neutering at 4 months?

[PIXIE]

Hi everyone,
I am supposed to get my Chico fixed this week BUT now I'm reading most of you had it done at 6 months. Is 4 months too soon? Chico is about 3.10 pounds.

[LvMyYorki]

I asked my vet to neuter Tino as soon as he was able and he refused to do it before the age of six months... I ended up postponing until he was almost eught months bc we were waiting for him to lose some more baby teeth in order to have the least amount pulled during his neuter/
Why are you wanting to do it so young?

[PIXIE]

I've always had my bigger dogs done ASAP because of the health benefits and always thought that was how it's supposed to be BUT now I'm getting second thoughts due to he is my first small dog. Do you know why 6 months is when it's mostly done? I've spoken to my vet and she's done it many times and said there is no risk at 4 months.

[Lady of Yorkies]

I guess each vet has his/her own opinions. My vet recommends 6 months also. Sylvia

[Laura]

Pixie - I think I would wait unless there is a reason you need this done now. 3.5 is very small.

[klogan]

Stomper was neutered at 4 months exactly. He was "ready" for it (matured early) so they said it was not a problem. From what I understand, many dog rescues neuter puppies at 8 weeks old. If the vet says it is safe, it should be fine. Stomper is not little, but he had no problems. Within hours of taking him home, he was back to himself (even with the cone on his head!). Really! In two hours, we feed him (we were told not to but he was fine) and back to his playful self. He is now 6 months old and had no problems. The sooner the better if he is not too small. Less aggressive and less leg lifting!!! Keep us updated.

[LvMyYorki]

I would just wait to be on the safe side... There is a lot more to any surgery on a small dog due to the issues with anesthesia. You need to make sure that they are going to do a blood panel to ensure that he will not have a reaction to the anesthesia and make certain that they are using the isofluorine for the surgery.

Also, what has your vet said abt pulling any remaining baby teeth. Not all, but most yorkies that I know of will need their baby teeth removed and most vets will do this when they are under for their spay/neuter so they don't have to go under a second time for the dental work. I had out appt scheduled when he was six months, but then postponed until he was finished teething and only needed three teeth removed. I would talk to your vet again about any risks involved in waiting just a few months. I cant think that there would be a diff in a few months, especially with a neuter.

Laura is definitley right abt the size... Tino was 4lbs when he was neutered and I was scared to death!

[Missy's Mommy]

I would wait till he was 6months old, 4 months is pretty young.

[chewysmom]

My vet also said 6 months. She even suggested to maybe wait a couple of more months if Chewy remains so small.

[Marie]

My vet also suggested six months. She is 11 months this Friday and she hasnr being spay cause we are wating for some baby tooth to fall off. I guess in a month I guess I will do it cause she is almost 1 yr old and she weights 5 lbs.

[Julie1]

Some people beleive as early as 2 months gives better protection from cancers and other health problems. Personally I prefer to wait till 8 months or 1 month after the first season for the girls. This means you are sure every thing works OK before you start to tamper and any dental problems can be taken care of at the same time.

[jwash]

Chloe was spayed at 4 months because I made a newbie mistake, my vet had posted she would not do one until at least 4 months and I thought the younger the better. She got sick after the surgery, not life threatening but sick. I asked the breeder if other puppies from that litter had the same problems, she wrote "is Chloe 6 months old already?" Oops! With Lacey I waited and she was very tiny, under 3 llbs now and she had absolutely no problems. So, I would wait, no rush.

[PerfectPup]

All of my pups are fixed before leaving my house, for breeding purposes (or lack of) as well as health purposes. Most of my pups are fixed at 3 months, some a little later (if holding on for evaluation purposes) and have never had any problems with having pups fixed that early. In my research, I've learned that the health benefits are so much more the earlier you fix them. I've lost 3 bitches to cancer ranging in age from 9 months to a year and a half. Thank goodness I've found a vet that has the same beliefs as me about this issue.

[NCyorkie]

I just had Romeo done at 4 months....he was 3.3 pounds (3.4 now)...he was back to his normal self the next morning...had trouble keeping him still and quiet! Took him for follow up last weekend and was told he was free and clear!

[lexie girl]

My Lexie girl is getting spayed on Friday and she is 6 months. I am soooo nervous. I hope she is not in too much pain. We are thinking of taking her for ice cream at Brusters when we pick her up...they give free doggy ice cream!