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Published on: November 18, 2016
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Neutering is associated with developing hemangiosarcoma in dogs in the Veterinary Medical Database: An age and
Katherine L Robinson1, Margaret E Bryan1, Ellyn S Atkinson1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (Robinson, Hahn, JN Bryan), Department of Statistics (ME Bryan, Atkinson), College of Veterinary Medicine (Keeler), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA.
Summary
Neutered dogs show an increased risk for hemangiosarcoma (HSA), particularly splenic HSA. This study confirms the association between neutering and HSA development in both male and female dogs, excluding cardiac HSA.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a significant concern in canine health.
- Previous studies suggested a link between neutering and increased HSA risk.
- The specific association with different HSA types and the influence of early neutering practices require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that neutered dogs have an increased risk of developing hemangiosarcoma (HSA).
- To investigate the association between neutering and general, cardiac, and splenic HSA.
- To control for historical time period and patient age to eliminate bias from early neutering practices.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed using data from the Veterinary Medical Database (VMDB) from 1964 to 2003.
- 5,736 dogs diagnosed with HSA were matched by age and time period with controls.
- Logistic regression analysis, including breed, was performed to assess the odds ratios (OR) for HSA in neutered versus intact dogs.
Main Results:
- Spayed females had an OR of 1.59 for splenic HSA, 1.47 for cardiac HSA, and 1.72 for general HSA.
- Castrated males had an OR of 1.26 for splenic HSA and 1.14 for general HSA compared to intact males.
- Neutering was associated with splenic HSA and general HSA in both sexes, but not cardiac HSA.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms an association between neutering and the development of splenic HSA and general HSA in dogs.
- No significant association was found between neutering and cardiac HSA.
- Controlling for historical time period suggests that early neutering practices are not the primary driver of this association.
