Investigation of the Relationship between Plasma Nesfatin-1 Levels and Neutering in Dogs

Abstract

Neutering of dogs, whether male or female, provides various benefits such as contraception, population control, and the prevention of reproductive disorders and undesirable sexual behaviors. However, it is also associated with an increased risk of obesity, which may be directly linked to post-neutering hormonal changes. Our study aims to determine the effects of neutering on plasma levels of nesfatin-1, serotonin, dopamine, TSH, and T4—hormones implicated in obesity and metabolic regulation. Fourteen dogs (seven males and seven females), aged between 1 and 3 years, were included in this study. Male dogs underwent orchiectomy and females underwent ovariohysterectomy. Blood samples were collected before surgery and on days 7 and 14 post-operatively to measure the plasma levels of these hormones using ELISA. The results showed a significant decrease in nesfatin-1, serotonin, and T4 levels, along with a significant increase in TSH levels in both male and female dogs post-neutering. While these hormonal changes are likely part of the body’s adaptive response to neutering, they may represent a potential mechanism that contributes to the long-term tendency toward obesity in neutered dogs.

Keywords

• dog
• dopamine
• female and male
• nesfatin-1
• neutering
• serotonin