Long-term effect of neutering on plasma luteinising hormone concentration in cats

Abstract

Objectives The objectives of this study were to validate a commercially available luteinising hormone (LH) cat ELISA, to determine whether the increases in plasma LH concentration that occur after neutering are maintained throughout cats’ lives and if other factors such as calendar seasons in both intact and neutered cats, and neutering age in neutered cats, influence plasma LH concentrations. Methods Stored plasma samples from client-owned cats were used for the measurement of LH concentrations. Clinical data, including age, sex, age at neutering and medical history, were reviewed. Two populations were included in this study: (1) a senior and geriatric cat population (⩾9 years old), including 18 intact and 18 neutered cats matched for age, sex and month of sample collection; and (2) an adult cat population (2–8 years old), including 45 neutered cats. LH concentrations were measured using a commercially available feline ELISA. Results Senior and geriatric neutered cats had higher plasma LH concentrations than age-matched intact cats ( P <0.001). Calendar season did not influence plasma LH concentrations in the adult ( P = 0.727) or senior/geriatric ( P = 0.745) cats included in this study. No influence of age at neutering was observed on plasma LH concentrations ( P = 0.296). Conclusions and relevance Neutering causes a significant long-term increase in LH concentrations in cats and further studies are required to determine the consequences on feline health.