To spay or not to spay?

I'm appalled at your post Hetty. Make it illegal in the UK to spay or neuter? Do you have the slightest idea how many unwanted puppies and kittens are born every year? Or how many females die during, or as a result of, giving birth? One of my many cats was a female who came to us and gave birth the same day. Obviously seeking a safe place. She developed an infection of the womb shortly afterwards, which would have killed her (and resulted in the death f the kittens)had we not taken her to the vet immediately for treatment, which included spaying. It isn't an operation carried out for our convenience - it's an operation carried out at our expense to prolong healthy life and prevent the birth of unwanted babies.

Rosina

We asked our vet's advice and he said there was no reason that he knew for waiting until the first season was over. We took his advice, and our 6 month old was bright as a button the day after surgery. I'm not sure why one season is ever suggested - can anyone enlighten me?

As I said earlier the dog is still growing during it’s first 12 months. Also, if you spay a dog before it’s first season I don’t you know how you can be sure that she isn’t coming into season and an operation when the blood vessels are filling up ( I don’t know the technical term). in that area is dangerous. I think smaller dogs do mature physically earler than larger dog. As for not spaying them, I think the people who are against it also tend to be the ones opposed to booster vaccinations. I, too was against spaying until my girl nearly died of pyometra. She was very lucky to survive and was never the same dog afterwards. Operating on an older dog with a womb infection is far more dangerous than doing so when they’re young. Phantom pregnancies are quite common and very distressing for them. And a pyometra where there is no show of blood is a killer. I feel guilt over mistakes I’ve made with all of my pets (especially those I had pre internet when I didn’t have access to the same help and information) but my biggest regret is not having my bitches spayed. Just remember some unscrupulous breeders make their money from studding their dogs and it isn’t in their best interest to have the bitches spayed.

(for info) www.veterinary-practice.com/article/the-neutering-of-dogs-and-bitches-in-the-uk-and-europe

(of course, many vets recommend neutering - they would!)

Mollygo, I wouldn't - and don't. It's just not acceptable, to me, to mutilate animals for our own convenience. Of course, our history of drowning strays in the Thames, long ago, led to the ideas of controlling reproduction. Now, we don't allow our dogs to wander free (although things are trickier with cats).

My vet said that there's an increased risk of heart problems with spaying, and cancer without - so swings and roundabouts. There are breed-specific differences too, e.g. a longer life for intact male Golden Retrievers, along with urban myths about 'calming' behaviour (for those too lazy to do thorough training). It's really not too much bother to provide old towels and mop up after a bitch in season - for just a couple of weeks a year, is it? (or maybe just don't keep a pet?).

I think neutering should be illegal here - just as it is in many parts of northern Europe and Scandinavia. Here, it's considered 'responsible' - very strange.

Spay - before first season if possible according to vet

I've just done this for my dog. You just need to ensure it's done mid-point of her seasons (3 months) as if not a phantom pregnancy can happen, which I've been told could be permanent!

Absolutely have your dog spayed if you are not going to breed from her. There are far too many abandoned dogs/puppies in the world.

Definitely spay and there's no need to wait until after 1st season

We asked our vet's advice and he said there was no reason that he knew for waiting until the first season was over. We took his advice, and our 6 month old was bright as a button the day after surgery. I'm not sure why one season is ever suggested - can anyone enlighten me?

I have always had my female dogs spayed and female cats too. It saves on mess and the worry of unexpected puppies/kittens. Can’t see why it’s not a good thing unless you intend to breed. There are quite enough dogs and cats in need of loving homes without adding more to the mix! Recovery for the animal is fine with a bit of TLC so there’s no need to worry!

Ethelwashere1

I also have had all my cats done at 6 months and males castrated no probs at all

I think it’s different with cats as they’re fully grown at an earlier age. Dogs growth plates continue to grow for a long time and neutering at an early age hinders the development of their bones. Also emotionally it’s important for dogs to go through their doggy adolescence, otherwise you might end up having a doggy version of Kevin the teenager in perpetuity. Or so I’ve been told, anyway.

I also have had all my cats done at 6 months and males castrated no probs at all

Yes spay. I had a Labrador who was very I’ll with pyrometa She pulled through but as she was elderly she took ages to recover then we noticed tumours all over her belly and neck she was operated on for them but became very I’ll and had to be put down Avoidable if she’s been spayed at a young age. However we didn’t own her till she was about 8 which is old for a lab or she would have been done

Germanshepherdsmum

I’m afraid spaying and neutering cats won’t stop them going into other people’s gardens and doing their business wherever they want usuallyright.

It isn’t indiscriminate. They use other people gardens because they don’t want to soil their own territory. Neutering might stop an un neutered male from scent marking but won’t stop them poo’ing.

Yes as a former vet nurse the uterus and ovaries aren't needed and will likely cause problems at a later date. These will be more painful for her and costly to you with a long recovery period. Look up a condition called pyometra. It can be fatal. A simple quick easy spay is routine, and done at a young and healthy age is much safer all round.

Yes, we had Tilly spayed using the keyhole method which was a lot less invasive and she fully recovered within two days.

I’m afraid spaying and neutering cats won’t stop them going into other people’s gardens and doing their business wherever they want usuallyright.

Yes, as although you have made the decision, your dog and others around her haven’t .

Of course. Do it soon.

Do wish people would have their cats done to stop them crapping indiscriminately on other people's gardens.

My border collie is six months old and was spayed 3 weeks ago she didn't have a season. Trying to keep her calm didn't work she just wanted to play lol, now she back walking meeting her friends and having fun. Good luck ?

Yes i would almost always spay a bitch once she is adult. We did have one where the vet revccommended not spaying for very good physical reasons (can't remember what now) so we didn't and she got clingy and miserable every season. The only problem I have ever had is keeping them quiet while the stitches heal.

Spay before she comes into first season. Here's the advice from the Royal Vet College:

'Spaying your dog can reduce the chance of her developing mammary gland tumour (breast cancer), the most common type of malignant tumour in female dogs… the maximum protective effect [is] achieved if your dog is spayed before her first season'

www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/general-practice/practice-services/routine-pet-healthcare/neutering-spaying-pet/dog-puppy-neutering

YES

Yes, but not too young. Wait until they are at least over one year. Doing it too young significantly increases the risk of them becoming bladder incontinant. I learned that the hard way with one of mine. She leaked urine when lying down and it always upset her.