The more reading I do- online and otherwise, the more confused I get. I am beginning to question having the surgery done at all.

I would appreciate any insight.  We have a neutered male and my dogs are constantly supervised or contained- accidental breeding is highly unlikely. The male was neutered at age 3- fully mature but for reasons other than health. I was under written contract to keep him intact for his breeders gene pool. He failed to reach her standards, she released me of the obligation and so I had him neutered.

Obviously, I have already decided to allow her one cycle. I have read that neutering prior to reproductive maturity can significantly increase the risk of hypothyroid and osteosarcoma- both problems in this breed. I have also been advised by two breeders that early altering can have negatives affects on performance dogs- something I hope to do with this one.

Thank you for any advice!

"She's a Hotsteppin Hemi with four on the floor..."

I cannot see one good reason not to get your dog spayed. I will list a few reasons. Number one is your female dog won't have a period which means you won't have to worry about pads and red spots on the carpet and number two is accidental pregnancy with your dog and a neighborhood dog, whatever. One of my buddies has a female dog they never got spayed and it had accidental pups last year without warning. Another reason is when the dog is spayed/neutered, it makes the dog less aggressive and friendlier because of the hormones are lowered. Hope that helps and GET YOUR DOG SPAYED!!!

----------- Sandy my 1 year old labrador-----------

here is an article I found on the risk and benifits of spaying

www. naiaonline. org/ pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs .pdf (remove the spaces)

 if done before 2.5 years of age, greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, the most common

malignant tumors in female dogs

• nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra, which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female

dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs

• reduces the risk of perianal fistulas

• removes the very small risk (
0.5%) from uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors

On the negative side, spaying female dogs

• if done before 1 year of age, significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer); this is a

common cancer in larger breeds with a poor prognosis

• increases the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma by a factor of 2.2 and cardiac hemangiosarcoma by

a factor of >5; this is a common cancer and major cause of death in some breeds

• triples the risk of hypothyroidism

• increases the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.6-2, a common health problem in dogs with many

associated health problems

• causes urinary “spay incontinence” in 4-20% of female dogs

• increases the risk of persistent or recurring urinary tract infections by a factor of 3-4

• increases the risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis, especially for female dogs

spayed before puberty

• doubles the small risk (<1%) of urinary tract tumors

• increases the risk of orthopedic disorders

• increases the risk of adverse reactions to vaccinations

also I have raised many dogs bothe fixed and intact and I have never had an aggression problem with either. it all boils down to who is the alpha!

"You listened to the rumors, and passed a lie.  Because of your ignorance, I had to die"
- "pitbull"

designerdogs.myfreeforum.org (for those who love their crossbreeds)

Star: *Proud Eskie/golden mix*

Pushing me away, every last word, every single thing you say
pushing me away, try to stop it now but it's already too late
pushing me away, If you really don't care then say it to my face
pushing me away, push push pushing me away
tell me the truth, cause I'm so confused ,spinning around these walls are fallin down
and I need you, more than you know, im not letting go, im getting closer
take my hand and tell me why, pushing me away every last word.
push push pushing me away.
- Jonas Brothers 

*~♦ ♦~*

Outcast13- the restrictions you mention must be something in your area. I live in a very isolated region where it's just not an issue. Spaying would prevent me from showing her in the conformation ring- something I may decide to try. Unsure right now. The only thing I am sure of is that I have zero intention of breeding. I am definitely planning to try Rally-O, maybe some weighpull for fun- intact or spayed won't affect her eligibility there. Spaying now might affect her developement for the weight pull events though.

All- Yes, I will be sure she does not get pregnant. I am vigilant and I am also VERY aware of the overpopulation issue. I volunteer at our local shelter.

Rainsmom- it's the osteosarcoma I am worried about. Mammary or reproductive cancer are bad enough, bone cancer is devestating. I may be dealing with Hypothyroid in one dog, (labwork pending)and I do not want to increase the risk for this one. I appreciate your research! I want what's best for Ingot, not my convenience. Still weighing the information. My two vets and the breeder simply say to do whatever I think is best...it's a big responsibility. This is my "Bug" after all... It sounds as if I should wait until she's one year but before she's two...

"She's a Hotsteppin Hemi with four on the floor..."