Spaying Question

[michael Joyce]

My Female just turned three and we have a new male puppy in the house. Since I have no intention of breeding my female I am thinking of spaying her but have some reservations! My female is very muscular, when i fixed my rottie his muscle went to mush! I know their is a big difference because of testosterone in my male then my female. But I was wondering if anyone has noticed a difference in appearence in their female after fixing them! In addition, when my Male comes of age will he get along better with an altered female(I know that sounds funny) does it will it make a difference. My girl is also very territorial which I pesonally do not mind, will this change her behavior!
Thak you in advance for any response!

[Marco]

Hello Michael thanks for your post, I have not had any experience with this yet.  I'm sure someone here has and will be able to help.  Thanks for sharing!

[Lee May]

This is a very tough choice. Your female at three is ready to be fixed if you will won't be breeding her. It helps reduce several chances of cancer later in life. But you will have to excersice her more and cut back on her food (quality will be Key), to help prevent weight gain and Muscle loss. Your male may respect her more if not spayed, but then you have to deal with long nights of whinning and possible howling and seperation of the two. good luck. Peace Lee

[JonP]

Thanks for the advice Lee, I too am interested in the responses to this question. I am trying to decide when to spay my female pup as well. I would love to hear from others about what they have done in the past and how it has worked out for them and their dogs. I hope some others will share their experiences with us on this tough question! 

[Lee May]

Sorry I did forget to mention, their are some post here on the subject posted by Ashley. Also many vets over my Adult hood have always said to wait for 2 full heat cycles as to not stunt growth. Good Luck and Peace.

 

[James Dillon]

From an overall health prospective spaying a female earlier than later is a good idea.  If a female is spayed prior to her first heat cycle it really diminishes chances for various problems including mammary cancers developing later in life.  The amount of protection you get from spaying decreases with each of the next few heat cycles until it plateaus a few cycles in.  Still spaying a female not intended for breeding is a good idea health-wise.  There are potentially fatal risks, such as pyometra, that are virtually eliminated or reduced by spaying a female dog.

[Marco]

Thanks for your input James, much appreciated.  With anything the thing to do is research as much as you can on the subject.  I'm sure its possible as with most things there are positive and negative effects of waiting or going early.

[Phil Harris]

So I will weigh in on Spaying and Neutering early. Often when folks (even those wearing stethoscopes) pontificate on this subject they give reasons other than population control for spaying/neutering early. I never see them cite specific studies or reasons, because they don't have solid good ones! Of course they will talk about Pyometra, which by the way  is not eliminated by spaying, Oh shit, what? Of course I can cite 15 cancers that will have an increased risk from spaying esp early spaying. Not to mention obesity, bone cancer by a factor of 5, bladder, spleen, and oh yeah pancreatitis. I am going to give you an overview from Rutgers PHD in Animal Sciences. This was a study of 50 peer reviewed studies, have a look, I don't give a rats patootie about what most 'Vets" have to say- too much conflict of interest. I have not been able to find a vet yet that isn't a kibble pimp. But have a look here:http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/longtermhealtheffectsofspayneuterind...

This is good information, then fire your vet, throw away your kibble and take the time to clean up and supervise your dog when she is in heat, instead of giving her surgery, a gift that will keep on giving. 

[James Dillon]

Phil,

I'm not sure why you think I was "pontificating" but I was just putting out some factual information that I learned in the 8 years I spent in college learning about animal health to try to help people on this site out.  I would guess that most of your information you cited above has come from a lengthy and biased internet search to support your already established viewpoint.  Including your reference to a "stump pyometra" which is very very rare.  I could find studies to back up my statements but frankly, your opinion is not worth my time to do that research on a Sunday.  

For the record, I have no problem with intact dogs, especially if they are intended for breeding.  Your dog is your property and you can do whatever you want with it.  I myself own an intact male boerboel.  However, if I determine he is not going to breed I will neuter him myself.  

Furthermore, while I do believe that dry dog food is the easiest way to give your pet proper nutrition (and what I give my dog)  that doesn't mean it is the only way.  It is just what I suggest.

My biggest problem with your reply was your disrespectful tone.  My career as a veterinarian has been in the US Army and included a tour of duty in Iraq and a pair of airborne wings.  My first emergency as a veterinarian was a working dog shot in the chest by an insurgent with an AK-47.  Thanks to the efforts of myself and others he is still working today (and eating dry dog food).  I think my actions have earned more respect than to be referred to as a "kibble pimp" for trying to give some folks in this community some good info.  In the future please think before you type.

[Phil Harris]

1). For someone who doesnt think my opinion is worth effort you made a pretty long post. 

2). Still you  don't Cite any sources for your information that is "factual"

3). I know plenty of folks that spent 8 years in college and didn't learn s&#t.

4). Kibble is not a proper nutrition for dogs. It is at best a really bad way to feed carnivores. 

5). In the 44 years that I have been a dog owner etc. I have only met a couple of vets who are knowlegable. Neither sell kibble. I have learned that anyone who is in the medical fraternity that is in product sales is a hack. If that is not you good. I commend you for being remarkable. However if you sell any kibble at your practice, then your are just another of the many vet/pimps and I have nothing more to say to you.

' 

 

[Lee May]

Play nice Phil!! Peace and Joy