spaying an older dog

Scarlet · 06-10-2008, 08:03 PM

We recently acquired a female who had been previously bred. Her last litter was a year ago. She is just turning five and has had 3 litters in the past. We do not intend to breed her, and I wanted to know if there is any down side to spaying an older dog. The vet tested her clotting factor and has no concerns about von wil. Are there hormone related issues or cancer risks like with humans?

Murreydobe · 06-10-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlet

We recently acquired a female who had been previously bred. Her last litter was a year ago. She is just turning five and has had 3 litters in the past. We do not intend to breed her, and I wanted to know if there is any down side to spaying an older dog. The vet tested her clotting factor and has no concerns about von wil. Are there hormone related issues or cancer risks like with humans?

Yes, she definitely should be spayed. Intact females are at risk for pyometra, a uterine infection which can be fatal.

If it were me, I'd go ahead and do the Vetgen test for vWD. It's a dna test, and the only definitive test for vWD. The test your vet did was almost certainly the ELISA blood test, and it has a high error rate, there also is an overlap between categories with this test.

I'd do bloodwork, just to make sure liver and kidney function were good.

Immediately prior to the spay (or any surgery) I'd have the vet do a BMBT clotting test-this checks on how quickly the blood clots on that particular day. This is because vWD isn't the only disorder that can cause clotting issues in dogs.

Scarlet · 06-10-2008, 09:05 PM

Thanks. I actually know a pony that suffered that complication in her uterus.

How much should a spay cost? The vet quoted me $700.00+. That suprised me, but they said an older dog is more difficult and her size adds to the cost.

Murreydobe · 06-10-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlet

Thanks. I actually know a pony that suffered that complication in her uterus.

How much should a spay cost? The vet quoted me $700.00+. That suprised me, but they said an older dog is more difficult and her size adds to the cost.

It's probably been 4-5 years since I've had anyone spayed..I think at that time I paid around $300. I'm not a vet, but I think $700 is pretty hard to justify.

thea2003 · 06-10-2008, 09:31 PM

Well $700 isnt hugely over priced, it depends where you are.
Where i am it is just under $450, that is Spay, Pre anesthetic blood work and fluids.
It really depends on what is included in that cost, some vets do mandatory testings other dont.

Some vets also charge more for a "mature" spay, than just a routine spay.

WorkingInSTL · 06-11-2008, 10:38 AM

I have to respectfully disagree that she should "definitely be spayed". There was a twelve page research paper written by a prominent professor with a PhD in animal sciences at a well know university that talks in detail about the many dangers of sterilizing your pet. I think it should be required reading for ANYONE who owns a pet dog or cat, then maybe people would jump off of the "spay/neuter is good, ask no questions" bandwagon.

I am not suggesting that spaying is never an option, but I would caution you to make it an INFORMED decision between you and your vet, based on the particulars of your dog.

I am working on finding the document so I can post it here on this thread.

WorkingInSTL · 06-11-2008, 10:44 AM

Sorry for the delay. The article I reference can be downloaded in pdf form here...http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf

If you prefer html format, then you can go here...Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs

(you may have to copy and paste these into your browsers address bar)

CoDobe · 06-11-2008, 10:54 AM

My DH didn't spay our Min Pin and she developed pyometria at age 11. We had no choice but to spay her and correct the infection, but I was concerned that she may not make it through the surgery (which she did). She is old and has cancer. They did the bloodwork and all the pre-tests and charged us around $450 which we got most of it back through our pet insurance.

IMO, it's a decision left between you and your vet. If you're not comfortable with the vet's recommendation, get a 2nd opinion.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide to do.

gracieface · 06-11-2008, 11:31 AM

700 is extremely overpriced, in many places vet prices aren't regulated, I would check around- where I am I have heard of people paying 500, but the vet who does my ear cropping is 120 + $1/pound over 50 lb weight. See if there is a spay clinic near you. Having lived thru 2 girls developing mammary cancer, I'm in favor of spaying after they are retired from breeding.

**velmadobe** · 06-11-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlet

We recently acquired a female who had been previously bred. Her last litter was a year ago. She is just turning five and has had 3 litters in the past. We do not intend to breed her, and I wanted to know if there is any down side to spaying an older dog. The vet tested her clotting factor and has no concerns about von wil. Are there hormone related issues or cancer risks like with humans?

I think that there are a lot more risks to leaving her intact than to spaying her. Each comes with its own possible issues, but if it were my dog, I would spay her.

I think that $700 is A LOT for a spay unless there are other issues like being a clinically affected bleeder.