To Spay or not to Spay

Hi all we were going to get Leia spayed after her first season which is what our vet recommended. Ive just read the section in announcements with regard to the pro's and con's of doing this and to be honest im now more confused and worried about what to do for the best. We dont want to Breed with her and she will never be put in a situation where she could get pregnant but we would love to know your views and opinions on this subject so we can make an informed decision.

Many Thanks

John & Sonia

hi john and sonia,

There are pros and cons with spaying or neutering and only you can decide what is right for your dog(s) not anybody else.

Here is a link that may help you decide:-

Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs.

Hi Steve
Yeah i realise its quite a personal thing. I have asked advice a few times and people answer straight away but no one has jumped in on this subject lol.
Its difficult ive read the pro's and Con's but still not sure what to do for the best. Its a difficult one.

Many Thanks Steve

If you going get her spay i would let her muture first around 2/3 year old.

Ok Thanks Steve

This is a very emotive subject & you will find a lot of different views throughout the professionals (ie vets), let alone this forum!

My advice would always be to allow a dog or bitch to mature properly before neutering, but others here will give advice to neuter at 6 months, or 12 months, or 18 months!

The link Steve has given you is a well written piece which is totally unbiased & based on thorough research. I know it doesn't give you a definitive answer, but reading it should help you to balance the pros & cons of the whole procedure.

Remember that any surgery will involve risks in itself. What you have to do is balance the risk of surgery & the possible bad results with the future good that surgery may impart.

Sorry to be a bit unhelpful, but we've had these discussions time & time again on this forum, and they usually end up quite antagonistic, with each faction telling the other they're wrong!

Thanks Caryll
I think its a decision we are not going to rush into.

Appreciated

I agree with Steve and Caryll. Its a decision only you can make after weighing up the pros/cons, risks/benefits. As said, if you do decide to spay, holding off til she is mature is a good idea.

Thanks Shontelle I think we will do that and decide in a couple of years

Hi, we had Sophie spayed at 15 months. We talked it through with our vet and the advice was to have her done three months after the end of her first season. She came into season the first week in September so it was around Christmas time she was due to be done.

We had her done on the 16th January and have no regrets. She had a textbook spay followed by a textbook healing. Whilst we felt so guilty the first couple of days, it has taken out all the stress of her having seasons/possible unwanted pregnancy.

The vet also advised it goes a long way to avoid the risk of breast cancer for her.

The hardest thing was keeping her calm for a fortnight.

Thanks for that Bob much appreciated

bobs wrote:The vet also advised it goes a long way to avoid the risk of breast cancer for her.

getting your dog done it's not going stop your dog dying from cancer.

Although the incidence of mammary cancer is higher in unspayed bitches, it still isn't all that common. Also, if you spay once the bitch is mature you will guard against mammary cancer and allow the full physical & mental character to develop!

Thanks Guys this all helps much appreciated