It is not a cut & dried decision (especially at this age) that is for sure! I used to think there was only one answer. Spay & neuter! But I have learned Vets are not usually very good at explaining ALL of the "cons" when it comes to spay & neuter decisions. Here is a paper that might help weighing the pros and cons. It lists most of them.
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/longt...uterindogs.pdf
If you think there is a good potential for another "close call" then I would lean heavily towards the side of spaying her. There are
many long-term affects to consider though. Dogs don't go through menopause, so she can remain fertile; but it becomes less likely as she ages and cycles often get further apart. Pregnancy, notwithstanding, there seems to be more reasons for not spaying than there are benefits to be seen. But pregnancy is no small concern! The injections seemed an easy solution this time, but they are not without risk either.
To spay or not to spay is my current dilema -- my Annie just barely made it to 3 lbs, which was the point I had said I would spay her -- still, I am dragging my feet -- she is just so small. Ben is the only male she is around and I went thru this painful decision process and had him neutered a few months ago (mainly because of Annie). So, do I spay Annie on the off-chance another dog somehow sneaks into our home or yard, while
increasing so many risks to her for the rest of her life? Or do I become super-vigilant for the rest of her life and still know accidents DO happen? I will probably give her a few more months to hopefully get a little bigger and then spay as a pregnancy at her size is SO out of the question. But I will constantly wonder about the increased risks I am subjecting her to. It just is NOT an easy decision.
In your casem at least your girl's immediate danger is past -- wish you well in the next step. It is evident you care for your dogs and have no problem getting them vet attention once a decision is made. I think more and more, as owners become better educated on all of the increased dangers and see how small the risks are to some of the "so-called benefits of surgery" many more will be having a frustrating time making this call. Many have already studied the volumes of reference material and made their decisions. I think I have decided, but continue to read as much as I can so I am making an informed decision for my pups. I
respect that everyone has to make that decision for themselves, hopefully with vet input, and they might not all make the same one I do.
We just have to remember -- leaving them fertile requires a HUGE amount of vigilance on our part and the
responsibility is all on us for anything that happens either way. If Annie has a heat before I get her spayed I may put her in one of those baby carriers and leave her stapped to my mid-section 24/7 until its over! Be careful whichever way you choose to go. It is a big responsibility!