Early Neutering in Australian Shepherds: Risks and Benefits

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For many Australian Shepherd owners, the decision to spay or neuter their beloved companion is a topic filled with strong emotions. While it’s often seen as the “responsible” choice, the potential risks of early spaying or neutering are rarely discussed. At JKKJ Farms, we believe in making informed decisions based on science, not just emotion. Let’s take a closer look at the research, so you can make the best choice for your Aussie. Please Note: Here at JKKJ Farms we recommend spay and or neutering between 12-24 months, more preferably 18-24 months if able. We also support alternate sterilization methods which is discussed below. 

Why Reconsider Early Spay and or Neutering?

Recent studies, including a significant 2014 study on over 2500 Vizsla dogs, are challenging the long-held belief that early spay/neuter is always in a dog’s best interest. This research, and other similar findings, suggest that removing a significant part of a dog’s endocrine system, which is crucial for hormone production, may not be as beneficial as once thought. In fact, it might even lead to unexpected health and behavioral issues.

Let’s dive into the three key areas where early spay or neutering can have a profound impact on your Aussie:

1. Joint Health: A Growing Concern

While the Vizsla study didn’t specifically focus on joint disease, a wealth of other research clearly links early spay/neutering to an increased risk of joint problems in various breeds, including those known for their active lifestyles like Australian Shepherds.

• Hip Dysplasia: A 2013 study on Golden Retrievers revealed that male dogs fixed before 12 months of age had double the risk of hip dysplasia compared to their intact counterparts. Additionally, dogs sterilized before six months of age saw a 70% increased risk. Researchers suggest this could be due to changes in bone growth caused by the absence of hormones, leading to abnormal joint formation. Further research in 2005 also showed that dogs fixed six months prior to a hip dysplasia diagnosis were nearly twice as likely to develop the condition.
• Cruciate Ligament Tears: Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears are another common and often debilitating injury linked to spaying and or neutering. The Golden Retriever study found that while intact dogs had no reported CCL tears, 5% of males and 8% of females fixed before 12 months suffered these tears. Other studies have found that spayed and neutered dogs, regardless of age, are twice as likely to experience CCL ruptures. The continued growth of certain bones after early sterilization can create abnormal angles and increased stress on the ligaments, making them more prone to injury.
• Patellar Luxation: An Austrian study from 2005 also indicated that spayed/neutered dogs are over three times more likely to suffer from patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place.

Beyond direct skeletal effects, sterilization can also contribute to obesity and a loss of bone mass, both of which further increase the risk of joint issues.

2. Cancer Risk: A Surprising Link

Contrary to the popular belief that spaying/neutering prevents cancer, research suggests it actually increases the risk of several common canine cancers.

• The Golden Retriever study found that the incidence of lymphosarcoma was three times higher in males neutered before 12 months of age. They also noted that neutered dogs were 3.5% more likely to suffer from mast cell cancer and 4.3 times more likely to develop lymphoma.
• A 2002 study on Rottweilers at Purdue University revealed that both male and female dogs spayed/neutered before one year of age had an approximate one in four lifetime risk for bone sarcoma, a significantly higher chance than sexually intact dogs.
• Despite the common assumption, a 2002 study at Utrecht University found that prostate cancer occurs in neutered males about four times more frequently than in intact males.

3. Behavior: Beyond Aggression

The Vizsla study provided fascinating insights, revealing that spaying/neutering dogs were more likely to develop a range of behavioral disorders if fixed to early compared to intact dogs, including:

• Fear of storms
• Separation anxiety
• Fear of noises
• Timidity
• Excitability
• Aggression
• Hyperactivity
• Fear biting

The Hormonal Connection: Why It Matters

Conventional spay/neutering involves the complete removal of the reproductive organs, which immediately halts the body’s supply of crucial protective hormones. While these hormones are essential for reproduction, they also play vital roles in overall health and development, including:

• Maintaining homeostasis
• Regulating body condition and cholesterol levels
• Influencing energy levels
• Supporting urinary continence
• Developing muscle tone
• Aiding cognition and behavior

Reproductive hormones also contribute significantly to the immune system. The increased risk of various cancers after neutering underscores this vital link.

Rethinking Sterilization: Safer Options

For those who wish to prevent unwanted litters but also want to mitigate the risks associated with conventional spaying/neutering, there are emerging alternatives that have less impact on a dog’s hormone and endocrine system. These “hormone-sparing” methods can still sterilize your Aussie while offering more hormone protection.

• Vasectomy is a safer option for male dogs, preventing reproduction without removing the testes and their hormone-producing function.
• While a zinc injection for sterilization exists, it may be difficult to find due to company issues.
• Ovary sparing (OSS), Hysterectomy, and Non-surgical sterilization methods like hormone implants or injections. 

You can search for veterinarians offering hormone-sparing spay/neuter procedures to discuss these options further.

Ultimately, if your goal is to give your Australian Shepherd the best chance at a life free of joint disease, cancer, and behavioral issues, keeping your dog intact is a valid and increasingly supported option. Responsible ownership means ensuring your intact male isn’t allowed to roam freely and keeping your intact female on a leash during her heat cycles.

The decision to remove a significant part of your dog’s endocrine system should be anything but routine. As research continues to highlight the potential downsides of early spaying/neutering, it’s crucial for every Australian Shepherd owner to consider these important factors and make a choice that truly serves their best friend’s long-term health and well-being.