spaying

[gram2k]

Chloe is going to be 6 months old when I have scheduled her to be spayed in the next couple of weeks. When contacting the breeder, she suggested to always wait until she was 8 months old? At what age did you spay / neuter and why?

Also, did you give your little one pain meds upon returning home? The vet said they will give her some afterwards and send her home with some. I'm afraid to have her put under let alone give her pain meds. Am I being overly anxious? I wish this were over already! Tx for sharing any experiences with me.

[poppys mummy]

hiya my baby poppy was spayed at 11 months , she had her first season at 8 months , she didnt come home with any pain meds , she was sore for a few days but we just kept her still and calm no jumping about , she didnt even wear a cone she was so good with her stitches , try not to worry to much she will be fine good luck , love jill n poppy xx

[Kirby]

The vet told me 6-months was good. So Sydney was spayed in December and she recovered well. Also request that they pull baby teeth that remain at the time of the spaying. Syd had four removed. You get both done while she's under once.

I know you're anxious. I was, too, but do what her doctor suggests. I did and it went well.

Regarding pain meds. I was concerned, too. But the doctor recommended them for Sydney. She got one the first night, if I remember, but she seemed good by the next day. Syd now is on two different kinds of pain meds because she just had double knee surgery. It's a good idea to keep them comfortable. Too much pain and even a person would go into shock.

You're doing great. Just keep us posted. We're all here for you.

[RoxyLuv]

She is probably going to be just fine. Roxy was spayed at 7 mo. Vet wanted to increase chances that all her perm teeth were in. She only had to remove 2 baby teeth. She was groggy first day. By next day she was back 100% and didn't really need any pain meds, although I was sure to bring some home with me. My biggest problem was keeping her quiet. THAT was my big challenge. She felt too good too fast, but we made it through w/no complications.

[MauiGirl]

My 2 youngest girls are going in tomorrow for spaying, at almost 1 yr. old, per my vets newest protocol. They are also having a couple baby teeth removed.

My other 2 females were also spayed at around 1 year, and after 1 heat cycle.

It is a nervous time, but make sure to have pre-op blood work done that can help determine any health problems that would make being under anesthesia more risky for them. I take pain meds home with me to have on hand just in case they are uncomfortable. It isn't expensive, and could save you a trip back to the vet if needed.

Good luck!

[joeyandtanksmom]

my boys are getting neutered later this month. they are 23 and 17 months. I figured they aren't girls, but I would put in my 2 ages and such. our reasons for waiting this long, truthfully, is that we were considering breeding. We decided against it, and I get to foster dogs instead! I think I will find that much more rewarding, anyways. Good luck to your baby girl - I hope all goes well in a couple weeks!!!

[gram2k]

Thank you all for your input! I'm unsure why the breeder suggests I wait. I'm happy to hear of others successful outcomes! I'm sure I'll be able to report the same!

[Sweet Apple]

Apple was spayed @ 12 months, because she had to have two upper canine teeth out, that were not budging...I wanted to wait until she was 18 months old, based on research, but I think it was better to get those teeth out and spayed, rather than put her under twice...She did, absolutely, fantastic...

[gram2k]

I'm seeing all age ranges here. Does anyone know the average age for spaying? I always thought it was around 6 months and before they came into heat. If so, why do some wait? Tx again!

[Cha Cha]

My baby was right at 6 months old. I wanted to wait until 7 months to make sure all her permanent teeth were in, but she developed a hip problem. I didn't want to wait a whole month to check that out, plus pay for two visits, so I went ahead and scheduled her spay so they could xray her hip at the same time. As it turned out they were ablet to go ahead and remove the few remaining baby teeth she had also. I was happy to have it all done at one visit.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by gram2k

I'm seeing all age ranges here. Does anyone know the average age for spaying? I always thought it was around 6 months and before they came into heat. If so, why do some wait? Tx again!

I think the 6 month protocol is mainly geared to avoiding first heat (which can come between 6-12 months) and possible pregnancy, and also research shows that spaying then eliminates the risk for mammary cancer.

In the case of tiny females some wait for them to get bigger than say 2 or 3 lbs., or wait to see if they loose baby teeth.

My vet changed his recommended protocol for small breed dogs last year, to instead of before first heat, to waiting until after 1 heat cycle. This was based on research showing that they were more prone to knee problems if spayed before growth plates were complete. He also says that spaying before the second heat still gives high protection against mammary cancer. I can't quote all the info he stated, but for ME I chose to take his advice with my females.

Opinions will vary as more research is done, but I have confidence in my vets recommendation. Two of mine were spayed yesterday at almost 1 yr. and also had some baby teeth removed, and got microchipped. All good.

[TwoforFun]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

I think the 6 month protocol is mainly geared to avoiding first heat (which can come between 6-12 months) and possible pregnancy, and also research shows that spaying then eliminates the risk for mammary cancer.

In the case of tiny females some wait for them to get bigger than say 2 or 3 lbs., or wait to see if they loose baby teeth.

My vet changed his recommended protocol for small breed dogs last year, to instead of before first heat, to waiting until after 1 heat cycle. This was based on research showing that they were more prone to knee problems if spayed before growth plates were complete. He also says that spaying before the second heat still gives high protection against mammary cancer. I can't quote all the info he stated, but for ME I chose to take his advice with my females.

Opinions will vary as more research is done, but I have confidence in my vets recommendation. Two of mine were spayed yesterday at almost 1 yr. and also had some baby teeth removed, and got microchipped. All good.

I'm waiting for mine to be one yr old due to the same reasons. I'm not taking any chances. Some vets want to spay when the pup is 6 months to make sure there organs are not swollen(makes it more difficult). Also, my prefer method will be with lazer.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

I think the 6 month protocol is mainly geared to avoiding first heat (which can come between 6-12 months) and possible pregnancy, and also research shows that spaying then eliminates the risk for mammary cancer.

In the case of tiny females some wait for them to get bigger than say 2 or 3 lbs., or wait to see if they loose baby teeth.

My vet changed his recommended protocol for small breed dogs last year, to instead of before first heat, to waiting until after 1 heat cycle. This was based on research showing that they were more prone to knee problems if spayed before growth plates were complete. He also says that spaying before the second heat still gives high protection against mammary cancer. I can't quote all the info he stated, but for ME I chose to take his advice with my females.

Opinions will vary as more research is done, but I have confidence in my vets recommendation. Two of mine were spayed yesterday at almost 1 yr. and also had some baby teeth removed, and got microchipped. All good.

This is a really good point.
There doesn't seem to be one best time to do it.
You can avoid mammary cancer by doing it early, but you are increasing the risk for other problems. So there really is no one answer here. The risk/benefit information for spay/neuter is pretty fascinating.

[Lioncross4]

Make sure your baby is big enough at 6 mos. to spay, use the pain meds..there is no reason for her to be miserable. If you wait, you can pull any baby teeth that are left---which saves going under twice. we waited until after 1st heat as well...about 13 mos. And, it went fantastic!

[Cerise]

Cerise got spayed last Friday at 8 and 1/2 months old She weighs 3.4lbs