To spay or not to spay - YorkieTalk.com Forums

whimzybeads · 07-22-2014, 05:05 AM

I would love to get some opinions on a matter I have gone back and forth with....spaying. I am all for it!!! I've done Boxer and Boston Terrier rescue for almost 20 years. I've seen some really bad, devastating and horrendous situations over these 20 years where spaying/neutering would have taken care of. Here is my dilemma...Sophie is barely 3 lb.s soaking wet. She was only 15 oz. when I got her at 13 weeks from the breeder. I have heard SO many horror stories about small dogs being neutered/spayed and dying from the anesthesia that I just never would even consider it. Now, I'm not so sure. She has a very light heat cycle. Only last for about 5 days and only comes in once a year. She still sleeps in the bed with me on a towels and she never goes outside. She is pee pad trained. She has never step foot in a vets office...I have done all her shots. She has never had a rabies shot but I am rethinking that one too. I just want to do the best thing for her. She does need some teeth pulled as well.

Now that Elvis is a part of the family...I DO NOT want a mistake breeding, so I am thinking about all this now. I know that he is not out of the woods yet but I would much rather be prepared than sorry.

What are your opinions on this? I would appreciate them all

ChibiLuv · 07-22-2014, 08:43 AM

Find a vet that works with small dogs. I got my baby spayed when she was 3 pounds and they used lasers to reduce bleeding and cold laser therapy to help healing. She was up and running around the next day, and it wasn't that much more than a normal spay. Your baby has a higher chance of dying from an opps pregnancy or pyometra (infected uterus) than anesthesia. A good vet will do pre blood work to make sure it's safe.

ladyjane · 07-22-2014, 08:53 AM

My vet does small pups all of the time. My little 3 pounder just had a dental done two weeks ago.

YHR had a 2 pound pup operated on for a heart issue a few weeks ago and she is fine!

Size is not an issue....as chibiluv suggested, make sure your vet works with small animals AND is using up to date anesthetic protocols.

gemy · 07-22-2014, 08:53 AM

Anaesthesia is much less risky now then 30 yrs or so ago. Look at the stickey on Anaesthesia and you want a vet that is following latest protocols and that is experienced with small dogs.

I do not know how old your gal is, but she should the pre-op bloodwork done and through physical to see if she is healthy enough to undergo surgery.

I am not sure either about Elvis and how old he is but if he is not neutered you run a higher risk of your female becoming pregnant - and that you don't want to have happen! If he is ready to be neutered get it done now, and then take your female in for a wellness check up and talk it over with the vet you choose.

Best of luck in your search for a vet.

Lovetodream88 · 07-22-2014, 09:04 AM

I know to us the pet parents it's always scary but there is very little risk with anesthesia especially if the pre surgery blood work is done. My aunts dog was never spayed and is around 11 and got an infection in her uterus and had to have an emergency spay and it was rough they were not sure she was going to make it. Also with her tiny size her getting pregnant could be devastating.

gemy · 07-22-2014, 09:18 AM

I just read your other thread, I know your gal is 2.5 yrs old and sweet Elvis is only 3wks old

You have a whole lot going on right now in raising a wee pup. And at least 4-5 months before you need to worry about matings.

Once your pup is well on its way to health and eating on his own, it probably would be a good time to take your female for a wellness check up. 2.5yrs old is fully matured, and as the number of heats keeps going up you definitely are increasing her risk of both breast cancer and pyrometra. Plus given her size you certainly don't want to risk a pregnancy.

Now that you have a multi dog household, you really need to consider a rabies shot. I did rabies even on my indoor cat for a couple of reasons we are multi dog household, and there is an off chance that a raccoon gets into our home (we have had raccoons in our attic) and or mice, and my cat did escape once or twice into our backyard. Plus ya never know what my dogs can drag in

I do encourage all my puppy owners to have wellness checks at least annually with their vet of choice.

Good luck with Elvis - bless your heart for taking him in.

Lovetodream88 · 07-22-2014, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whimzybeads

I would love to get some opinions on a matter I have gone back and forth with....spaying. I am all for it!!! I've done Boxer and Boston Terrier rescue for almost 20 years. I've seen some really bad, devastating and horrendous situations over these 20 years where spaying/neutering would have taken care of. Here is my dilemma...Sophie is barely 3 lb.s soaking wet. She was only 15 oz. when I got her at 13 weeks from the breeder. I have heard SO many horror stories about small dogs being neutered/spayed and dying from the anesthesia that I just never would even consider it. Now, I'm not so sure. She has a very light heat cycle. Only last for about 5 days and only comes in once a year. She still sleeps in the bed with me on a towels and she never goes outside. She is pee pad trained. She has never step foot in a vets office...I have done all her shots. She has never had a rabies shot but I am rethinking that one too. I just want to do the best thing for her. She does need some teeth pulled as well.

Now that Elvis is a part of the family...I DO NOT want a mistake breeding, so I am thinking about all this now. I know that he is not out of the woods yet but I would much rather be prepared than sorry.

What are your opinions on this? I would appreciate them all

If she bites someone and does not have her rabies shot she will be taken away from you and you will probably be fined and they might put her to sleep. In every state it is the law your dog have rabies. They also need yearly blood work. As well as heart worm prevention. If your dog gets heart worms the treatment is very expensive and could kill your dog and if it doesn't kill your dog it will leave them with issues whether that be heart problems or something else. It is also good to have a regular vet because what if your dog or dogs get sick.

gemy · 07-22-2014, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

If she bites someone and does not have her rabies shot she will be taken away from you and you will probably be fined and they might put her to sleep. In every state it is the law your dog have rabies. They also need yearly blood work. As well as heart worm prevention. If your dog gets heart worms the treatment is very expensive and could kill your dog and if it doesn't kill your dog it will leave them with issues whether that be heart problems or something else. It is also good to have a regular vet because what if your dog or dogs get sick.

Good points - Taylor. And as I so well know it can take only one mosquitoe bite to infect your dog with heartworm.

I do yearly blood work on my seniors, but I do bloodwork - 9-12months old, repeat at 2yrs old along with the specialized testing I do, then 4yrs old - unless some other issue arises, then 6 yrs old, then from 8 yrs on annually.

We have certainly given you a lot to think on whimzybeads. Just let us know if you need some reading material linked into this thread for you. We have good articles in our library here.

107barney · 07-22-2014, 10:22 AM

I've got a senior dog with real increased risks for anesthesia and she goes for procedures when she needs them. She's due for her next rabies shot at age 15 and I will give it to her. Long term good vet care and prevention has helped my dogs to live long happy lives free from diseases that I could prevent. I feel spay and neuter and dentals and routine blood work has helped. Best wishes.

whimzybeads · 07-22-2014, 02:24 PM

You all have given me a lot to think about and some very good advise. I guess I just needed to hear it from people that love their little babies as much as I do. I really do want what's best for her and I want her to have a long happy, healthy life. I DO NOT want babies and she is much to small anyways. If Elvis makes it, he will need to be neutered as well.

Thanks again...I really appreciate everyone's input

lucky70 · 07-23-2014, 05:24 PM

Pebbles only weighed 2 pounds 6 ounces at 8 months old when I bit the bullet and had her spayed. She was fine the first 6 days and then the seventh day she had runny nose, sneezing from mucus buildup from the tube. After 2 1/2 weeks antibiotics, benadryl, and vaporizer, she no longer has symptoms of upper respiratory infection. I am glad it is over.
All that bring said it is the best thing for your baby. Good luck to you.

07-22-2014, 05:05 AM	#1
whimzybeads Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2012 Location: York, sc, usa Posts: 15	To spay or not to spay I would love to get some opinions on a matter I have gone back and forth with....spaying. I am all for it!!! I've done Boxer and Boston Terrier rescue for almost 20 years. I've seen some really bad, devastating and horrendous situations over these 20 years where spaying/neutering would have taken care of. Here is my dilemma...Sophie is barely 3 lb.s soaking wet. She was only 15 oz. when I got her at 13 weeks from the breeder. I have heard SO many horror stories about small dogs being neutered/spayed and dying from the anesthesia that I just never would even consider it. Now, I'm not so sure. She has a very light heat cycle. Only last for about 5 days and only comes in once a year. She still sleeps in the bed with me on a towels and she never goes outside. She is pee pad trained. She has never step foot in a vets office...I have done all her shots. She has never had a rabies shot but I am rethinking that one too. I just want to do the best thing for her. She does need some teeth pulled as well. Now that Elvis is a part of the family...I DO NOT want a mistake breeding, so I am thinking about all this now. I know that he is not out of the woods yet but I would much rather be prepared than sorry. What are your opinions on this? I would appreciate them all

07-22-2014, 08:43 AM	#2
ChibiLuv and molliluv too! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Irving TX, USA Posts: 1,619	Find a vet that works with small dogs. I got my baby spayed when she was 3 pounds and they used lasers to reduce bleeding and cold laser therapy to help healing. She was up and running around the next day, and it wasn't that much more than a normal spay. Your baby has a higher chance of dying from an opps pregnancy or pyometra (infected uterus) than anesthesia. A good vet will do pre blood work to make sure it's safe. __________________ Teapot Club Member

07-22-2014, 08:53 AM	#3
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	My vet does small pups all of the time. My little 3 pounder just had a dental done two weeks ago. YHR had a 2 pound pup operated on for a heart issue a few weeks ago and she is fine! Size is not an issue....as chibiluv suggested, make sure your vet works with small animals AND is using up to date anesthetic protocols. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

07-22-2014, 08:53 AM	#4
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	Anaesthesia is much less risky now then 30 yrs or so ago. Look at the stickey on Anaesthesia and you want a vet that is following latest protocols and that is experienced with small dogs. I do not know how old your gal is, but she should the pre-op bloodwork done and through physical to see if she is healthy enough to undergo surgery. I am not sure either about Elvis and how old he is but if he is not neutered you run a higher risk of your female becoming pregnant - and that you don't want to have happen! If he is ready to be neutered get it done now, and then take your female in for a wellness check up and talk it over with the vet you choose. Best of luck in your search for a vet. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

07-22-2014, 09:04 AM	#5
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	I know to us the pet parents it's always scary but there is very little risk with anesthesia especially if the pre surgery blood work is done. My aunts dog was never spayed and is around 11 and got an infection in her uterus and had to have an emergency spay and it was rough they were not sure she was going to make it. Also with her tiny size her getting pregnant could be devastating. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

07-22-2014, 09:18 AM	#6
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	I just read your other thread, I know your gal is 2.5 yrs old and sweet Elvis is only 3wks old You have a whole lot going on right now in raising a wee pup. And at least 4-5 months before you need to worry about matings. Once your pup is well on its way to health and eating on his own, it probably would be a good time to take your female for a wellness check up. 2.5yrs old is fully matured, and as the number of heats keeps going up you definitely are increasing her risk of both breast cancer and pyrometra. Plus given her size you certainly don't want to risk a pregnancy. Now that you have a multi dog household, you really need to consider a rabies shot. I did rabies even on my indoor cat for a couple of reasons we are multi dog household, and there is an off chance that a raccoon gets into our home (we have had raccoons in our attic) and or mice, and my cat did escape once or twice into our backyard. Plus ya never know what my dogs can drag in I do encourage all my puppy owners to have wellness checks at least annually with their vet of choice. Good luck with Elvis - bless your heart for taking him in. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

07-22-2014, 10:22 AM	#9
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	I've got a senior dog with real increased risks for anesthesia and she goes for procedures when she needs them. She's due for her next rabies shot at age 15 and I will give it to her. Long term good vet care and prevention has helped my dogs to live long happy lives free from diseases that I could prevent. I feel spay and neuter and dentals and routine blood work has helped. Best wishes. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

07-22-2014, 02:24 PM	#10
whimzybeads Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2012 Location: York, sc, usa Posts: 15	You all have given me a lot to think about and some very good advise. I guess I just needed to hear it from people that love their little babies as much as I do. I really do want what's best for her and I want her to have a long happy, healthy life. I DO NOT want babies and she is much to small anyways. If Elvis makes it, he will need to be neutered as well. Thanks again...I really appreciate everyone's input

07-23-2014, 05:24 PM	#11
lucky70 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: McDonough, ga Posts: 152 Blog Entries: 1	Pebbles only weighed 2 pounds 6 ounces at 8 months old when I bit the bullet and had her spayed. She was fine the first 6 days and then the seventh day she had runny nose, sneezing from mucus buildup from the tube. After 2 1/2 weeks antibiotics, benadryl, and vaporizer, she no longer has symptoms of upper respiratory infection. I am glad it is over. All that bring said it is the best thing for your baby. Good luck to you.