Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or traditional age in cats

Objective-To determine long-term results and complications of gonadectomy p erformed at an early age (prepubertal) or at the traditional age in cats. Design-Cohort study. Animals-263 cats from animal shelters. Procedure-Cats that underwent gonadectomy were allotted to 2 groups on the basis of estimated age at surgery (traditional age, greater than or equal t o 24 weeks old, prepubertal, < 24 weeks old). Adoptive owner information wa s obtained from shelter records, and telephone interviews were conducted wi th owners to determine physical or behavioral problems observed in the cats after adoption. Follow-up information was obtained from attending veterina rians for cats with complex problems or when owners were uncertain regardin g the exact nature of their cat's problem. Results-Compared with traditional-age gonadectomy, prepubertal gonadectomy did not result in an increased incidence of infectious disease, behavioral problems, or problems associated with any body system during a median follo w-up period of 37 months. Additionally, the rate of retention in the origin al adoptive household was the same for cats that underwent prepubertal gona dectomy as those that underwent traditional-age gonadectomy. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Prepubertal gonadectomy may be performed safely in cats without concern for increased incidence of physical or beha vioral problems for at least a 3-year period after gonadectomy.