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Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr Another article says that another drawback to early s/n is the lack of gender specific characterisitics.
See this link for the entire article: http://www.labbies.com/neuter.htm
Here is an excerpt:
LACK OF GENDER CHARACTERISTICS ATTRIBUTED TO EARLY NEUTERING. Reproductive hormones such as estrogen in the female and testosterone in the male are also responsible for producing feminine and masculine traits, respectively. Early neutering which removes the source of production of these hormones prior to complete physical development and maturity of a dog results in individuals which may appear neither masculine nor feminine. Postponing neutering for 2-3 years in a male or allowing a female to go through one estrus cycle allows for development of gender characteristics. |
Kim, what you referred to was from 1993. Here are two sources for more up to date information (2000-2002). The first one you might have to register but it is free and you might enjoy the website.
http://www.ivis.org/advances/Concann...r_frm.asp?LA=1
In: Recent Advances in Small Animal Reproduction, Concannon P.W., England G., Verstegen III J. and Linde-Forsberg C. (Eds.)
International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY (
www.ivis.org), 2000; A1201.0400
Prepuberal Gonadectomy - Early-Age Neutering of Dogs and Cats (Last Updated: 25-Apr-2000)
L. M. Howe1 and P. N. Olson2
1College of Veterinaty Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
1Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., San Rafael California, USA.
Growth
Many veterinarians once held the belief that puppies and kittens neutered at early ages might be stunted in growth. Several research studies have now refuted these once-held beliefs. In a 15-month study conducted at the University of Florida, the effects of prepubertal gonadectomy on skeletal growth, weight gain, food intake, body fat, and secondary sex characteristics were investigated in 32 mixed-breed dogs [4]. Growth rates were unaffected (P>0.05) by gonadectomy, but the growth period in final radial/ulnar length was extended in all neutered male dogs (neutered at 7 weeks or 7 months) and in bitches neutered at 7 weeks of age. Thus, animals were not stunted in growth but were actually slightly (as determined by radiographs) taller. In a similar study at the same university [5], thirty-one cats were neutered at 7 weeks or 7 months or left intact. No differences (P>0.05) were detected between neutered cats, regardless of when they were neutered, for mature radius length or time of distal radial physeal closure. Distal radial physeal closure was delayed (P<0.05) in neutered cats when compared to intact cats. Similar findings in cats were reported by work from the University of Minnesota [6]. In males and females, distal radial physeal closure was delayed (P<0.01) in both groups of neutered cats (neutered at 7 weeks or 7 months of age) compared to intact animals. In female cats, proximal radial physeal closure was also significantly delayed (P=0.02) in cats neutered at 7 weeks of age.
http://www.angelswish.org/documents/SpayNeuterPaper.pdf
A 15-month study on the effects of prepubertal gonadectomy on skeletal growth, weight gain, food intake, body fat, secondary sex characteristics, and behavioral development in 32 mixed breed dogs. The study divided dogs into 3 groups: group 1 was neutered at 7 weeks of age, group two at 7 months of age, and group three unaltered.
Skeletal growth: Greater in those neutered at 7 weeks than at 7 months; greater in 7 week old females than the males
Body weight: Unaffected
Food intake: Unaffected
Secondary sex characteristics: Did not “grossly appear to reflect differences” Group of 7 week old had mean of 17.8mm; 7 months had mean of 16.8mm; and unaltered were a mean of 19.8mm
“Concluded that neutering pups at 7 weeks affected skeletal, physical, and behavioral development much the same as did neutering pups at 7 months.”