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Romagnoli S, Krekeler N, de Cramer K, Kutzler M, McCarthy R, Schaefer-Somi S. WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats. J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:424-559. [PMID: 38804079 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- S Romagnoli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Viale dell'Università 16, University of Padova, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - N Krekeler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - K de Cramer
- Department of Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M Kutzler
- Dept of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, 112 Withycombe Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - R McCarthy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, United States
| | - S Schaefer-Somi
- Center for Reproduction, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
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Rajabi A, Mogheiseh A, Nazifi S, Ahrari-Khafi M, Dehghanian A, Vesal N, Bigham-Sadegh A. Effect of direct therapeutic ultrasound exposure of ovaries on histopathology, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in dogs. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:88. [PMID: 37474957 PMCID: PMC10360222 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03657-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This research was designed to evaluate the effects of therapeutic ultrasound waves on ovarian germinal tissue and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A (SAA), C reactive protein (CRP)) and oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in dogs. Twenty-six clinically healthy adult mix-breed female dogs were aligned into three groups. Laparotomy was performed in control (n = 6) and treatment (T5, n = 10; T10, n = 10) groups. The ultrasonic exposure of ovaries in treatment groups was performed during laparotomy by round motions of the therapeutic ultrasonic transducer on both ovaries (1 MHz frequency, 1.5 W⁄cm2) for 5 min in the T5 group and for 10 min in the T10 group. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein into a plain glass tube on days 0 (before laparotomy), 3, 6, and 9 after surgery. All control and treatment groups' dogs were ovariectomized for histological evaluation on day 60 after laparotomy or laparotomy + ultrasound exposure. RESULTS Direct exposure of ovaries with therapeutic ultrasound waves induced inflammation and oxidative stress comparison with the control group. Histopathological evaluation of treated ovaries with ultrasound waves indicated a decreased number of primordial follicles (ovarian reserve) and oocyte preservation scores compared with ovaries in the control group. CONCLUSIONS These changes may cause subfertility in the long term. It seems that inflammatory response and oxidative stress are factors in the permanent damage of ovarian tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arian Rajabi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Asghar Mogheiseh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | | | - AmirReza Dehghanian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Nasser Vesal
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Amin Bigham-Sadegh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
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Pozor MA, Benson SM, Macpherson ML, Kelleman AA. Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and moderate heat on stallion testes. Theriogenology 2023; 203:21-32. [PMID: 36966582 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of stem cells into dysfunctional testes is currently being investigated as a therapeutic option for men and stallions with advanced testicular degeneration. This series of "proof of concept" studies aimed to identify a safe and efficient method of inducing severe testicular degeneration to create an optimal equine recipient model for intratesticular stem cell transplantation (SCT). Two ex vivo and two in vivo experiments were conducted. At first, forty testes obtained from castrations were used to identify an effective therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) device and the protocol for increasing intratesticular temperature in stallions. Six min of treatment using the Vetrison Clinic Portable TUS machine raised the intratesticular temperature by 8°C-12.5 °C. This protocol was applied to treat three scrotal testes in three Miniature horse stallions, three times, every other day. Contralateral testes served as controls. There were signs of slight tubular degeneration in treated testes two and three weeks after TUS treatment. The number of seminiferous tubules (STs) with exfoliated germ cells (GCs) was increased in one testis only, three weeks after treatment. The degree of apoptosis of GCs was higher in each treated testis in comparison to the contralateral control testis. Next, the ability of various heating devices to increase intratesticular temperatures to at least 43 °C in stallion testes was tested, using twenty testes obtained from castrations. ThermaCare® Lower Back & Hip Pain Therapy Heatwrap (TC heat wrap) reliably increased intratesticular temperatures and kept them continuously between 43 °C and 48 °C for seven to 8 h. In the follow-up in vivo study, the left testes of three Miniature horse stallions were treated with TUS, after which both testes of each stallion were treated with moderate heat provided by the TC heat wrap (three times, every other day, for 5 h each time). There were signs of moderate tubular degeneration in the samples from all treated testes obtained three weeks after treatments (Heat only or Heat/TUS): areas with hypospermatogenesis, spermatogenic arrest, vacuolized Sertoli cells, numerous STs with exfoliated GCs, increased degree of GCs apoptosis, and changes in three histomorphometric numeric attributes of STs. We concluded that TUS or TC wraps increase intratesticular temperature of the isolated stallion testes. Further, treatment with TUS or moderate heat may induce mild to moderate degenerative changes in stallion testes. However, to achieve more robust result - severe testicular degeneration, our treatment protocol has to be modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata A Pozor
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Susanne M Benson
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Margo L Macpherson
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Audrey A Kelleman
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Boström A, Asplund K, Bergh A, Hyytiäinen H. Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Therapeutic Ultrasound. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223144. [PMID: 36428372 PMCID: PMC9686477 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the scientific evidence for therapeutic ultrasound (TU), we conducted a systematic review of the literature on TU in dogs, horses, donkeys, and cats. METHODS In three major databases, relevant articles published in 1980-2020 were identified. The risk of bias in each article was evaluated. RESULTS Twenty-four relevant articles on the effects of TU in dogs, nine in horses, two in donkeys, and one in cats were identified. TU usually involved 2-6 treatments weekly for up to 4 weeks. Articles on tendon, ligament, and bone healing, acute aseptic arthritis, osteoarthritis, paraparesis, hindquarter weakness, and back muscle pain were identified. In experimental bone lesions in dogs, there is moderate scientific evidence for enhanced healing. For the treatment of other musculoskeletal conditions, the scientific evidence is insufficient due to the high risk of bias. There is substantial evidence that continuous TU increases tissue temperature in muscles and tendons by up to 5 °C in healthy animals. For disorders in tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints in sport and companion animals, there is insufficient evidence for the clinical effects of TU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Boström
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kjell Asplund
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Bergh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Heli Hyytiäinen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Spanoudes K, Evripidou N, Giannakou M, Drakos T, Menikou G, Damianou C. A High Intensity Focused Ultrasound System for Veterinary Oncology Applications. J Med Ultrasound 2021; 29:195-202. [PMID: 34729329 PMCID: PMC8515634 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_130_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery is an incisionless energy-based thermal method that is used for ablating tumors in the veterinary clinic. Aims and Objectives In this article we describe a prototype of a veterinary system compatible with magnetic resonance imaging intended for small-to-medium-sized companion animals that was developed and tested in vivo in adult rabbits. Methods Real-time monitoring of the ablation during the experiment was possible with MR thermometry. Experiments involved thermal monitoring of sonications applied in the thigh of the rabbits. A 38-mm diameter transducer operating at 2.6 MHz was used with a 60-mm-focal length. The robotic system employed 3 linear axes and one angular axis. For this study, only X and Y axis were enabled. Due to the target size limitations, motion in Z and Θ was not needed. The functionality of the positioning device was evaluated by means of MR thermometry, demonstrating sufficient heating and accurate motion in both axes of operation. Results The postmortem findings confirm the ability of the system to induce thermal ablations in vivo in the absence of adverse effects. Conclusions The device is a reliable and affordable solution for companion animal hospitals, offering and additional tool for the veterinary oncology society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Spanoudes
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.,Vet Ex Machina Ltd., Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nikolas Evripidou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Theocharis Drakos
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.,Medsonic Ltd., Limassol, Cyprus
| | - George Menikou
- Medical Physics Sector, General Hospital of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Jivago JLPR, Brito JLM, Capistrano G, Vinícius-Araújo M, Lima Verde E, Bakuzis AF, Souza PEN, Azevedo RB, Lucci CM. New Prospects in Neutering Male Animals Using Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091465. [PMID: 34575541 PMCID: PMC8467495 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling populations of free-roaming dogs and cats poses a huge challenge worldwide. Non-surgical neutering strategies for male animals have been long pursued, but the implementation of the procedures developed has remained limited to date. As submitting the testes to high temperatures impairs spermatogenesis, the present study investigated localized application of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (MNH) to the testicles as a potential non-surgical sterilization method for animals. An intratesticular injection of a magnetic fluid composed of manganese-ferrite nanoparticles functionalized with citrate was administered followed by testicle exposure to an alternate magnetic field to generate localized heat. Testicular MNH was highly effective, causing progressive seminiferous tubule degeneration followed by substitution of the parenchyma with stromal tissue and gonadal atrophy, suggesting an irreversible process with few side effects to general animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luiz P. R. Jivago
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (J.L.P.R.J.); (J.L.M.B.)
| | - Juliana Lis Mendes Brito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (J.L.P.R.J.); (J.L.M.B.)
| | - Gustavo Capistrano
- Institute of Physics and CNanoMed, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania 74884-092, GO, Brazil; (G.C.); (M.V.-A.); (A.F.B.)
| | - Marcus Vinícius-Araújo
- Institute of Physics and CNanoMed, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania 74884-092, GO, Brazil; (G.C.); (M.V.-A.); (A.F.B.)
| | - Ediron Lima Verde
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Pontal do Araguaia 78060-900, MT, Brazil;
| | - Andris Figueiroa Bakuzis
- Institute of Physics and CNanoMed, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania 74884-092, GO, Brazil; (G.C.); (M.V.-A.); (A.F.B.)
| | - Paulo E. N. Souza
- Laboratory of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Institute of Physics, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil;
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil;
| | - Carolina Madeira Lucci
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (J.L.P.R.J.); (J.L.M.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Khazaei M, Mogheiseh A, Ahrari-Khafi MS, Dehghanian A, Khanbazi MH. A preliminary study of transabdominal ultrasonic wave treatment on the germinal tissues of dog ovaries as a contraceptive approach. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106586. [PMID: 32906055 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate effects in dogs of ultrasonic waves on the ovarian germinal tissues. There was assignment of ovaries of each dog being a control (right ovary) or treated (left ovary) tissue, regardless of the estrous cycle status. For the treated ovary, the ultrasonic probe was set at a frequency of 1 MHz and power of 1.5 W/cm2 and placed on the skin at a location in close proximity to the left ovary that was predetermined using ultrasonography. Subsequently there was a focusing of the waves for 5 min on the tissues of the treated ovary. The treatment was repeated three times at 48 -h intervals. There was placement of the probe at the same proximity to the control ovary; however, the probe was not activated. Ovariectomies for histological examination were performed 30 (five dogs) and 60 (five dogs) days following the ultrasonic treatments. Histopathological examination results indicated there was a reduction in numbers of primordial follicles of four dogs and oocyte degeneration in the Graafian and primordial follicles of five dogs. In most dogs, the degeneration of the granulosa cells of the Graafian follicle was observed in the treated ovaries. The results indicate the treatment of ovaries with transabdominal ultrasonic waves at a 1 MHz frequency, and 1.5 W/cm2 power for three times with each treatment lasting for 5 min at a 48-h interval, did not result in complete ablation of the germinal tissues of the ovary during the 2-month period subsequent to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Khazaei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Asghar Mogheiseh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran.
| | | | - AmirReza Dehghanian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Khanbazi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
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Khanbazi MH, Mogheiseh A, Ahrari Khafi MS, Nazifi S, Ahmadi N, Khazaei M. The effects of therapeutic ultrasound waves on testicular tissue, echogenicity, semen quality, oxidative stress, and acute-phase proteins in dogs. Theriogenology 2020; 153:39-47. [PMID: 32417610 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The application of high-intensity ultrasound waves has been investigated as one of the non-invasive methods of contraception in several species. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of contraception in dogs using ultrasound waves by measuring acute-phase proteins and oxidative stress indices. Ten mixed-breed adult and fertile dogs were divided into two equal treatment and control groups. The dogs' testes in the treatment group were exposed to ultrasound waves at an intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 and a frequency of 1 MHz, 3 times for 5 min, and every 48 h. Blood sampling (before exposure, and 3, 5, 7, 21, 35, 49, and 63 days after exposure), semen collection (before exposure, and 4, 6, and 8 weeks after exposure), testicular ultrasonography (before exposure, and 4, 6, and 8 weeks after exposure), and testis histopathology (30 and 60 days after exposure) were performed during the study. The echogenicity of the dogs' testes significantly increased in the treatment group from week 6 onwards (P = 0.001). The concentration and progressive motility of spermatozoa in all samples, from both the control and the treatment groups, were normal at different times during the study. There was no significant change in the concentration of serum testosterone. The activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes on days 3, 5, and 7 and catalase activity on day 3 significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to those of the control group (P = 0.006). In addition, malondialdehyde concentration significantly increased in the treatment group on days 3, 5, and 7 (P < 0.0001). The concentrations of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein significantly increased on days 3, 5, and 7 compared to those of the control group (P = 0.005). To sum up, high-intensity ultrasound waves could activate the process of the acute phase response of inflammation and oxidative stress and induce further damage to the testicular tissue in dogs. This was mainly observed in the first week after the testes were exposed to ultrasound waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Khanbazi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Asghar Mogheiseh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran.
| | | | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Ahmadi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Khazaei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
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Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M. Desexing Dogs: A Review of the Current Literature. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1086. [PMID: 31817504 PMCID: PMC6940997 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Desexing dogs is promoted for population control, preventative healthcare, and behavior modification. Common methods are orchiectomy and ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy. GnRH superagonist implants are available in some areas. Alternative methods like vasectomy and salpingectomy/hysterectomy are uncommon. The terminology used to describe desexing is inconsistent and contradictory, showing a need for the adaption of standardized terminology. 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. 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 in free-roaming dogs is mostly correlated with female, not male desexing. 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. We argue that lifespan is a more important outcome than ultimate cause of death. A beneficial effect of desexing on lifespan is consistently demonstrated in females, while evidence for a beneficial effect in males is inconsistent. Studies are likely biased in desexing being a proxy for better care and desexed dogs having already lived to the age of desexing. 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. Disease risks increases across sexes and breeds include cruciate ligament rupture, various cancers, and obesity. Urinary incontinence risk is increased in females only. Various other disease risk changes show considerable variability between breeds and sexes. Behavioral Effects: Desexed males show reduced libido, roaming, conspecific mounting, and urinary marking frequency, as well as reduced male dog-directed aggression in a majority of males desexed for behavioral reasons. There is a detrimental effect on the risk and progression of age-related cognitive dysfunction. Desexed dogs may be less likely to cause bite injuries across sexes. The evidence for other effects such as human-directed aggression, human or object mounting, resource guarding, or shyness and anxiety is inconsistent and contradictory. There are few studies specific to females or individual breeds. Conclusions: The evidence for a beneficial effect of desexing is stronger in female than in male dogs; however, there is significant variation between breeds and sexes, and more research is needed to further elucidate these differences and to arrive at individualized evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvan R. Urfer
- Dog Aging Project, Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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