Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs

On the negative side, neutering male dogs • if done before maturity, increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) by a factor of 3.8; this is a common cancer in medium/large and larger breeds with a poor prognosis. • increases the risk of cardiac hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 1.6; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds • triples the risk of hypothyroidism • increases the risk of geriatric cognitive impairment • triples the risk of obesity, a common health problem in dogs with many associated health problems • quadruples the small risk (<0.6%) of prostate cancer • doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract cancers • increases the risk of orthopedic disorders • increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations