On 2005-01-22, Phil P. penned:

Outdated myth! So is "early age neutering stunts growth". In fact cats
neutered early (8-12 weeks) are often *taller* than cats neutered at 6-7
months. The sex hormones affect the distal radial growth plate closure at
the ends of the long bones. The earlier the hormones are removed, the longer
the bones grow..

Oooh, that jibes with what I learned about Castrati in that Ann Rice novel.
(Okay, yes, that's a pretty pathetic "factual reference," but she does seem to
do a lot of research for her historical novels.) According to her book,
castrati were unusually tall, with long arms and legs, for the same reason.
Makes sense.

I wonder if this is also the case in females. Different hormones, though I
know females produce some amount of testosterone too ... interesting subject!

--
monique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!*