48. Is Spaying necessary? E-mail queries.

Sunday, Sep 9, 2007, 7.31 am.
Good morning to you. I am Dr Sing from Toa Payoh Vets. Thanks for email.
See answers in CAPITAL LETTERS below. It is good for me to receive an owner's concerns as regards spaying.



AN E-MAIL TO TOA PAYOH VETS

wrote:

Dear doctor

Good evening to you.

I have a female maltese ard 10 months of age. I believed she is in her heat period now, as she will als 'hump' on my arm. I have a few enquiries to check with you on the spaying.

May I check when is the suitable period for spaying??

3 MONTHS AFTER HER HEAT. EXAMINE YOUR FEMALE DOG FOR SIGNS OF HEAT like vaginal bleeding for around 10-14 days and big swollen vulval lips.

Is it necessary??
YES IF YOU WANT much cheaper dog licensing fees payable yearly and no blood stains in your house and furniture during the female dog's heat. SOME female dogs get unwanted pregnancies --- either having escaped from the house for some time or attracting male dogs to the house. Many owners are surprised at such cases of small Silkie Terriers being pregnant although the male is a big Bull Terrier or bigger breed.

NO IF YOU THINK IT IS CRUEL. Some older spayed dogs have urinary incontinence or hair loss.

As i heard this will improve her quality of life, longer life span...
YES. The probability of getting breast cancer is much lower in a spayed female dog. Infection of the womb (pyometra) is one disease in older some intact female dogs (passing sticky pus from vagina, vomiting, not eating). This is avoided if the dog is spayed as she has no more womb.


How long is the recovery period?? (longer than a male..i guess??)
AROUND 7 DAYS after surgery. Most female dogs recover within 2 days if you observe their interest in eating and being active.

I was wondering if i need to arrange for leave to look after her.
PREFERABLY YOU TAKE LEAVE for at least the first 3 days.

Wats the success rate of the Ops??

1. DEATHS FROM ANAESTHESIA OR BLEEDING.

A FEMALE DOG IN GOOD HEALTH usually will not die under the general gas anaesthesia. Bleeding complications and infections are the main risks but should be rare in Singapore cases being operated.

2. STILL BLEEDING.

IF YOU MEAN whether the female dog will still have vaginal bleeding or attract male dogs after spay, she should not. However if remnants of ovarian tissues are left behind, there may be some problems.
Any dangers on a smaller size dog in compare?

Lastly, the cost??
AROUND S$250 AT TOA PAYOH VETS. I advise that you spay your female dog 3 months after heat as there is little bleeding involved. More information about dog spay is at my website:
www.asiahomes.com/singaporetpvet/031208spay_Cocker_Spaniel_Toa_Payoh_vets.htm


I thank you for your patience and hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards
Jasmine