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Originally Posted by pstinard  7 months should be enough time for the growth plates to close (although you could always ask for an x-ray, just to be sure). Now, before her first heat, would be an excellent time to spay and have retained baby teeth removed. If, for some reason, you can't get her scheduled before she goes into her first heat, keep her on lockdown and have her spayed afterwards. Just keep in mind that any heat cycle she goes through brings the risk of pyometra and unplanned pregnancy. |
A lateral Xray view of the tibial plates - as these are the last growth plates to close is a little more detailed explanation of where you Xray and why. In toy dogs it is thought that they close before 1 yr old - sometime between 7-12 months old.
There are more than a few studies that show mammary cancer incidence does increase after each heat, the % increases can vary all over the place, but suffice to say there is some increase. Although again we don't know if the studies done can be applied across the board for all breeds of dogs.
Pyrometra is very rare in young intact females. IMO I don't think waiting one heat then spay after is a huge risk.
The details of when to spay your particular dog should be discussed in depth with your vet. So that they can advise you, on your particular dog and situation.
For most pet owners I feel that judicious timing of the spay for the breed of dog you own, is usually the best decision.