Neurotic yorkie mom needs your advise and direction..pls answer
 

Hi everyone

I am here again..(have been a member for a long while) yet havent logged on for some time. I have a wonderful and precious little boy yorkie named "Biscuit". I know only you yorkie lovers can understand when I say that he is "My Life". I have owned him since he was 12 wks old and he is now 4 yrs old.

THIS IS MY QUESTION..MY GREATEST FEAR..

As I said my baby boy is now 4 yrs old. I HAVE NOT HAD HIM NEUTERED. i KNOW THIS IS WRONG..i KNOW YOU WILL TELL ME I AM IRRESPONSIBLE ..HOWEVER PLEASE HEAR ME OUT... I love this little dog (4 lbs) Soooo much..I am so afraid that if I get him neutered he may not wake up from the anesthesia. What would I do if this happened??? He is my baby..He is my happiness...I am a widow..my children are grown...it is just me and "Biscuit".

So..I was talking to a lady who lives close to me..she has Yorkies and seems to be kind of an expert on them..She told me if I dont neuter "Biscuit" he will die young from testicular problems..."OH my God" ..

I then thought that I would come here to ask any and all of you who know...Do I NEED to do this..IS IT WHAT IS BEST FOR MY BABY BOY.. he is healthy, happy, and everything to me. I am asking you, all who know...if the answer is yes...I need to have him neutered.. PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GO ABOUT DOING EVERYTHING I NEED TO DO ...CONCERNING THE RIGHT VET..AND WHAT I NEED TO ASK FOR SO THAT HE CAN BE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE...

I PRAY TO HEAR A RESPONSE FROM YOU WHO KNOW...OTHERWISE I FEEL I CAN NEVER TAKE THIS CHANCE WITH HIS LITTLE LIFE...

WHAT I AM ALSO SAYING IS THAT IF ANYONE COULD UNDERSTAND THIS NEUROTIC LOVE I HAVE FOR "BISCUIT" IT WOULD BE YOU YORKIE LOVERS HERE

I WILL BE CHECKING CONSTANTLY FOR YOUR DIRECTION

THANK YOU SO MUCH

PATTI ..(and Biscuit)

First of all I think you will get a mixture of opinions on this subject. There are a number of factors to take into consideration. Your dog's temperament is one of them. A dog that is not neutered can be effected by the hormonal effect of being a whole male. A male that is not neutered will be able to smell a female in heat from over a mile away. This can cause some behavior issues and it is something I would not want to put my little guy through. Sometimes these whole males become overly protective and some like to mark.

I think I can accurately state the the majority of us have had the same fear about our babies when considering having them spayed or neutered. It is scary to have to hand your little loved one to someone you don't know very well. However, many feel that a spayed or neutered dog is going to be better adjusted and not have to be bothered by all the issues that a whole male or female have to deal with during a lifetime.

Most people recommend having blood work done before surgery. Go to a vet you trust and one that is experienced in doing surgery on small dogs. Remember a good vet has done hundreds of these types of surgeries on animals smaller than yours. Many do spay/neuter on kittens and other small animals like ferrets. Having a male neutered is far less invasive than a female spay. The surgery takes less time and the recovery is quicker as well. I hope you are able to get over your fear and do this for your little dog. Sometimes things that we fear seem like a scarier thing than they actually are.

I personally believe in spaying and neutering. I was a nervous wreck when I spayed and neutered my two, but I know it's whats best for them.

I would definitely suggest getting the bloodwork done anytime before your pup goes under anesthesia. Good luck in your decision!

Georgie was neutered when e was 3. I was just like you fearful so I can totally relate. Georgie is 3.8 which was a big reason why it took me so long. I will tell you we got pre-OP bloodwork and everything went great including his recovery. I think its in his best interest to get him neutered but I also understand why you are hesitant.

I concur with the above posting...both of mine are spayed/neutered, and Jersey my new baby will be spayed next month.

I just recently Spayed my Mochi, Spays are MUCH more invasive and i was a WRECK. I cried 3 times that day. and i dont mean a couple tears, i mean BAWLING. everything turned out great though. lol

I feel its very nessesary, as long as thier bloodwork comes in clean. i feel its a must. Like someone else mentioned, they can smell females in heat from a mile away and when they cant get to them its torture. there are really more pros then cons...

There is a small increased risk of testicular cancer. Of all the cancers a dog can have, this one is easily detected, and has a very high and successful cure rate.

Here is a link to another thread that shows a reference to some studies about the risks and benefits of the spay/neuter question.

Canine Sports Productions: Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete.

If you a do a web search you will find other articles (some referencing the actual research papers) on the spay/neuter question.

Once you inform yourself, a discussion with your vet is the best way to go, as they have the health history of your particular dog, and should have valuable advice/input to your decision making process.

There is an article here in the library that talks about anaesthesia protocols for Yorkies. Read it.

Pre Op blood work is highly recommended.

Best of luck with your decision..

I am not going to get into the pros and cons of altering pets....I firmly believe in it. Period.

What I think is most important that you have brought up is the topic of anesthesia. If you are afraid to have him go under for a neuter, what will you do when he needs dentals? He is small and more than likely going to need them yearly....and the only correct way to do them is under anesthesia. You need to discuss this fear with your vet. As long as your vet is using up to date anesthetic procedures, the risk of death during anesthesia is soooo low. There is a greater risk that your pup will end up with cardiac and renal issues due to periodontal disease if his teeth are not properly cared for.

Def get blood work done. I understand your neurotic love. Id do anything for waffles. Our vet said if not breeding its best for her to be spayed. We did bloodwork, and got her spayed. Picked her up same day.

Sorry the link didn't paste correctly:

Here it is again: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...n-if-ever.html

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Excellent advice and guidance!

I've heard that some un-neutered male pets are kind of miserable in that they are always trying to mate or thinking about it a lot. I don't know if that is true but just in case and to avoid marking and help him settle somewhat (Tibbe was wild as a tiger), I had Tibbe neutered at age ?10? months by a vet who does many, many small dogs. Tibbe stayed that night at the vet's, was somewhat shaky that next day when he came home but by the next, was pretty much normal and 3 days later, was his old self as to his eating and playing and such. He doesn't seem even remotely interested in mating and has NEVER marked in the house. I, too, was a nervous wreck until I heard the surgery was over and he was awake and fine. Like you, my Tibbe means absolutely everything to me so I understand your fear and concern.

Find a good Vet that treats a lot of toy dogs. Don't be afraid to change Vets or ask your Vet tough questions. You can even call your local Yorkie Club and ask for a recommendation. That is the most important thing. Finding a Vet you trust and can talk to. Tell her / him your concerns. I doubt you will ever be criticized for worrying about your Yorkie, after all we are on a site, called Yorkie Talk.
Ladyjane is right. Yorkies need to have their teeth cleaned, this is very important for their general health. Gemy also posted a link about neutering. Most of us do neuter our males, but that is not an absolute. Only you and your Vet can decide what is right for your Yorkie.
I know I am a crazy Yorkie Lady. I worry about every thing but, some times I just have to pray and put things in Gods hands.

If the pre surgery blood test is done and your dog is healthy there is very little risk of them not waking up. I am very much for everyone spaying an neutering.

I felt the same way when I had Luma spayed. What if she never woke up?

Think of it like this...if he dies during his neuter, he passed away in his sleep, free of pain.
If you dont neuter him and he did end up with testicular cancer, the treatment would be so hard on his little system, I'm sure itd be months of pain and weakness and stress.

Neutering has its risks but they are in my opinion lower than the risk of cancer.

Thats just my opinion.

Thank you all for responding..one more question
 

Well I do now remember why I love "Yorkietalk" so much:) I give great thanks to you all for your response and direction. I do have one more question...

When I get the blood work done..what is it that I will be looking for??? What should the blood work be telling me to say that he is clear for this procedure??


Thank You

Patti

My vet orders what he routinely orders before anesthesia but don't know what all they are. If the dog has liver problems, certain GI issues where they are worried about further damage, I think they also want to get a BAT but that has to be done a while before as it takes a few hours and eating, etc., to do.

I am feeling the same way about having Amy spayed but after reading this post I am feeling much better about it. She is so small and that is worrying me. I have had 3 Shelties before her and wasn't as worried because they were much bigger.

Thank you for explaining everything to me. I will still worry but not won't be quite a afraid as I would have been.

I remember last month....think it was last month....somebody was having their littly boy neutered....I got on here and joined in with many others, trying to make that lady feel at ease....she was soooo frightened and worried about taking that pup in for neutering....for several days, she had worried and fretted over her decision......I encouraged and tried to calm her worries.....then the next day, at work, I logged onto YT and went to her thread to check on how her baby did.....he had died on the table......that DEVASTATED me....I will never again approach anyones concerns as cavalier as I did that poor soul's.... I will give advice on what tests to have done, I will say what I personally have done for ANY surgery any of my babies face, and I will give facts and give links for people to go to with information on the latest research on spaying and neutering....I feel personally terrible about encouraging and , I feel pushing, that lady to have her baby neutered, only to have her worst fears come true....I will live with that the rest of my life.....I was reduced to uncontrollable tears when I read her post that "her baby didnt make it, he died on the table".....No, I learned a very valuable lesson with that experience......wont get caught in that snare again. (I cant remember who it was that this happened to, but if you read this, know I am still affected by what happened to you and your baby, and I am soooooooo sorry that happened to you.....I think about you and your grief at least once a day, and will for the rest of my life.....)

I am sorry you live with that guilt:( I think we all were doing what we thought was right . I know your advice comes from the heart. OP I understand your concerns but the pre-OP bloodwork will help ease your fears. As with having any anesthesia there is a chance something could happen but as long as he is healthy (which the pre-OP bloodwork will determine) I am sure he will be fine:)

I agree with LadyJane. READ the anesthesia protocol and discuss with your vet HIS/HER procedure. ASK questions, so your vet knows you are informed. I would never just hand my Dori over to a vet without getting the answers to every question/concern I had. Your vet's responses will either reassure you or, possibly, send you elsewhere. With my own physician, I believe in being an informed patient AND with Dori, her voice.

Yes, you must must know who is delivering the anesthesia and HOW they are doing it!!! No matter what pre op blood work is done, if a vet is not up to date and monitoring things properly, bad things can happen.
My vet has one employee whose job is to sit and monitor the animals' vital signs. That person is not allowed to leave that room for ANY reason unless there is a substitute. Period!!
With modern anesthesia techniques, death should not occur.
Yes, pre op blood work is important....and I do it on all of my pups prior to any anesthetic procedure...BUT please, please always know about protocol and discuss with your vet!

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my two cents on this. I never neutered my first dog and he didn't die of any testicular anything. One of my vets dad's has 4 dogs on his farm all unaltered and he said until you provide me with scientific proof of how not fixing them damages their health, I'm keeping them intact. They still are.
I have heard from several people that their vets have questioned their reasons for fixing their dogs. If they are responsible and caring owners, and there is no real reason for doing it, then don't do it.
my reasons are they are small and I don't need them running away (which my unfixed dog did all the time, looking for ladies) and I don't want them being attacked by bigger dogs because they reek of testosterone.
Unfixed dogs, according to information I've gathered, want nooky all the time and are restless and a flight risk because of this.
You are not paranoid and your worries are concrete.
If your dog is happy and healthy and gives no reason for concern, you are well within your rights to do as you feel.

Oh dear one. My heart ached when I saw this post. It is almost useless for me to say don't feel guilty. But there were other posters to that thread, this woman was/is an adult and made a decision for her pet.

Neuter/spay surgery is mostly safe, given an experienced vet taking the proper precautions. And you shared that information!

This happenstance was very unusual, which doesn't mean it wasn't tragic; which it is.

(((((((hugs Judy))))))))))))

There is never any 100% guarantee when a person or animal is going under anesthesia. However, it is uncommon for a death to occur under normal circumstances during a routine surgery. The statics of deaths in healthy dogs during spay neuter surgery is estimated to be around 0.01%. I know that for the one that loses their loved one during routine surgery that there is no consolation. So what do we do? Live in fear and do nothing?

I know people who lost their child that went in to have tonsils removed. It was something no one ever suspected would happen. It was tragic but I did not stop helping other people who's children needed surgery. The operating rooms continue daily.

Fear is a terrible thing.It can paralyze you and keep you from making sound decisions. I was just as afraid as anyone when I took Gracie to have her spayed. I cried as I handed her to the tech but I did it for her future happiness and health. I knew there is always a chance and she was just as vulnerable as any surgical patient. But I had to balance my fear with facts. The fact is that it is far more common for dogs to come through the surgery than not to. I trusted my vet and knew their experience level.

You can get opinions one way or another about the benefits of the surgery. After many years of experience around animals my opinion is that most dogs are better off being spayed or neutered if there is not an important reason for it not to be done. I have never seen an animal distressed about losing their hormones.

Yes, everyone has to make their own decision. It is a pet owner's right to decide what they believe is best for their dog. But base your decision on what is most important to you and your pet, not on fear.

Yes, everyone has to make their own decision. It is a pet owner's right to decide what they believe is best for their dog. But base your decision on what is most important to you and your pet, not on fear.[/QUOTE]

So true one must balance all the risks and benefits. The actual surgery on a healthy dog is of minimal risk. But that there are other factors involved; such as what is the long term benefit first health wise, and then environment wise. For example can I as an owner adamantly care for an un-neutered pet and keep them safe from 1) harm, and 2) inadvertent breeding.

I do so hope that one day, we shall see other options being offered to pet owners; to help insure that their pets can't breed, without the smallish risk of surgery, and the larger risk of health issues down the road.

I had my Dexter neutered at 6 months old and 4.2lbs, he is now a very healthy 7lb baby, no problems. However my Fletch (who is larger) seems to be just more sensitive to everything, so I held off neutering him until he was 4 years old. At the time he was 8.9lbs and VERY active. After his neuter, he ballooned up to 13.5lbs in 6 months and his personality changed. My super energetic, curious boy lost interest in sooo much stuff and really has become afraid of everything in the house (he's a bulldog outside the house still). I miss his personality before his neuter and wish I never did it. He never stopped marking his territory since it was a habit at that point, and no matter what I do, I can't get him to lose any weight.

You need to do whats best for you & Biscuit.

Awh celstu I'm so sorry to hear that about Fletch. Perhaps talk to a vet maybe a homeopatic vet about supplements to increase metabolism to aid with weight loss. I'm sure you wouldn't free fed, etc, and that his exercise levels are at least the same as before a neuter.

Weight gain, and personality change are two factors that have a relatively heightened risk after neutering.

I don't know if anybody else suggested this. Since he is already 4 it would probably not hurt to get a dental done while he is under for the neuter. If they will do it, it will save him from having to go under again for a while.