We discussed today that you are at home thinking about having your lovely dog spayed.

Factors to consider prior to proceeding with this surgery are breed, age, stage of cycle, health status and your pet's day to day functionality of the dog.

Spaying your dog is a major surgery but is considered to be a routine and elective procedure and this surgical procedure requires a general anaesthetic. The most common  approach is to surgically remove both ovaries and uterus (womb) via open abdominal surgery. However some veterinary clinics offer laparoscopic spays whereby only the ovaries are removed via keyhole surgery. Laparoscopic ovariectomy is generally a more expensive option and currently less commonly available. However, there are some general advantages which include a smaller wound and a quicker recovery time.  Laparoscopic ovariectomy may not be suitable in very small dogs, overweight dogs or dogs which have any changes to the reproductive tract. Your vet is in the best place to advise you on which procedure is the most suitable for you and your dog. 

In general, if there are external stitches, then these are removed 10-14 days following the surgery. Strict rest is advised during this initial postoperative stage and this includes strictly no jumping. Often the dog may be advised to wear an Elizabethan collar or some other means of wound protection until these external stitches are removed or the wound has completely healed.

Spay indications and advantages include

- Population control of unplanned pregnancies.

- Eliminate the risks associated with accidental breeding and pregnancy.

- Complete cessation of coming into season.

- Eliminate the risk of pyometra(a life-threatening womb infection).

- Eliminate the risk of false pregnancies and hormone imbalance.

- A potentially prolonged life-span.

- Early spaying reduces the risk of developing of mammary (breast) cancer in later life.

- Early spaying can reduce the risk of osteosarcoma development in Rottweilers. 

Disadvantages of spaying

- Risk of early onset urinary incontinence in certain breeds*.

- Possibly increased risk of developing orthopaedic disease eg  joint disorders in large and giant breeds, hip - dysplasia and torn ligaments.

- Surgical and Anaesthesia associated risks.

- Reduced metabolic rate and therefore a potential weight gain if appropriate diet change(reduction) is not adhered to.

- Hormonal coat changes.

*Most cases of urinary incontinence that develops as a consequence of spaying can be treated successfully with life long daily medication

Whether spaying is a good solution for your pet depends on the above considerations and your personal circumstances. In cases of overweight animals, your vet may recommend a weight loss program in order to minimise the complications of surgery and the risk of obesity following the surgery.

I would recommend you to schedule an adolescent check up for your dog at your local veterinary clinic to discuss the risks and benefits as well as the optimal time for your dog to be spayed. As a guide, spay operations would typically be performed 3-4 months after a season.