Neutering and the links to pain-based behaviours
- MHAM
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
There has recently been some debate to neuter or not to neuter and while the benefits are clear especially to welfare organisations on the ability to limit unwanted litters when the shelters and rescues are already at breaking point, however there is now a need to review this from the physical and emotional wellbeing of our 4-legged friends especially at a young age.
The research
A study in 2010 by Hunters College investigating the effects of neutering found that 33% of dogs in the study had an increased sensitivity to touch following the neutering procedure. Now, while the level of this isn’t qualified it’s a large percentage to consider. The study further determined that there was an increased risk of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears, and elbow dysplasia especially in larger breeds.
The risks were further increased when the procedure was carried out at a young age. The reasons for this are likely more accepted, as it has become common practice to advise puppy owners on limited walking times, and activities such as jumping, climbing stairs other activities. The activities that put pressure on their joint before the growth plates are properly formed.
I’m sure most of us have seen the x-rays of young dogs on social media showing the gaps between the dogs’ joints while they are still growing. So how does neutering play a part in this and how does it link to pain and a dog’s behaviour?
The Neutering procedure
The neutering procedure, sometimes referred to as Gonadectomy isn’t minor surgery particularly for female dogs who have several layers of muscle and skin in the abdominal wall before the vets reach the reproductive organs. That in itself can lead to issues around scar tissue in the abdominal area and why vet advice is strict rest for several weeks following surgery. A weakening of the abdominal muscles often leads to postural changes. This over time places additional stress on the spine as it’s required to work harder in a different way to stabilise itself. In turn this can lead to conditions such as spondylosis (a degenerative spinal condition).
Sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone) play a significant role in the variable elongation of the bones during development. Where dogs have undergone the neutering procedure before 6 months of age the closure of the growth plates is delayed. Numbers of studies are now highlighting that neutering prior to prepubertal neutering (neutering between 6 and 16 weeks old) creates a significantly higher risk of developing orthopaedic disorders than intact dogs. The most common orthopaedic problems are further complicated by the fact that neutered dogs are more likely to be obese and putting more weight than needed onto already underdeveloped joints.
“Gonadectomized (spayed and neutered) dogs have been reported to have a higher incidence of obesity, urinary incontinence, urinary calculi, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, hypoadrenocorticism, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, inflammatory bowel disease, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, aggressive and fearful behaviour, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, prostate adenocarcinoma and transitional cell adenocarcinoma. Musculoskeletal issues may be especially significant for large breed dogs gonadectomized before they have finished growing, as bone physeal closure is delayed.” – Michelle Anne Kutzler, MBA, DVM, PhD, DACT, Professor of Theriogenology, Oregon State University
The links to pain-based behaviour
While there is a likelihood that a neutered dog may develop one or maybe more of these conditions, how can it be determined that any signs of pain-related behaviour are solely linked to neutering? The honest answer is that we can’t certain. However, it is easy to see the connection supported by numerous studies that it is very likely to be a contributing factor. As our dogs can’t communicate with us directly, we can only hope the links between neutering and these conditions will become more recognised, due to the pain and discomfort. Many are long-term conditions and have no cure, only various medications and treatment options to manage them as best as possible.
Many neutered females develop spondylosis or lumbar sacral disease which often manifests in pain-based behaviour where they are not willing to accept other dogs near their hind limbs for fear of increased pain or discomfort. They are not likely to want to play or greet unfamiliar dogs for the same reason and when other dogs or owners do not acknowledge their fear and discomfort their reactions can escalate leading to fear based aggression.
A study completed by Stan Rawlinson (Neutering Dogs. In Depth | Doglistener) states that in almost all cases, aggression increased post neutering for both males and female dogs. This study highlighted that fearful dogs prior to neutering were more likely to become aggressive post-surgery due to the lack of the sex hormones. While they acknowledged quite rightly that not all behaviour and fear-based response is down to neutering they found an undisputable link with those dogs who have been neutered.
Dogs that were friendly, outgoing and social can become, anxious, fearful and aggressive and while behaviourists can provide support, advice and guidance in some cases for owners this situation becomes unmanageable. Some dogs’ extreme changes in behaviour and reactions are difficult to manage even with support.
The most common reasons behaviour support is sought are; aggression, howling & barking, separation anxiety, guarding, chewing, digging, household defecation, begging, chasing and jumping up.
The list above highlights just how many common behaviour problems may be linked to neutering.
Many dogs become reluctant to be groomed, show signs of withdrawal, dislike being handled or petted by owners and become dog and sometimes people aggressive. Which is reasonable to assume can be linked in part to the pain, discomfort and distress.
Many dogs become noise sensitive due to anxiety and show a lack of interest in toys; they become more vocal with barking or whimpering and often exhibit increased pacing and panting. Additionally, some may urinate or defecate inside, behaviour which is out of character. These behavioural changes can often be associated with reactions to pain.
Unfortunately other conditions especially orthopaedic conditions aren’t usually diagnosed until later in life and while an argument can be made that there is no correlation between these conditions and neutering, there is also substantial evidence supporting the link.
Conclusion
I am not here make anyone doubt the decision to neuter and there are many well-known health benefits to neutering. More importantly it helps prevent the risk of unwanted litters. As someone who volunteers for a charity, I often see the unfortunate situation where unwanted dogs can end up in. My youngest dog was neutered far too young but you don’t know, what you don’t know at the time. While I can’t change things for her, I can make a more informed decision in the future.
There are alternatives to standard neutering, such as keyhole surgery for females or an ovary sparing spay. This removes the uterus and the risk of Pyometra (a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus), but leaves the hormones intact. The dog will still come into season which for some can be challenging for some owners. In males there are the options of a chemical castration or a male vasectomy both of which will stop the production of sperm but leave the production testosterone and levels unchanged.
The decision is personal for each owner and dog but once made there is no going back. Making an informed decision for a canine companion is the most important thing.
References
Parvene Farhoody (2010) Behavioral and Physical Effects of Spaying and Neutering Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris). Masters thesis submitted to and accepted by Hunter College.
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