tension wrote:

Connie:
Thank you for those links, they were very helpful.  I think perhaps
I will think differently with regards to Muezza Glorio when the
time comes, though I note that the studies show that the
"pediatric" category does include up to and including seven months
of age, though obviously that would assume an animal who has not
actually reached maturity by that time which many can and do.

I do like the idea of getting it done at the time of the last
vaccinations, around 4 months (17-18 wks). The bone effects I
referred to do occur, according to these studies, but are found
to be clinically insignificant apparently, though all studies
mentioned did not do long-term (geriatric) followup which is
my main concern.  In humans, females especially, estrogen
deficiency leads to osteoporosis earlier and more severely.
Perhaps in such a small animal as a cat, it is less of a
concern since the orthopedic system does not carry such
a burden as the human one does in terms of weight.

One thing I might like to add, though, is that I don't think
it is a fair assumption to say that a vet that says 6months
is good is probably not up-to-date.  All these studies
mention quite clearly that this issue is highly controversial,
therefore a vet who doesn't feel comfortable doing anesthesia
on such a small patient is not necessarily outdated, but
perhaps very well-informed but made a conscientious decision.
At least he doesn't say wait until adulthood.

Anyways, you changed my mind about it, so that's a
good thing.  Thanks for the info.

--tension