About Early Sterilization

Pediatric sterilization is defined as spaying or neutering an animal between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks. It is not a new concept; Dr. Leo Lieberman published a paper in 1987 entitled "The Case for Neutering Pups and Kittens at Two Months of Age." (JAVMA, vol 191, #5, Sept 1987, p518-521) Since then, many studies have been conducted and papers published in veterinary medical journals about early spay/neuter. Dr. John Boyce of the American Veterinary Medical Association says " Until recently, there were a lot of theoretical concerns about the effects of early-age sterilization. I think the greatest value of some of the controlled studies published in JAVMA is that they show ...we didn’t have all the deaths and other problems we thought we might have."

Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston, MA has been a pioneer clinic in this arena. According to staff there and other clinics that do this procedure, it is easier, faster and involves a shorter recovery time than sterilization in adult and sexually mature animals. Dr. Joan Freed, veterinarian for Alachua County, Florida, Animal Control says "Now when I have to do the occasional six-month-old, I almost feel like the animal is too old!" This is not to say, however, that the procedure is without risk. Anesthetic protocols are different, for example. But Dr. Alicia Faggella, head of anesthesiology as Angell Memorial says "different doesn’t mean more difficult." Factors such as body heat and glucose levels also have to be considered. Immunity levels are not ideal if all vaccinations haven’t been given. Questions have been raised about other medical aspects of early sterilization - skeletal growth, obesity and behavioral problems - but no controlled studies to date have shown a significant difference in animals sterilized at seven weeks and those done at seven months.

Some of the medical "side effects" of pediatric sterilization that are still up for debate, include the possibility of these animals having immature sexual organs and possible urinary tract problems later in life.

Many veterinarians don’t see the need in their private practices to sterilize animals that are not sexually mature. The beauty of pediatric sterilization is that shelter animals can be neutered before adoption regardless of age.

 

Organizations/Associations that Support Early-Age Spay/Neuter:

American Animal Hospital Association

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

American Veterinary Medical Association

American Humane Association

Humane Society of the US

Cat Fanciers’ Association

American Kennel Club