Testosterone

How is testosterone measured?

Testosterone can be measured in the blood, saliva or urine of dogs. The blood test is the most accurate method, but also the most expensive and invasive. Saliva and urine tests are simpler and cheaper, but less reliable. Testosterone levels can vary depending on the time of day, age, breed, health status and stress level of the dog. It is therefore important to carry out several measurements at different times in order to obtain a meaningful result.

What factors influence testosterone?

There are several factors that can influence testosterone levels in dogs. Some of these are:

• Age: Testosterone levels increase with the onset of puberty and peak between the first and second year of life. After that, it slowly decreases.
• Breed: Some dog breeds naturally have higher or lower testosterone levels than others. For example, Rottweilers, Dobermans and Boxers tend to have higher levels than Poodles, Maltese and Shih Tzus.
• Health: Diseases or injuries can lower or raise testosterone levels. For example, inflammation of the testicles or prostate, tumors or infections can cause hormone levels to rise. Conversely, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or thyroid problems can lower hormone levels.
• Stress: Stress can affect testosterone levels both in the short and long term. Short-term stress can lead to an increase in the hormone to prepare the dog for a fight or flight response. Long-term stress, however, can lead to a drop in the hormone as the body needs to conserve its resources.
• Castration: Castration is a surgical procedure in which the testicles are removed. This stops the production of testosterone. Castration has both advantages and disadvantages for the dog.

Advantages and disadvantages of castration

Neutering is a common practice to prevent unwanted reproduction and to reduce or prevent certain behavioral or health problems. Some of the benefits of neutering are

• Reductionof aggression: a neutered dog is usually less aggressive towards other dogs or people, as it is less driven by its sex drive.
• Reductionof marking: A neutered dog is less likely to mark its territory with urine as it feels less competitive pressure.
• Reductionof straying: A neutered dog has less interest in escaping his home to search for females in heat.
• Prevention of disease: Neutering can reduce or eliminate the risk of testicular cancer, prostate problems or sexually transmitted diseases.

However, there are also some disadvantages of neutering that should be considered:

• Weight gain: a neutered dog has lower energy requirements and an increased appetite. This can lead to weight gain if diet and exercise are not adjusted.
• Loss of muscle mass: A neutered dog has a lower testosterone level, which can lead to a loss of muscle mass. This can affect the dog's physical performance and appearance.
• Change in coat growth: A neutered dog may experience a change in its coat growth called neuter coat. This means that the coat becomes longer, softer and thinner. This can lead to increased grooming requirements and an increased risk of skin problems.
• Risks of the operation: As with any operation, there are also risks associated with castration, such as bleeding, infection or complications during anesthesia. However, these are rare and can be minimized with good preparation and aftercare.