Age to fix

[Wallee]

Can anyone advise me the best age to get a yorkie neutered? My vet suggested any time after 5 and a half months and my little boy just turned 5 months.

I have noticed that he has figure out how to mark now and wants to go out more frequently since that and he also dribbles when people approach him to pet him.

I am wondering if getting him fixed this young will stop this or should I wait till he is a little older.
This seems kind of young to me.

[chachi]

I got my Chachi done at 7 months but if he is already marking Id get it done now

[107barney]

I had Teddy neutered at 6 mos and Winston was neutered by his rescue group at 10 mos. Some suggest waiting longer, but I think 6-7 mos is a good time for it.

[gemy]

IMO there is no overwhelming health reason to neuter a dog before 6months old. Furthermore in the case of Yorkies, I would want to wait to insure all adult teeth are in and then of course to see how many baby teeth are still present. Then you can combine teeth extraction with a neuter. And beyond that I want to wait until the growth plates close, which is easily verified by a lateral Xray view of the Tibia.

While the article below is geared towards the Canine Athlete it is easily understandable and for the most part applicable to the regular kind of pet owner.


The timing of a neuter or spay, is best done through intelligent discussion between you and your vet. An informed pet owner does their research up front, and enters into this discussion with their vet with some understanding of the issue(s) involved.


EarlySpay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete

© 2005 Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVP
http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

Those of us with responsibility for the health of canine athletes need tocontinually read and evaluate new scientific studies to ensure that we aretaking the most appropriate care of our performance dogs. This article providesevidence through a number of recent studies to suggest that veterinarians andowners working with canine athletes should revisit the standard protocol inwhich all dogs that are not intended for breeding are spayed and neutered at orbefore 6 months of age.

Orthopedic Considerations

A study by Salmeri et al in 1991 found that bitches spayed at 7 weeksgrew significantly taller than those spayed at 7 months, who were taller thanthose not spayed (or presumably spayed after the growth plates had closed).(1)A study of 1444 Golden Retrievers performed in 1998 and 1999 also found bitchesand dogs spayed and neutered at less than a year of age were significantlytaller than those spayed or neutered at more than a year of age.(2) The sexhormones, by communicating with a number of other growth-related hormones,promote the closure of the growth plates at puberty (3), so the bones of dogsor bitches neutered or spayed before puberty continue to grow. Dogs that havebeen spayed or neutered well before puberty can frequently be identified bytheir longer limbs, lighter bone structure, narrow chests and narrow skulls.This abnormal growth frequently results in significant alterations in bodyproportions and particularly the lengths (and therefore weights) of certainbones relative to others. For example, if the femur has achieved itsgenetically determined normal length at 8 months when a dog gets spayed or neutered,but the tibia, which normally stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age continuesto grow, then an abnormal angle may develop at the stifle. In addition, withthe extra growth, the lower leg below the stifle likely becomes heavier(because it is longer), and may cause increased stresses on the cranialcruciate ligament. In addition, sex hormones are critical for achieving peakbone density.(4) These structural and physiological alterations may be thereason why at least one recent study showed that spayed and neutered dogs had ahigher incidence of CCL rupture.(5) Another recent study showed that dogsspayed or neutered before 5 1/2 months had a significantly higher incidence ofhip dysplasia than those spayed or neutered after 5 1/2 months of age, althoughit should be noted that in this study there were no standard criteria for thediagnosis of hip dysplasia.(6) Nonetheless, breeders of purebred dogs should becognizant of these studies and should consider whether or not pups they bredwere spayed or neutered when considering breeding decisions.

Cancer Considerations

A retrospective study of cardiac tumors in dogs showed that there was a 5 timesgreater risk of hemangiosarcoma, one of the three most common cancers in dogs,in spayed bitches than intact bitches and a 2.4 times greater risk ofhemangiosarcoma in neutered dogs as compared to intact males.(7) A study of3218 dogs demonstrated that dogs that were neutered before a year of age had asignificantly increased chance of developing bone cancer.(8) A separate studyshowed that neutered dogs had a two-fold higher risk of developing bonecancer.(9) Despite the common belief that neutering dogs helps prevent prostatecancer, at least one study suggests that neutering provides no benefit.(10)There certainly is evidence of a slightly increased risk of mammary cancer infemale dogs after one heat cycle, and for increased risk with each subsequentheat. While about 30 % of mammary cancers are malignant, as in humans, whencaught and surgically removed early the prognosis is very good.(12) Luckily,canine athletes are handled frequently and generally receive prompt veterinarycare.

Behavioral Considerations

The study that identified a higher incidence of cranial cruciate ligamentrupture in spayed or neutered dogs also identified an increased incidence ofsexual behaviors in males and females that were neutered early.(5) Further, thestudy that identified a higher incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs neutered orspayed before 5 1/2 months also showed that early age gonadectomy wasassociated with an increased incidence of noise phobias and undesirable sexualbehaviors.(6) A recent report of the American Kennel Club Canine HealthFoundation reported significantly more behavioral problems in spayed and neuteredbitches and dogs. The most commonly observed behavioral problem in spayedfemales was fearful behavior and the most common problem in males wasaggression.(12)

Other Health Considerations

A number of studies have shown that there is an increase in the incidence offemale urinary incontinence in dogs spayed early (13), although this findinghas not been universal. Certainly there is evidence that ovarian hormones arecritical for maintenance of genital tissue structure and contractility.(14, 15)Neutering also has been associated with an increased likelihood of urethralsphincter incontinence in males.(16) This problem is an inconvenience, and notusually life-threatening, but nonetheless one that requires the dog to bemedicated for life. A health survey of several thousand Golden Retrieversshowed that spayed or neutered dogs were more likely to develophypothyroidism.(2) This study is consistent with the results of another studyin which neutering and spaying was determined to be the most significant gender-associatedrisk factor for development of hypothyroidism.(17) Infectious diseases weremore common in dogs that were spayed or neutered at 24 weeks or less as opposedto those undergoing gonadectomy at more than 24 weeks.(18) Finally, the AKC-CHFreport demonstrated a higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines inneutered dogs as compared to intact.(12)

[gemy]

Other Health Considerations

A number of studies have shown that there is an increase in the incidence offemale urinary incontinence in dogs spayed early (13), although this findinghas not been universal. Certainly there is evidence that ovarian hormones arecritical for maintenance of genital tissue structure and contractility.(14, 15)Neutering also has been associated with an increased likelihood of urethralsphincter incontinence in males.(16) This problem is an inconvenience, and notusually life-threatening, but nonetheless one that requires the dog to bemedicated for life. A health survey of several thousand Golden Retrieversshowed that spayed or neutered dogs were more likely to develophypothyroidism.(2) This study is consistent with the results of another studyin which neutering and spaying was determined to be the most significant gender-associatedrisk factor for development of hypothyroidism.(17) Infectious diseases weremore common in dogs that were spayed or neutered at 24 weeks or less as opposedto those undergoing gonadectomy at more than 24 weeks.(18) Finally, the AKC-CHFreport demonstrated a higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines inneutered dogs as compared to intact.(12)

I have gathered these studies to show that our practice of routinely spaying orneutering every dog at or before the age of 6 months is not a black-and-whiteissue. Clearly more studies need to be done to evaluate the effects ofprepubertal spaying and neutering, particularly in canine athletes.

Currently, I have significant concerns with spaying or neutering canineathletes before puberty. But of course, there is the pet overpopulationproblem. How can we prevent the production of unwanted dogs while still leavingthe gonads to produce the hormones that are so important to canine growth anddevelopment? One answer would be to perform vasectomies in males and tuballigation in females, to be followed after maturity by ovariohysterectomy infemales to prevent mammary cancer and pyometra. One possible disadvantage isthat vasectomy does not prevent some unwanted behaviors associated with malessuch as marking and humping. On the other hand, females and neutered malesfrequently participate in these behaviors too. Really, training is the bestsolution for these issues. Another possible disadvantage is finding aveterinarian who is experienced in performing these procedures. Nonetheless,some do, and if the procedures were in greater demand, more veterinarians wouldlearn them.

I believe it is important that we assess each situation individually. Forcanine athletes, I currently recommend that dogs and bitches be spayed orneutered after 14 months of age.

References

Salmeri KR, Bloomberg MS, Scruggs SL, Shille V.. Gonadectomy in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical, and behavioral development. JAVMA 1991;198:1193-1203
http://www.grca.org/healthsurvey.pdf
Grumbach MM. Estrogen, bone, growth and sex: a sea change in conventional wisdom. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2000;13 Suppl 6:1439-55.
Gilsanz V, Roe TF, Gibbens DT, Schulz EE, Carlson ME, Gonzalez O, Boechat MI. Effect of sex steroids on peak bone density of growing rabbits. Am J Physiol. 1988 Oct;255(4 Pt 1):E416-21.
Slauterbeck JR, Pankratz K, Xu KT, Bozeman SC, Hardy DM. Canine ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy increases the prevalence of ACL injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2004 Dec;(429):301-5.
Spain CV, Scarlett JM, Houpt KA. Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. JAVMA 2004;224:380-387.
Ware WA, Hopper DL. Cardiac tumors in dogs: 1982-1995. J Vet Intern Med 1999 Mar-Apr;13(2):95-103
Cooley DM, Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman NW, Glickman LT, Waters D, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Nov;11(11):1434-40
Ru G, Terracini B, Glickman LT. Host related risk factors for canine osteosarcoma. Vet J. 1998 Jul;156(1):31-9.
Obradovich J, Walshaw R, Goullaud E. The influence of castration on the development of prostatic carcinoma in the dog. 43 cases (1978-1985). J Vet Intern Med 1987 Oct-Dec;1(4):183-7
http://www.akcchf.org/pdfs/whitepapers/Biennial_National_Parent_Club_Canine_Health_Confer ence.pdf
Meuten DJ. Tumors in Domestic Animals. 4th Edn. Iowa State Press, Blackwell Publishing Company, Ames, Iowa, p. 575

[ironmike86]

So what is a canine athlete? A Yorkie??

[gemy]

Originally Posted by ironmike86

So what is a canine athlete? A Yorkie??

Any breed of dog, that does performance sports-and certainly Yorkies do lots of things. It covers a wide range of activities; some examples are; obedience training, rally-o, flyball, agility, shutzhund, dock diving, water rescue, search and rescue(on land); the list goes on a bit. Long distance runners, field working dogs, guard and protect dogs. Earth dog trials Yorkies are going to qualify for soon!

It is where you deliberately want and need to condition your dog for their work/event. You want to keep your dog in tip top shape; great muscle development, bright eyes, and active brain.

Some of us are very very passionate about the sport/events we do.

For example one of "our" sports is dock diving. Now the event is fast paced and involves letting your dog run along a dock and jump to retreive a water toy. There is both distance and height competitions. Slightly different muscular demands versus distance/height. But both requires well muscled rear end and thighs. A powerfull chest. But most of all, the drive to throw themselves into the activity. Needless to say they have to swim too

The best conditioning for this event is a) walking uphill then downhill at a nicely paced walk and b) long distance swimming.

Pre-event stretches to loosen up your dog, for the short explosive action.

If a dog is not structurally sound, with good knees, hips, elbows, and back, your dog will get injured very quickly, and truly shouldn't do many of the performance sports.

Any advantage that diet/nutrition, early puppy rearing, and appropriate timing for spay/neuter we will take.

But I say to you, and to all here. If you can give your puppy an advantage by timing the spay/neuter to insure good and appropriate boney development, why wouldn't you? Toy breeds are rife with luxating patellas, and now hip problems are also rearing their heads.

[maryj]

My little boy will be six mths next week. I think i need to postpone it, after reading the comments here. Better to wait and see if we have to deal with the baby teeth removal...at what age should they have all their adult teeth?

I cant tell the difference when i look in his mouth...I just know some in lower front have just come in. they dont look different. I saw him "mark" once and i yelled and i havent seen him ever do it since. He has been lifting his leg and humping from about 3 mths old.

[courtney1121]

Originally Posted by maryj

My little boy will be six mths next week. I think i need to postpone it, after reading the comments here. Better to wait and see if we have to deal with the baby teeth removal...at what age should they have all their adult teeth?

I cant tell the difference when i look in his mouth...I just know some in lower front have just come in. they dont look different. I saw him "mark" once and i yelled and i havent seen him ever do it since. He has been lifting his leg and humping from about 3 mths old.

I had my boy neutered at 7 1/2 months. He is small so we wanted to wait until he weighed a little more so we wouldn't have to worry about putting him under at a low weight. Geno did a lot of chewing but he still had baby teeth. They just pulled his baby teeth when he got neutered - I think there was 5 that needed pulled. If he chews a lot, he should have lost a good amount of them. I don't know about your vet, but ours had us bring Geno in before the actual neutering for him to get bloodwork to make sure he was cleared to get neutuered. At that appointment is when they also told us they would pull the baby teeth so your vet would be able to tell you about him needing teeth pulled or not.

I'd start nipping the humping in the butt now cause they will probably still hump even after getting neutered. Of course they probably won't hump as much as before the neutering but it's still an annoying behavior and one that shows dominance especially if he's doing it to you. They also can still mark too after neutering. I've heard that neutering helps with humping and marking which it does but I think to the point that it only lessens the frequency. They'll still do it regardless which is why they need trained that it is an unwanted behavior, which you had with the marking and that's good. Lifting the leg is just a dog preference. Some squat, some lift the leg. Geno lifts his leg almost at a 90 degree angle haha I don't scold for lifting the leg. It's just how he wants to go potty.

[Nancy1999]

I think 7-8 months is a good age for a male Yorkie, and you can have the retained baby teeth pulled at the same time. If you wait too long, marking may become ingrained.

[Wallee]

So many different views when it comes to neutering surely makes it a difficult one. I am getting Wallee done in December which will make him 9 months old. He does mark outside, however not in the house and if he stops too often on our walks, we just tug the leash a little to let him know that we are not waiting. He seems ok with that.
As for the humping the only time we have ever noticed him "attempting"to do that is when we are playing with him or petting him and he will try to grab our arms. Of course, this is met with a very firm "NO" and a little push away so he gets the message loud and clear that he will not "dominate" us.
I am pretty sure he will also still have a tooth or two to pull as the people up the street from me purchased his mom who is 3 years old and unfortunately she has a "double" fang. Looks like one that should have been pulled out. Glad I saw that cause Wallee has lost 3 of the 4 fangs but one looks like it is in there "solid" still. Since seeing his mom has one that didn't fall out, looks like he may have inherited this from her. I will be making sure the vet pulls any that he doesn't loose and I keep checking them when I brush his teeth.

[Britster]

Most male dogs will continue to mark even after neutered (outdoors). Indoor marking typically is from males around females in heat, a lot of breeders keep their males in belly bands. But for just a pet unaltered male, it should be treated as a training issue. Yes neutering may curb it, for sure, but I don't think it should be the sole reason for neutering. I would personally wait, 5 months is still fairly young. At least wait another month is possible.

[jeane]

I got Morgan neutered at 6months and he also had his baby teeth that had not fallen out removed and also got him microchipped