Vet and Breeder at odds for when to spay - Page 2

[AAK]

Our vet told us that they like to do it after 6 months of age. And for our male, after 7 months of age so that if his baby canines don't fall out on their own (which she said is common in the terriers) that they can take care of both matters with only one round of sedation. She didn't seem concerned about waiting longer--just didn't want to do it earlier. For our male though, she did say that if he started exhibiting the "male behaviors" that they would do it earlier. But, she didn't think that would happen that young.

Amy

[lonegirl]

Being the anesthetist for our hospital I know that surgery time dramatically increases once they have had a heat cycle or happen to be in heat at time of surgery. Yesterday we had to small dogs (6m pug and 7 m shih-tzu mix)....the 6m pug was a 25min surgery the 7m was just starting her heat and it was a 45min surgery. All blood vessels are larger and require more ligations to ensure they do not slip off, thus causing internal bleeding. The longer a pet is under general anesthesia the more risks that can occur, the longer it takes for the body to rid itself of the gases. Yes, in general a young healthy animal will do well under GA, but it is best to minimize the time under.
I have also seen mammary tumours in females that were spayed later in life....not pretty I must say....not a risk that I am willing to take.
Just my 2cents

[Nibsie]

As a former breeder and Vet Tech, I would say to spay her at 6 months.

[Nibsie]

Originally Posted by lonegirl

Being the anesthetist for our hospital I know that surgery time dramatically increases once they have had a heat cycle or happen to be in heat at time of surgery. Yesterday we had to small dogs (6m pug and 7 m shih-tzu mix)....the 6m pug was a 25min surgery the 7m was just starting her heat and it was a 45min surgery. All blood vessels are larger and require more ligations to ensure they do not slip off, thus causing internal bleeding. The longer a pet is under general anesthesia the more risks that can occur, the longer it takes for the body to rid itself of the gases. Yes, in general a young healthy animal will do well under GA, but it is best to minimize the time under.
I have also seen mammary tumours in females that were spayed later in life....not pretty I must say....not a risk that I am willing to take.
Just my 2cents

Thank you