Evaluation
of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in
gonadectomized Vizslas
M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD; Parvene Farhoody, MA; Samra E. Elser, BS; Lynda D. Ruffini; Tom A.
Gibbons, MS;
Randall H.
Rieger, PhD
JAVMA, Vol 244, No. 3, February 1, 2014
Commentary:
Vizslas born between 1992 and 2008 were surveyed by an online questionnaire;
2505 dogs were included in the study. Dogs that were spayed or neutered were
more likely to develop several types of cancer (such as mast cell tumor,
lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma) compared to in tact dogs. Behavioral disorders,
such as storm anxiety, were also more common in gonadectomized dogs. The
younger the dogs were spayed or neutered, the earlier they would develop the
above problems.
The authors felt that more
studies are needed to confirm their findings, but that owners should be made
aware of these adverse effects of spay and neuter in addition to the benefits.
In the Discussion section of
the paper, the authors cite other studies in animals associating gonadectomy
and increased incidence of cancer. They also postulate on the mechanism of the
association, including studies showing that sex hormones may play a role in
maintaining immune surveillance for cancer cells.
Of course the benefits of
spay and neuter, such as controlling dog and cat populations and the many other
medical benefits currently outweigh the adverse effects. But this study shows
that we need to maintain a healthy level of surveillance of the potential
adverse effects of gonadectomy and attempt to determine: is this association
between cancer and spay/neuter true for all breeds, even mixed breeds,
and what is the pathophysiology behind it.
What do you think? Share your opinions either on facebook or here on the blog site.
No comments:
Post a Comment