Spaying pets

Some years ago, it became popular for rescues and shelters to spay and neuter VERY young pups and kittens, like weeks old, not months. This came about because so many new owners "promised" to return with the pet for spay/neuter and never did it. I always felt major surgery was a little harsh for a pup or kitten barely weaned, but that's just me. Our dogs and cat were all about 7 mos when spayed and that worked out very well.

This is an area of controversy. There is a statistical association between some issues found later in life, but a causal relation has yet to be proven. Essentially increases in cruciate rupture, hip dysplasia and bone cancer have been reported. It is easy to associate the weight gain commonly seen in spayed females with the cruciate and hip issues.

This is more of an issue to be considered in large breed dogs and working dogs. The increase in incidence of these is WAY less than the increase in incidence of breast cancer associated with delayed spaying, especially in small dogs and house pets.

As in most things in life, risk vs reward.

Doug, DVM

I have researched growth plates and am curious why some feel they must close before spaying.

I don't spay or neuter until the dog's growth plates are closed. In our breed, that is generally between 12-15 months of age. With our young girl (well, she's almost 7 now) her 15-month X-rays showed that she wasn't quite there, so we waited until 19 months of age for her.

no advice, just wanted to say how cute they are !

Thank's for the comments. Ray, I have done some research that gives many different suggestions some of which conflict. Current vet says 4-6 months but would have a more definitive answer on the end of November when they go in for another check up.

We lived elsewhere when Ouiser was spayed and that vet said to do after first but before second heat cycle. Having a pet that needed spaying was a first for us and we felt so sorry for her when she went into heat. Poor thing was so confused.

I agree to spay at the same time - at least for a short while, both might feel like taking it easy? Maybe for a couple of hours.....LOL!

I'm still in the camp that believes that spaying before the first heat has benefits that FAR OUTWEIGH any potential downside. My recommendations are to have them done together at the same time and before 8 months of age.

While there may be an association with musculoskeletal issues and hormone related incontinence, there IS a major association with the number one cancer in female dogs - breast cancer. There are permanent changes in breast tissue that happen with the first heat cycle and the associated hormone changes that make the potential of breast cancer 200X more likely (that's the figure I've heard used most often). The more heat cycles, the greater the risk.

If spayed before the first heat, the incidence of breast cancer in females becomes the same as in males. In 37 years of practice, I didn't see one case of breast cancer in a female spayed before her first heat.

As far as urination with excitement, there doesn't see to be any association with spaying, sorry this isn't the reason. This happens in spayed and unspayed, male and female.

Doug, DVM

I'm so happy you found these two girls! One for each of you to have in your lap, how perfect. Ousier is no doubt smiling! You'll go by your vet's advice, of course, but you asked for personal experience, and we've had our girls spayed at 7-8 months. If it were us, I think we'd do them both at once so I only had to chew my fingernails and watch the clock one day. Then too, as you point out, the boo boo sister won't have the other one trying to get her to play. Don't be afraid of giving them pain meds, if the vet suggests it. Years ago, some vets tended not to prescribe them after surgery, for fear the pet would be too active and disturb the surgery site. That philosophy has changed at many vet practices. Be brave, plan a shopping trip or even go see a movie while they are having surgery, leaving your cell #, of course. Congrats again and let us know when it's all done.

I fight with my vet over this issue a lot. I like to wait until after the first heat cycle. She says it is much easier on them and her to do them before, also says it cuts the risk of some cancer. Having a rescue done before 9 weeks with a few issues I believe caused by it, I will wait. It is not advisable to spay if you think they are getting ready to come in heat. I hear because of increased blood supply could make if difficult.

As I sit here with my chihuahua on 2nd heat cycle, I assure you she will be spayed before the next one. I shut my vet up by asking if she would like to give her very young daughter a hysterectomy? I'm older and realize how important hormones are, she shut up pretty fast.