Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats

2007/12/01 by Margaret V. Root Kustritz · 178 citations
Veterinary · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Veterinary Medicine and Surgery #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Veterinary Equine Medical Research #CATS #Medicine #Surgical procedures #Veterinary medicine #General surgery #Surgery #Internal medicine

paper · pdf · doi:10.2460/javma.231.11.1665

published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 231(11), 1665-1675 (American Veterinary Medical Association)

openalex publication_date 2007/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15

Abstract

Elective gonadectomy of dogs and cats is one of the most common veterinary procedures in the United States. Increasingly, dog owners and members of the veterinary profession throughout the world have questioned the optimal age for performance of these procedures and whether these procedure should even be performed as elective surgeries.

Citations

• Epidemiologic study of risk factors for lower urinary tract diseases in cats
• Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk in castrated dogs
• Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in cats

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