(Article written by Laura Kathryn, Strauss and Solace Shiloh Shepherds on Feb 21, 2024, see ShilohShepherd.co for more health articles on Shilohs)
Background
Early spay and neuter practices began as an effort, in pushing for sterilization before adoption, to combat pet overpopulation. However, recent studies have shown the detrimental health risks in the area of orthopedic diseases and certain cancers, especially in large breed dogs, such as Shiloh Shepherds.
Sex hormones in dogs are important for proper maturation, growth and development. Sex hormones are crucial for optimal immune system function and development as well as musculoskeletal health.
Because the Shiloh Shepherd Breed evolved from the German Shepherd Dog (GSD), it is recommended to NOT spay or neuter before 2 years of age.
See chart for suggested age for GSD spay/neuter. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/study-updates-spay-neuter-guidelines/
Below is an outline of health risks due to spaying and neutering too early.
Orthopedic problems/joint disorders - connective tissues do not form properly:
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Cranial cruciate ligament tears
Patellar luxation
Cancers, Bone, blood vessel, and lymph node cancersLack of sex hormones from early spaying and neutering can increase the risk of cancer.
Cancers such as:
Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
Lymphoma (blood cancer)
Hemangiosarcoma (soft tissue cancer)
Mast cell tumor (blood cell cancer)
Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer)
Prostatic adenocarcinoma (prostate cancer)
Other
Urinary incontinence risks elevated in female dogs spayed before age 1.
Behavioral disorders (e.g. fear of storms)
Vaccine reactions
Reasons/support for early spay/neuter
Risk of mammary cancer
Risk of testicular cancer
Risk of ovarian cancer
Why joint disease in Early Spay/Neuter: It stems from studies on the closure of long‐bone growth plates, which occurs as a result of gonadal hormone secretion, as the animal approaches maturity. This is different for different breeds of dogs (see chart below for breed age guidelines for suggested neutering age). The hypothesis is that spaying and neutering before bone growth plate closure is complete allows the bones to grow a little longer than normal (the epiphyseal plates are not signaled to close), and this disturbs the bone and joint alignment in some dogs. It misaligns enough to lead to a clinically apparent joint disorder, that would not have been evident had the dog been neutered after puberty. The outcome is that the dog’s leg doesn’t match well in the joint.
Why cancer in Early Spay/Neuter: Sex hormones affect many systems and tissues in the body, but the early spay/neuter and cancer linkages are complex and not as well understood. Further research is needed.
Being responsible with your intact Shiloh: The AKC suggests that you might consider using a belly band for male dogs or “bloomers” for females if marking behaviors or signs of estrus (being “in heat“) become challenging. If you have access to a reproductive veterinarian or veterinary teaching hospital, you might ask about hormone-preserving sterilization options for your dog—like canine vasectomy or ovary-sparing spays—if you eventually choose to alter your dog.
References:
https://www.dispomed.com/spay-neuter-timing-in-dogs-weighing-the-options/#:~:text=However%2C%20 early%20 spay%Neuter%20has
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