The BVA and the BSAVA have updated their guidance on neutering, advising vets to move away from early neutering in dogs and take a case-by-case approach.

The policy pulls together current research on potential long-term health and welfare impacts of neutering and ways these may be reduced, including different methods, delaying the procedure, or not neutering.

It recommends assessing male dog castration on an individual basis, taking factors such as age, breed and lifestyle into account.

Advice for cats is unchanged, with male and female cats still recommended for neutering at around four months of age, before sexual maturity.

The Associations say the general consensus is that male and female dogs should be neutered at around 12–24 months, when many breeds are considered to have reached skeletal maturity, to reduce the risk of developing orthopaedic conditions.

A joint FAQs resource has also been produced to summarise the conclusions and recommendations for practice teams.

BVA Senior Vice President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: "The updated policy position brings together the latest evidence to support small animal vets with making context-based decisions on a case-by-case basis and what that might mean for discussing neutering options with clients."

BSAVA President Julian Hoad added: "The evidence base underpinning decision-making continues to evolve and although the policy position covers many key research outputs, ambiguities still exist.

"BVA and BSAVA have made recommendations based on existing knowledge and how best this can be applied in practical scenarios.

"The resulting aim of the policy is to support veterinary professionals in clinical practice by equipping them with the tools that help them in offering tailored neutering advice to pet owners."

https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/neutering-of-cats-and-dogs/