Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How neutering dogs affects risk of immune diseases
By Sundburg, Crystal R et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2016·Department of Animal Science, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Gonadectomy effects on the risk of immune disorders in the dog: a retrospective study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at the health of over 90,000 dogs to see how neutering (spaying or castrating) affects the risk of immune disorders. It found that neutered dogs had a higher chance of developing conditions like allergies, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (a blood disorder), and inflammatory bowel disease compared to intact (not neutered) dogs. Neutered females were particularly at risk for lupus, while intact females faced a higher risk of pyometra (a serious uterine infection). This research suggests that while neutering can help control pet populations and prevent reproductive issues, it may also increase the risk of certain health problems, so it's important for pet owners to discuss these risks with their veterinarian before deciding on neutering.
People also search for: dog neutering risks · autoimmune disorders in dogs · spaying effects on dog health · dog allergies treatment · dog inflammatory bowel disease symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gonadectomy is one of the most common procedures performed on dogs in the United States. Neutering has been shown to reduce the risk for some diseases although recent reports suggest increased prevalence for structural disorders and some neoplasias. The relation between neuter status and autoimmune diseases has not been explored. This study evaluated the prevalence and risk of atopic dermatitis (ATOP), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), canine myasthenia gravis (CMG), colitis (COL), hypoadrenocorticism (ADD), hypothyroidism (HYPO), immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lupus erythematosus (LUP), and pemphigus complex (PEMC), for intact females, intact males, neutered females, and neutered males. Pyometra (PYO) was evaluated as a control condition. RESULTS: Patient records (90,090) from the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis from 1995 to 2010 were analyzed in order to determine the risk of immune-mediated disease relative to neuter status in dogs. Neutered dogs had a significantly greater risk of ATOP, AIHA, ADD, HYPO, ITP, and IBD than intact dogs with neutered females being at greater risk than neutered males for all but AIHA and ADD. Neutered females, but not males, had a significantly greater risk of LUP than intact females. Pyometra was a greater risk for intact females. CONCLUSIONS: The data underscore the importance of sex steroids on immune function emphasizing a role of these hormones on tissue self-recognition. Neutering is critically important for population control, reduction of reproductive disorders, and offers convenience for owners. Despite these advantages, the analyses of the present study suggest that neutering is associated with increased risk for certain autoimmune disorders and underscore the need for owners to consult with their veterinary practitioner prior to neutering to evaluate possible benefits and risks associated with such a procedure.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27931211/