Pro's and cons of spaying

Have anyone a view on spaying?

Karen

Having had both spayed and entire bitches I feel that, unless one wants to breed, it is preferable to spay. This will eliminate several health risks, eg pyometra, ovarian & cervical cancers & cysts, false pregnancies, etc. The chances of mammary tumors developing is dramatically decreased. Figures for this vary, but according to my vet the chance of mammary cancer is 1% if spayed prior to first season and 8% if spayed between first & second.

Also, there is no need to keep the bitch confined twice a year for 3-4 weeks; the local canine Romeos will not come calling; there will be no accidental pregnancies; she will not have the urge to wander; and she will not exhibit the mood swings that often accompany her seasons.

Spaying does not cause weight gain, and, in my experience, neither does it affect growth, maturation, temperament, personality, or basic breed instincts.

Entire bitches can be, and in many cases are, managed well, but I am in favour of spaying, not for my convenience, but for the health and wellbeing of my bitches.

Thanks SB, I apppreciate the detailed advice, I have almost in the past lost a maiden bitch to pyometra at almost 7 and would not like to repeat that "closed pyometrya" is something no one should experience, with their much loved bitch.

Karen