Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Early neutering linked to high tibial slope in large-breed dogs
By Duerr, Felix M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2007·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) and an excessive tibial plateau angle (TPA) were often neutered before 6 months of age. These dogs were three times more likely to have this condition compared to those with normal TPA. Additionally, dogs with excessive TPA showed signs of hind limb lameness at a younger age. This suggests that early neutering may increase the risk of developing this issue in large-breed dogs.
People also search for: dog knee problems · large breed dog neutering risks · cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for development of excessive tibial plateau angle (TPA) in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 58 dogs with excessive TPAs (ie, TPA >or= 35 degrees ; case dogs) and 58 dogs with normal TPAs (ie, TPA <or= 30 degrees ; control dogs). PROCEDURES: Medical records and radiographs were reviewed and owners were interviewed to identify potential risk factors for excessive TPA. RESULTS: Case dogs were 3 times (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 8.0) as likely to have been neutered before 6 months of age as were control dogs. Case dogs with TPA >or= 35 degrees in both limbs were 13.6 times (95% confidence interval, 2.72 to 68.1) as likely to have been neutered before 6 months of age as were control dogs with TPA <or= 30 degrees in both limbs. Case dogs were significantly younger at the onset of hind limb lameness than were control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that early neutering was a significant risk factor for development of excessive TPA in large-breed dogs with CCLD. Further research into the effects of early neutering on TPA and the pathophysiology of CCLD is warranted.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18052804/