More DachsLife 2015 analysis of the relationship between neutering and health

Post date: Dec 29, 2016 2:19:23 PM

Neutering (spaying) of bitches is often put forward as a way to reduce the risk of Mammary tumours in later life. Our DachsLife 2015 data does not support this argument. There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of a spayed bitch having Mammary Tumours than for entire bitches.

However, neutering (spaying and castration) was found to increase the odds of a Dachshund having skin allergies and autoimmune conditions. These were both statistically significant findings. Neutered Dachshunds had twice the odds of having skin allergies and four times the odds of having an autoimmune condition.

We have previously reported that neutering, particularly when carried out before 6 months of age, increases the odds of a Dachshund having back disease (IVDD).