questions about age to spay

[violetdawn]

I talked to the vet and she said that we could spay at 6 months, or we could wait until later. I tried to do some research based on what our vet said, but it's not coming up with newf specific cases. It does seem bigger dogs should wait longer.

When do you spay a newf? Can anyone send me to some solid new info or specific examples of your personal reasons to do it earlier or later?

My Kiki is 21 weeks old and I can't imagine trying to do it now.

 

[Jeannie]

Wait till your newf is at least 18 months to 2 years. Read this recent thread for more info

http://www.newf.net/Forums/showthread.php?t=110307

 

[NinaA]

Before I knew better, I used to spay my Newfs before their first heat - anywhere from six to ten months. All had knee and/or hip problems. Now it is thought that early spay causes what I ended up with, so I'd say my girls proved it. I did only feed my last girl adult food and she grew slowly and nicely. Good hips and knees, and the vet thought her problem with one knee and never the other was actually from an accident. So I would urge adult food and wait as long as possible up to at least two years to spay.

 

[Tricia2]

These do not specifically address Newfoundlands but there are multiple references to large breed dogs:

http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/news/health-implications-in-early.html

http://nebula.wsimg.com/7701f521246...B758413D7F7BC7D1E&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

http://nebula.wsimg.com/7701f521246...B758413D7F7BC7D1E&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

http://healthypets.mercola.com/site...angers-of-early-pet-spaying-or-neutering.aspx

 

[violetdawn]

Thanks so much for the great reading materials and recommendations.

My Vet was doing reasearch on her own and called me today and said the same things; wait until her growth plates close and even an xray to make sure they're closed. I don't care if it costs more if it saves my girl pain in the long run

 

[Jeannie]

So glad your vet is willing to research and help you and others make the right decision.

 

[Tricia2]

That's great news! You are protecting your pup and you are maybe protecting other pups that your vet will treat in the future.

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

Our vet brought up the subject of neutering, saying that she would not do the surgery on Cowboy until he is at least 12-18 months. She told me that unless there is an aggression issue, she wants to wait until his growth plates close, before "fixing" him. I like her.