really worried

[sometime]

7 yar old lab bit*h is having a lump removed tomorrow and the vet has advised spaying her while she is under anaesthetic I really dont like the idea as I certainly dont want an incontinent dog or to have her suffer any of the other disaterous results of spaying eg cancers and change in temperament/ But I do see the logic as precaution against pyometra in later years. I hate the idea of blanket neutering without proper information about the negatives The lump is another worry as it is directly over her sternum so good vibes and thoughts appreciated

[gillwales]

It is all down to whether you trust your Vet or not. We had 3 black lab girls, one of whom was spayed and suffered none of the effects you fear, on the other hand my grand old lady who was not had an infection that could not be cured. Labs do seem to need a lot of Vet work when they get older, if you are going to get her spayed now is the time so she does not have to undergo surgery a second time. Personally I would probably do what your Vet has suggested and then make certain she does not get over weight. If you are still not certain then ask your Vet why he/she suggests it. Good luck. Labs are wonderful.

[brindlerainbow]

I haven't heard that spaying causes incontinence. Spaying does prevent mammary tumours though. I've had all my boxers spayed with the exception of my youngest one,I give them plenty of exercise and don't over feed them and they look fantastic. Your vet will do what's best for your dog

[sometime]

Yes causes weight gain, incontinence, heart tumours, long bone cancers, temperament changes, can make them aggressive and/or timid. these are just some of the cons the pros are no pyyometra (important) no seasons to worry about not important no unwanted litters but of course if you are a responsible owner you wouldnt let that happen anyway. So far more cons on medical grounds than pros. Only reduces the risk of mammary cancer if done very young and only usually causes incontinence when done very young but not un heard of in older females. Still went with the vets advice against my better judgement purely because it is safer to do it while she is under GA once than maybe need another in the future

[gillwales]

In your position I would have done the same thing. You can only ever do your best by your animals, be they humans or pets; so whatever happens do not have any regrets.

[sarahp]

I prefer not to do ops without reason, and have yet to find any proper scientific data re pyometra - of course if they have no womb they can't get it but in terms of how many entire bit*hes do get one anyway? I keep asking vets but none can point me at any evidence although it is oft quoted as a reason for spaying. As for weight gain - adjust the diet and make sure they get exercise, as said above, that can be managed, even in a labrador!

We now seem to have rescues so neutered by definition, although we did have to spay our entire bit*h when we got the neutered boy rescue saluki as she kept on having fake pregnancies. Another small point of interest is that rescue organisations can get very funny about entire dogs (of either sex) - we've been refused one (bit*h, not dog) on the grounds that we had an entire bit*h at home.

[brindlerainbow]

I'm sure your lab will be fine. As I said above I've had 5 out of 6 Boxers spayed and none had any of the symptoms you've listed Absolutely no weight gain at all no temperament changes, no cancers and no incontinence. I have 1 old lady of eleven and a half which is a very, very good age for a boxer, she was spayed at 7 due to mammary tumours, she has a bladder like a rhino, goes all night without going out and if it's raining in the morning she'll stay in until it's stopped and has never had an accident!!!

I'm against operating for no reason but I would trust my vets advice Hope your girl is home and on the mend

[sometime]

Yes she is doing really well bless her She is almost back to her old self just not eating very well but that is usual for her she doesnt eat at all unless either me or OH are standing next to her fortunately she is fat enough for us to have the odd day a way without coming to anyt harm. She enjoyed her light diet a bit too much so is looking for home hand prepared chicken and rice and turning her nose up at everything else. Managed to get her medication into her with a handful of raw mince this morning but she is turning her nose up at anythig remotely related to dog food. Will have to keep spoiling her until she is off the pain meds as they have to be given with food. Mind you couldnt have managed without her surgical suit as she wouldnt move in the buster collar at all. Wouldnt even wee as she couldnt sniff to find the right spot. Just have to get the biopsy result now fingers crossed they are clear

[gillwales]

Sometime, I am so pleased to hear that your girl has come through her op ok. Labs are wonderful dogs , we had 6 black ones at one point, all related one way or another. I'm sure she will get over her fussiness re food soon Fingers crossed for the biopsy results x

[CarolineNelson]

Sometime - ref. diet, don't despair with her only eating chicken at the moment. Whilst it may seem expensive, a chicken diet is excellent. Ok, so I haven't had a big dog for many years, but have had a succession of mini-Dachsies. The last two came from a Breeder who prefers to feed chicken - so I continued with it.

With resulting good figures, super skin, coat & good digestion. Add plenty of regular exercise.

My current girl had a bad whelping when with her breeder, at 2 3/4 years of age, had a caesarean and was spayed at the same time. She's now 9 1/2. Apart from having a couple of teeth out under a 'general' op in 2014, she is (touch wood) in super nick. The only 'dog food' she gets are little mini-biscuits, very occasionally. She does have some sliced carrot or cabbage to chew, which she loves, are good for the teeth and presumably for the digestion. She's highly active when on the yard. Conversely, she sleeps a heck of a lot, too.

So far, not a hint of any temperament change, incontinence or any other of the mentioned side-effects' of spaying.

And a great example of a successful spaying is Brindlerainbow's 11 year old Boxer b1tch, who sounds amazing and must be almost 'vintage' in 'dog-years'!

Good luck with your girl. As the other 'bigger dog' owners above have sensibly mentioned, hopefully all will be well with her. Don't pander to her over her eating though; if she's hungry, she'll eat. Having cared for a few, it's what Labradors are usually renowned for!!

[brindlerainbow]

Maisie certainly is amazing She's the one in my avatar picture. I still show her occasionally, we only do companion shows these days and at her last show a month ago she got best veteran in show and won a lovely big trophy!! Today she's been out on Dartmoor playing in the river with her two year old Boxer "sister".

[sometime]

All seems to be going well with her she is back to her old self pretty much biopsy results were not great but not too bad either it was a carcinoma but all the cellls were clear at the margins so hopefully they got it all. That of course is not to say it may have spread already but at least she is fine for now. She still isnt eating much but she never has so at least we dont have to panic about her getting grossly fat. Her surgical suit has been a god send she hasnt managed to get at the wounds and hasnt had to wear the buster collar. In fact the last few days she has been pretty much naked while we are around as she doesnt seem interested in licking and scratching. Thank you all I am very much reassured by your experiences I am still a sceptic about mass neutering of dogs but it made sense to have it done while she was already under anaesthetic. She may not make old bones but she is comfortable and happy for now

[gillwales]

Sounds like good news sometime x