12/18/2023 0 Comments Canine boxer lifespan![]() ![]() Desexing reduces or eliminates common life-limiting diseases of the female reproductive system such as pyometra and mammary tumors, while no analogous effect exists in males. Studies are likely biased in desexing being a proxy for better care and desexed dogs having already lived to the age of desexing. A beneficial effect of desexing on lifespan is consistently demonstrated in females, while evidence for a beneficial effect in males is inconsistent. We argue that lifespan is a more important outcome than ultimate cause of death. Health and Lifespan: Desexing affects numerous disease risks, but studies commonly neglect age at diagnosis and overall lifespan, age being by far the most important risk factor for most diseases. Population control in free-roaming dogs is mostly correlated with female, not male desexing. There is evidence for a population control effect in free-roaming dogs, where desexing also has benefits on zoonotic disease and bite risk. Population Control: Surprisingly, empirical studies show no effects of desexing on population control in companion and shelter dogs despite desexing being consistently recommended in the literature. The terminology used to describe desexing is inconsistent and contradictory, showing a need for the adaption of standardized terminology. Alternative methods like vasectomy and salpingectomy/hysterectomy are uncommon. GnRH superagonist implants are available in some areas. Common methods are orchiectomy and ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy. The decision whether to desex dogs needs to be individualized based on the available evidence.īackground: Desexing dogs is promoted for population control, preventative healthcare, and behavior modification. There is more literature on behavioral effects in males than in females, and the evidence suggests reduced libido, roaming, conspecific mounting, and urinary marking in a large percentage of gonadectomized males, and reduced male dog aggression in a majority of males gonadectomized because of behavioral problems. A lifespan advantage in desexed dogs has consistently been shown in females, while the evidence is inconsistent in males, and the effect is smaller in studies that found one. Other health effects vary considerably between breeds and sexes. Desexing has consistently been shown to change various health risks, including a reduction in pyometra and mammary tumor risk, as well as an increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture, several forms of cancer, and obesity in both sexes. Surprisingly, the existing evidence shows no effect of desexing on population size in companion or shelter dogs however, an effect has been shown for desexing female free-roaming dogs. Desexing is promoted for population control, health benefits, and behavior modification. Desexing is a general term for interventions suppressing fertility in dogs, most commonly by surgically removing the testes or ovaries (“gonadectomy”). ![]()
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