I am going to have my German Shepherd puppy (4 and 1/2 months old ) spaded at some point in time. Her big sis, Glitter, has already been spaded. I have always waited until they have been through a heat cycle before spading them. However, my vet is suggesting I go ahead and do it now. His reasoning is the dog is healthier, etc. etc. My concern is I have heard that dogs that were spaded when they were too young had problems with holding their urine and leaking. Any suggestions, advice, etc. I do not want any puppies. My dog is beautiful in my eyes and has a good blood line but I don't want the mess and worry about finding good homes for her. Thanks in advance for any advice you give me.
Posts: 127 | Location: ASHLAND, KY, USA | Registered: 11-02-02
Most vets mutually agree to spay a dog BEFORE its first heat. Only a small number of female dogs develop incontinence after the procedure. It is NOT the age of the dog that causes the development of incontinence but rather the reduced level of estrogen. The benefits of spaying her before her first heat greatly outweigh the odds of her developing incontinence. Dogs that do develop incontinence from a reduction in estrogen are placed on a very low level of hormone therapy. The odds of her developing a problem are minimal and are not a major concern. Speak with your vet about your concerns, and the steps available to treat it.
Posts: 1120 | Location: united states | Registered: 06-03-02
TOTALLY aggree with Piggins (as usual!). At our shelter, we have been doing pediatric spays for quite some time (as young as 8 wks) and there really haven't been very many problems.
Get her spayed as soon as your vet allows.
Posts: 105 | Location: Western NY | Registered: 09-01-02
I've always had all my dogs fixed at the age of six months old. Most of my dogs have always been male, so I think that females can get fixed earlier then males...since males have to umm..er...ahem..grow some testicals first....too bad some men didn't get nuetered at six months of age!
My vet just has always said that it's best to do them around six months of age.
Posts: 9085 | Location: The land of OZZZZZZZ | Registered: 06-04-02
Actually... the males already have their testicles when they are born. The reason you may not see them may be that he was born only with one, or he's pulled them up.
Checking for testicles is one of the first things we do in a health evaluation of the puppies (and dogs) that are surrendered. If they have an actual retained testicle, and not just pulling it up, that information is noted since the surgery is more involved than just a straight neuter.
Posts: 105 | Location: Western NY | Registered: 09-01-02
Many vets have different opinions about the age for spaying. Mine recommended at age 5 months, so we did. She's a year old now, and no sign of any problems. ****** Puppy, sometimes you frighten me. BTW, the astericks were just spacers, not a coded word.
