records, and telephone interviews were conducted with owners to
determine physical or behavioral problems observed in the dogs since adoption.
Follow-up information was obtained from attending veterinarians for dogs with
complex problems or when owners were uncertain regarding the exact nature of
their dog's problem. RESULTS: Prepubertal gonadectomy did not result in an
increased incidence of behavioral problems or problems associated with any body
system, compared with traditional-age gonadectomy, during a median follow-up
period of 48 months after gonadectomy. Rate of retention in the original
adoptive household was the same for dogs that underwent prepubertal gonadectomy
as those that underwent traditional-age gonadectomy. Infectious diseases,
however, were more common in dogs that underwent prepubertal gonadectomy.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: With the exception of infectious
diseases, prepubertal gonadectomy may be safely performed in dogs without
concern for increased incidence of physical or behavioral problems during at
least a 4-year period after gonadectomy.
Descriptors: animal behavior, early age gonadectomy,
ovariectomy, orchiectomy, prepubertal gonadectomy, dogs, animal shelter,
questionnaires
Hughes, A. (2000). Early neutering of dogs. The Veterinary
Record 147(20): 584. ISSN:
0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: age factors, dogs, sterilization, prepubertal
gonadectomy
Ingo, N. (2000). Kutyák és macskák korai kasztrációja orvosi
szempontból. [Early castration of the dog and the cat seen from a medical point
of view]. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 122(9): 569-570. ISSN: 0025-004X.
Descriptors: castration, companion animals, veterinary
surgery, non-drug therapy
Note: Language of text: Hungarian.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 T445
Descriptors: dogs, castration, sterilization method,
behavioral problems, urine marking
Note: Language of text: German.
Kustritz, M.V. (2002). Early spay-neuter: clinical considerations.
Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice 17(3): 124-128. ISSN: 1096-2867.
NAL Call Number: SF911.S45
Abstract: Early spay-neuter is ovariohysterectomy or
castration of puppies or kittens 6 to 14 weeks of age. Pediatric animals may
have an enhanced response to relatively low doses of anesthetic agents. Animals
should be fasted no more than 3 to 4 hours before surgery to prevent
hypoglycemia, and hypothermia should be avoided. Heart and respiratory rates
must be monitored carefully throughout anesthesia. Pediatric gonadectomy
surgeries are quick with minimal bleeding. Anesthetic recovery is rapid. No
significant short-term or long-term effects have been reported. Prepuberal
gonadectomy is most useful for humane organizations and conscientious breeders
wishing to preclude reproduction of pet dogs and cats while placing animals at
a young enough age to optimize socialization and training.
Descriptors: anesthesia, animals, cats, dogs, orchiectomy,
ovariectomy
Kustritz, M.V. (1999). Early spay-neuter in the dog and cat. The
Veterinary Clinics of
NAL Call Number: SF601.V523
Abstract: Early spay-neuter refers to the surgical
sterilization of 8- to 16-week-old animals. Anesthetic and surgical techniques
for the dog and cat are described. Pros and cons of prepubertal gonadectomy are
discussed, and the veterinary literature is reviewed.
Descriptors: surgical sterilization, prepubertal
gonadectomy, anesthesia, veterinary surgery, dog, cat, age factors
Levy, J.K. (1997). Pros and cons of prepuberal gonadectomy. Journal
of the American Veterinary Medical Association 210(7): 891. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: age of castration, benefits of early
spay-neuter, surgical techniques, lower urinary tract disease
Lieberman, L. (1987). A case for neutering pups and kittens at two
months of age. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
191(5): 518-521. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: dogs, cats, gonadectomy, age, young animals
Lussier, B. (2001). La sterilisation en bas age chez le chien et le
chat. [Prepuberal gonadectomy in dogs
and cats]. Le Medecin Veterinaire du Quebec 31(2): 82-85. ISSN: 0225-9591.
Descriptors: anesthesia, prepubertal gonadectomy, surgical
method, dogs, cats
Note: Language of text: French.
Mackie, W.M. (2000). Early age neutering: perfect for every practice.
In: Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference: Small Animal
and Exotics Edition,
NAL Call Number: SF605.N672
Descriptors: dogs, cats, prepubertal gonadectomy,
shelters, anesthesia
May, C. (1998). Orthopaedic effects of prepubertal neutering in dogs.
The Veterinary Record 142(3): 71-72.
ISSN: 0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: radius, ulna, castration, surgery, dogs,
prepubertal gonadectomy.
Olson, P.N. (2000). The history and politics of early spay neuter.
In: Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference: Small Animal
and Exotics Edition,
NAL Call Number: SF605.N672
Descriptors: dogs, cats, prepubertal gonadectomy, age
factors, historical background
Olson P.N. (2003). Prepuberal gonadectomy (early-age neutering) of
dogs and cats. In: M.V. Root Kustritz (editor), Small Animal
Theriogenology Butterworth Heinemann: St. Louis, p. 165-181. ISBN: 0-7506-7408-3.
Descriptors: animal health, animal welfare, bodyweight,
gonadectomy, penis, prepuce, surgical operations, urethra, vulva
Olson, P.N. (1993). Prepubertal gonadectomy.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 C12
Descriptors: pets, animal welfare, complications, young
animals, castration, ovariectomy, cats, dogs
Olson, P.N., M.V. Kustritz, and S.D.
NAL Call Number: 442.8 J8222 Suppl.
Abstract: Prepubertal gonadectomy, often referred to as
early-age neutering, has increased in popularity in the
Descriptors: anesthesia, prepubertal gonadectomy, cats,
dogs, possible adverse effects, castration, orchiectomy, orchidectomy,
hysterectomy, animal behavior
Patel, C.M. and D. Yates (2003). Evaluation of an anaesthetic
protocol for the neutering of 8- to 12-week-old puppies. The Veterinary
Record 152(14): 439-440. ISSN:
0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: aging, adverse effects of anesthesia,
inhalation anesthetics, intravenous anesthetics, animal, castration, dogs
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: animal welfare, cats, dogs, female, male,
sterilization, adverse effects
NAL Call Number: 41.8 C12
Descriptors: surgical operations, complications, sexual
maturity, ovariectomy, castration, cats, dogs
Roken, M. (2002). Prepubertal kastration av katt -- mojlighet eller
risk? [Prepubertal neutering of the cat -- a possibility or a risk?]. Svensk
Veterinartidning 54(12): 577-585.
ISSN: 0346-2250.
NAL Call Number: 41.9 SV23
Descriptors: age, anesthesia, animal behavior, body
temperature, castration, drug excretion, drug metabolism, hemorrhage, hypoglycemia,
kittens, morbidity, obesity, ovariectomy, recovery, risk, surgery, surgical
operations, cats
Note: Language of
text: Swedish ; Summary in English
Romatowski, J. (1993). Early-age neutering, an "uncontrolled
experiment". Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
203(11): 1523. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: castration, cats, dogs, postoperative
complications, age factors, castration
Root, M.V., S.D.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3A
Abstract: OBJECTIVE--To use indirect calorimetry to
compare heat production between gonadectomized and sexually intact male and
female cats. DESIGN--Male (n = 6) and female (n = 6) kittens were
gonadectomized at 7 weeks or 7 months of age, or left sexually intact. Body
heat production was measured by indirect calorimetry in all cats at 12, 18, and
24 months of age. ANIMALS--18 male and 18 female clinically normal domestic
shorthair cats. PROCEDURE--Heat production was measured, using an open-circuit,
respiratory, indirect calorimeter. All cats underwent calorimetry at 12, 18,
and 24 months of age. The heat coefficient, a measure of resting metabolic
rate, was calculated for each cat at each test; heat coefficient is defined as
logarithm of heat (kcal/h) divided by logarithm of body weight (kg).
RESULTS--Heat production did not vary with age in male or female cats. Heat
coefficient was higher in sexually intact male and female cats than in
gonadectomized male and female cats at 12, 18, and 24 months of age (12 months,
females, P < 0.01, males, P = 0.04; 18 months, females, P < 0.01, males,
P = 0.02; and 24 months, females and males, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS--These
data suggest that resting metabolic rate in cats decreases after gonadectomy.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE--A decrease in metabolic rate is synonymous with a decrease
in caloric requirements. Gonadectomized animals fed in a manner similar to
sexually intact animals may be predisposed to obesity and its sequelae.
Descriptors: calorimetry, cats, comparative study, dogs,
orchiectomy, ovariectomy, sex maturation, reproducibility of results
Root, M.V., S.D.
NAL Call Number: SF757.8.A4
Descriptors: cats, bone formation, growth, gonadectomy,
puberty, sex-differences, age at gonadectomy, bone growth
Root, M.V. (1995). The effect prepuberal and postpuberal
gonadectomy on the general health and development of obesity in the male and
female domestic cat. Dissertation,
Descriptors: cats, gonadectomy, early spay neuter, animal
health
Root, M. (1995). Early spay-neuter in the cat: Effect on development
of obesity and metabolic rate. Veterinary Clinical Nutrition 2(4):
132-134. ISSN: 1076-3872.
Descriptors: gonadectomy, cats, castration, body condition, age
Root, M.,
NAL Call Number: SF757.8.A4
Descriptors: cats, gonadectomy, puberty, age, penis,
urethra, diameter, radiography
Salmeri, K.R. (2000). Health effects of early-age neutering. In: Proceedings
of the North American Veterinary Conference: Small Animal and Exotics Edition,
NAL Call Number: SF605.N672
Descriptors: dogs, cats, gonadectomy, age, adverse
effects, secondary sex characteristics, weight gain, skeletal growth, behavior,
gonadal hormones, urethral function
Salmeri, K., M. Bloomberg, S. Scrugs, and V. Shille (1991). Gonadectomy
in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical, and behavioral development.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 198(7):
1193-1203. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: dogs, castration, ovariectomy, skeletal
development, feed intake, liveweight gain, animal behavior, body fat, secondary
sexual traits
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term risks
and benefits of early-age gonadectomy, compared with traditional-age
gonadectomy, among cats adopted from a large animal shelter. DESIGN:
Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 1,660 cats. PROCEDURE: Cats underwent
gonadectomy and were adopted from an animal shelter before 1 year of age;
follow-up was available for as long as 11 years after surgery (median follow-up
time, 3.9 years). Adopters completed a questionnaire about their cats' behavior
and medical history. When possible, the cats' veterinary records were reviewed.
Statistical analyses were conducted to identify any associations between the
occurrence of 47 medical and behavioral conditions and the cats' age at
gonadectomy. RESULTS: Among male cats that underwent early-age gonadectomy
(< 5.5 months of age), the occurrence of abscesses, aggression toward veterinarians,
sexual behaviors, and urine spraying was decreased, whereas hiding was
increased, compared with cats that underwent gonadectomy at an older age. Among
male and female cats that underwent early-age gonadectomy, asthma, gingivitis,
and hyperactivity were decreased, whereas shyness was increased. CONCLUSIONS
AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gonadectomy before 5.5 months of age was not associated
with increased rates of death or relinquishment or occurrence of any serious
medical or behavioral condition and may provide certain important long-term
benefits, especially for male cats. Animal shelters can safely gonadectomize
cats at a young age, and veterinarians should consider recommending routine
gonadectomy for client-owned cats before the traditional age of 6 to 8 months.
Descriptors: prepubertal gonadectomy, cats, adoption,
animal shelter, questionnaires, benefits, recommendations
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term risks
and benefits of early-age gonadectomy, compared with traditional-age
gonadectomy, among dogs adopted from a large animal shelter. DESIGN:
Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 1,842 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs underwent
gonadectomy and were adopted from an animal shelter before 1 year of age;
follow-up was available for as long as 11 years after surgery. Adopters completed
a questionnaire about their dogs' behavior and medical history. When possible,
the dogs' veterinary records were reviewed. Associations between the occurrence
of 56 medical and behavioral conditions and dogs' age at gonadectomy were
evaluated. RESULTS: Among female dogs, early-age gonadectomy was associated
with increased rate of cystitis and decreasing age at gonadectomy was
associated with increased rate of urinary incontinence. Among male and female
dogs with early-age gonadectomy, hip dysplasia, noise phobias, and sexual
behaviors were increased, whereas obesity, separation anxiety, escaping
behaviors, inappropriate elimination when frightened, and relinquishment for
any reason were decreased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because early-age
gonadectomy appears to offer more benefits than risks for male dogs, animal
shelters can safely gonadectomize male dogs at a young age and veterinary
practitioners should consider recommending routine gonadectomy for client-owned
male dogs before the traditional age of 6 to 8 months. For female dogs,
however, increased urinary incontinence suggests that delaying gonadectomy
until at least 3 months of age may be beneficial.
Descriptors: prepubertal gonadectomy, adoption, animal
shelter, questionnaire, complications, cystitis, urinary incontinence,
behavior, benefits
NAL Call Number: 442.8 J8222 Suppl.
Abstract: It is still controversial whether a bitch
should be spayed before or after the first oestrus. It would be desirable to
spay bitches at an age that would minimize the side effects of neutering. With
regard to the risk of mammary tumours, early spaying must be recommended
because the incidence of tumours is reduced considerably. The aim of the
present study was to determine whether early spaying also reduces the risk of urinary
incontinence. The owners of 206 bitches that had been spayed before their first
oestrus and for at least 3 years were questioned on the occurrence of urinary
incontinence as a result of spaying. At the time of the enquiry the average age
of the bitches was 6.5 years, and the average age at the time of surgery was
7.1 months. Urinary incontinence after spaying occurred in 9.7% of bitches.
This incidence is approximately half that of spaying after the first oestrus.
Urinary incontinence affected 12.5% of bitches that were of a large body weight
(> 20 kg body weight) and 5.1% of bitches that were of a small body weight
(< 20 kg body weight). The surgical procedure (ovariectomy versus
ovariohysterectomy) had no influence on the incidence, or on the period between
spaying and the occurrence of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence
occurred on average at 2 years and 10 months after surgery and occurred each
day, while the animals were awake or during sleep. However, compared with late
spaying the clinical signs of urinary incontinence were more distinct after
early spaying.
Descriptors: early spay-neuter, complications, mammary
tumor development, urinary incontinence, ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy
Stolla, R. (2002). Spaying before or after first heat? Pros and cons.
Tierarztliche Praxis 30(5): 333-338.
ISSN: 1434-1239.
NAL Call Number: SF603.V433
Descriptors: adverse effects, age, biological development,
bitches, dermatitis, incidence, mammary gland neoplasms, neoplasms, estrus,
ovariectomy, puberty, urinary incontinence
Stubbs, W.P. and M.S. Bloomberg (1995). Implications of early
neutering in the dog and cat. Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and
Surgery (Small Animal) 10(1): 8-12.
ISSN: 0882-0511.
NAL Call Number: SF911.S45
Abstract: Early age neutering of dogs and cats is a
safe and effective means of pet population control. The surgical techniques are
similar to those already familiar to the veterinary practitioner and pose
minimal risk to the animal patient. Advantages include a shorter operative
time, better intra-abdominal visualization, and rapid animal patient recovery.
Prepubertal gonadectomy does not seem to adversely affect skeletal, physical,
or behavioral development in the dog and cat.
Descriptors: cats, dogs, surgery, orchiectomy,
ovariectomy, time factors
Stubbs, W.P., M.S. Bloomberg, S.L. Scruggs, V.M. Shille, and
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of
prepubertal gonadectomy on physical and behavioral development in cats. DESIGN:
Prospective controlled study of kittens randomly assigned to 3 treatment
groups: group 1, neutered at 7 weeks of age; group 2, neutered at 7 months of
age; and group 3, sexually intact controls. ANIMALS: 31 clinically normal male
and female kittens. PROCEDURE: Age at distal radial physeal closure and mature
radius length were determined radiographically. Six behavioral characteristics
were recorded monthly. At 1 year of age, body weight was recorded and thickness
of the falciform ligament was measured from a lateral abdominal radiographic
view. Secondary sex characteristics were also examined at 1 year of age.
RESULTS: There were no differences between group-1 and group-2 cats for any of
the study variables. Sexually intact cats (group 3) weighted significantly less
than group-2 cats and had less falciform fat and earlier distal radial physeal
closure than cats of both neutered groups. Group-3 cats manifested greater
intraspecies aggression, less affection, and greater development of secondary
sex characteristics than neutered cats. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Neutering cats
at 7 weeks of age had similar effects on physical and behavioral development,
compared with neutering at the more traditional age of 7 months. These data
lend support to the concept of prepubertal gonadectomy, already performed by
many animal shelters/humane organizations, as a method of enhancing the
effectiveness of pet population control programs.
Descriptors: cats, gonadectomy, skeletal development,
body-weight, animal behavior, body composition, early age neutering,
radiography, sexual maturation, age factors
Stubbs, W.P., K.R. Salmeric and
M.S. Bloomberg (1995). Early neutering of the dog and cat. In: J.
Bonagura and R. Kirk (editors), Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XII: Small
Animal Practice W.B. Saunders:
NAL Call Number: SF745.K57
Descriptors: pet overpopulation, prepubertal gonadectomy,
animal shelters, surgical sterilization, dogs, cats, safety, risks
Swift, B.J. (2000). Early neutering of dogs. The Veterinary
Record 147(23): 667. ISSN: 0042-4900.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V641
Descriptors: estrus, ovariectomy, dogs, health status,
postoperative complications, time factors, urinary incontinence
Theran, P. (1993). Early-age neutering of dogs and cats. Journal
of the American Veterinary Medical Association 202(6): 914-917. ISSN: 0003-1488.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3
Descriptors: dogs, cats, young animals, sterilization,
overpopulation, preoperative care, surgery