Prepuberal Gonadectomy - Early-Age Neutering of Dogs and Cats

Early-age neutering of puppies and kittens (as early as 6-7 weeks of age) is increasing in popularity in the United States. This increase likely results from accumulating information on the safety of the procedure and lack of long-term adverse side effects. As veterinarians become comfortable and familiar with the procedure, they are likely to encourage more clients to consider early-age neutering. Puppies and kittens neutered at early ages have shorter recovery times than those neutered at more traditional ages; mortality and morbidity rates have also been reported as lower. Early-age neutering is also one tool used to combat pet overpopulation, a problem whereby millions of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the U.S. because they are unwanted. Thus, the prepuberal gonadectomy may be good for individual animals and for controlling birth rates in populations of dogs and cats.