Applying a life course approach to elucidate the biology of sex differences in frailty: early-life gonadectomy diminishes late-life robustness in male and female dogs in the Exceptional Aging in Rottweilers Study

The research extends current interest in the biology of sex differences in frailty and provides rationale for further inquiry into the role that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis plays in supporting late-life robustness. Studies with companion dogs represent a unique investigative opportunity to enhance our understanding of biological factors that impact sex differences and to spur the development of sex-specific anti-frailty interventions.