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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

When to spay

12 replies

SparePantsAndLego · 09/12/2016 20:46

We have a small rescue bitch who is about 9months. We've had two different veterinary opinions on when to spay, as we don't want pups.
Harnessing the wisdom of MN, should we do it before or after her first season?

OP posts:
Madbengalmum · 09/12/2016 20:52

After her first season,lowers the risk of mammory cancers.

Original poster
SparePantsAndLego · 09/12/2016 21:00

Thanks Bengal. Funnily enough, we have Bengals, too!

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Hairymary90 · 09/12/2016 21:02

You have received two different answers from two different vets as there isn't actually any quality evidence based science to say if before or after the first season is better.

Vets are the only people qualified to answer your question. I'm sure both of them will be more than happy to discuss your questions regarding when to spay.

Original poster
SparePantsAndLego · 09/12/2016 21:33

We did speak to both vets at same practice and they were both committed to their own points of view, hence me crowd sourcing wisdom from experienced dog owners to help us to decide.
Vets may be the ones who are qualified but it's not hugely helpful when they both say different things.
Clearly evidence isn't clear but wise dog owners' opinions are welcome!

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Original poster
SparePantsAndLego · 09/12/2016 21:35

I'm leaning towards post first season as, notwithstanding our convenience, there's no real reason to get her done sooner.

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Hairymary90 · 09/12/2016 22:19

That's really interesting to get two different stands from the same practice and really not helpful for you. Generally practices will have a set policy on these sorts of things.

Original poster
SparePantsAndLego · 09/12/2016 23:13

One was a locum we visited recently, previous advice was from our normal vet and chimed with what the rescue said. We were totally decided to get her 'done' soonest until we mentioned it to the other vet who said their advice would be to wait. I guess it's not clear cut but if the balance of evidence is to let her have one season then we might as well, as if anything ever happened we'd be sorry...

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SexLubeAndAFishSlice · 10/12/2016 10:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ylvamoon · 10/12/2016 15:13

Normally, you would wait till after first season. This is because of the increased blood supply to the uterus just before and during the season. Knowing when your dog was in season will reduce the risk of excessive bleeding after the op.

Soubriquet · 10/12/2016 15:19

What breed is she?

Rule of thumb, small breed 1st season

Large breed at least when they are 2

StandardPoodle · 10/12/2016 16:04

For our rescue Springer cross . our vet recommended 3 months after her first season.

Original poster
SparePantsAndLego · 11/12/2016 09:45

Thanks all. She's a mixed breed (rescue not posh cross) and is small, about 5kgs.
The increased blood supply/additional bleeding makes perfect sense, surprised the vet didn't mention that.
Looks like we should definitely wait. Thanks again, all, as we were definitely on the side of getting it done and out of the way for her.

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