Calling Vets or Knowledgeable People !!!

[sheppie]

Okay here goes:
I adopted a GSD from a shelter in the spring. LOVE HIM !!! He is pure from all accounts ( been out to attempt schutzhund many times and know these people well)...BUT... as he appears a GSD he has grown unusually long legs/thin head and very narrow chest. He is very baby like and is almost 1 year. He was neutered at the shelter at 2 months (yes full disclosure to me). BUT... I did not know of any ramifications on this matter. I AM KEEPING MY DOG.... but as you this as I received the weiredest response from the very unfriendly shelter vet ( know this vet outside of shelter). Tells me that according to a 2004.....report....that this is acceptable. 2004??? May I write her response in hopes that some of you will have experience with this. My own vet just rolled her eyes stating that "problems later on are well known".....
Here is what the shelter vet wrote to me
"
I was unable to get the full text of the reference you quoted by Salmeri e. al, however, the last statement in the abstract states: “It was concluded that with respect to skeletal, physical, and behavioural development, the effect of neutering pups at 7 weeks old was similar to that of neutering pups at 7 months old.” This contrast from your understanding would be elucidated in the body of the article (which I don’t have) but I assume that it means that although there was a significant difference in the delay in growth plate closure this didn’t translate into a huge difference in size. I’m not sure of your understanding of scientific literature, however, their use of the work “significant” refers to a statistical significance in that the difference cannot be attributed to chance alone. Most people in every day conversation use the term significant difference to mean a large difference but that is not the case in science.
Notwithstanding this, even if early-neutered puppies are noticeably taller than those neutered later, there are no reports of orthopaedic health issues related to this difference in radial/ulnal bone length in dogs. I’ve attached a very thorough article by Spain et al, published in 2004 that reviews all the literature related to early and late gonadectomy in dogs. There is an equivalent article in cats. If you’re interested, I can forward that as well."

[msvette2u]

In shelter settings, the arguments go out the window, sorry.
It is better to risk some "possible" growth issues than another litter of puppies.
Just as it's better to risk a puppy dying on the table than another unwanted litter later on. We do this in rescue, as well, and have not heard of health issues related to either pediatric s/n, either in the very close future (within a week or two) or even a year - 5yrs. later.

http://www.columbusdogconnection.com...ebuttal%20.pdf GOOD READ. Please view it.

[sheppie]

Thanks for quick response. I totally get the early thing re: rescue/shelter as I mentioned...but now am looking at possible problems down the road. Please see attached article that is current on this topic. ThanksIs Early Neutering Hurting Pets?

[msvette2u]

The article I posted is a rebuttal to that article of Dr. Zink's. I've read the canine sports article. Did you read the rebuttal?
They also need to read the rebuttal

[AgileGSD]

What you describe does sound pretty typically of early altered dogs, especially males.

[sheppie]

I am reading everything i have my hands on. But I have asked several vets here in my city. They agree that there are issues with the growth platlettes (sp?/) not closing and that down the line opens these dogs up to all kinds of problems.

I worked at this shelter. I get the spay/neuter thing and the jerks that don't return...but at what cost? msvetter2u (luv that name)...reading now....

[msvette2u]

There is evidence the growth plates close later but there's not concrete evidence this is a horrible harm.
However, in a sporting dog, I am sure there could be related issues due to longer bones, but then again, the tendons and muscles, etc. would also accommodate the longer bones since they'd all grow together.
I'd encourage anyone who is quite concerned about the potential for problems (potential, not a guarantee there will be), to work with a place (shelter or rescue) who'll let you keep the dog intact until adulthood, or purchase from a reputable breeder who agrees to the same.

[Wild Wolf]

I am a certified Animal Care technician, and I have been working in a hospital for over a year.

It is in my personal opinion that neutering and spaying an animal before they are fully grown (approximately 2 years) is unhealthy for the animal. The sex organs provide essential hormones that play an important role in growth, and I believe the young neutering is the reason for your dog's tall and lanky/narrow physical condition.

The veterinarians at my clinic recommend altering a pet at 6 months, but not before.

I strongly disagree with msvette2u's previous statements - only because it is very much possible to prevent young dogs from breeding (a two month old dog is incapable of producing puppies, anyway) - the health risks are not worth the early alteration to prevent litters that either cannot happen due to being a puppy or can be prevented by responsible humans.

[sheppie]

Whew. Thought I was alone here. I have to say I have read and re-read and read some more. Asked questions and listened. My dog is lovely. But it very puppy like still...and his body is nothing less than kangaroo. While I love him like crazy, I can't help wondering about his long term effects. I mean 8 weeks old is young. His limbs look almost weird...as they are so long and thin. I fear for him as he ages and know I must NEVER let him get large as this will put too much pressure on these already spindly legs.

I was going to go breeder. Then saw him advertised. He is lovely but I do fear for down the road.....

[Wild Wolf]

Originally Posted by sheppie

Whew. Thought I was alone here. I have to say I have read and re-read and read some more. Asked questions and listened. My dog is lovely. But it very puppy like still...and his body is nothing less than kangaroo. While I love him like crazy, I can't help wondering about his long term effects. I mean 8 weeks old is young. His limbs look almost weird...as they are so long and thin. I fear for him as he ages and know I must NEVER let him get large as this will put too much pressure on these already spindly legs.

I was going to go breeder. Then saw him advertised. He is lovely but I do fear for down the road.....

He needed you and you saved his life, never regret that. You will share a unique, powerful bond with him.

Make sure he is on a high quality food (RAW or high quality grain-free kibble like Instinct, Orijen or Acana) and start up a savings account with approximately 3000 to deal with any emergencies in the future. For all you know, he will be okay in terms of health conditions.

EDIT: Dogs typically 'fill out' between one and three years of age.