Bitch Desexing

[jipsi01]

My 8 month old red heeler x is going in for desexing on Monday.

She hasnt had a season yet. Is this bad that she is being desexed before she does?

Any tips to make her op any nicer????

TIA

[MolassesLass]

There's just as many people in the "it's terrible" camp as there are in the "it's wonderful" camp on this one. I think you've made the best decision for your girl's health and well-being, congrats. ;)

[Genabee]

She will be fine after 24 hours I am sure! My mut was jumping around like a lunatic less that 24 hours after!

You are being a responsible dog owner in my view.

[Stitch]

I have never had any problems desexing at that age.

Just watch out that she doesn't have any pain after the op. Manifests itself as shaking or the dog not wanting to move etc.

Some dogs do - I always request something for them for the pain. I know I would need it after an invasive op like that.

Watch out that she doesn't over lick or chew the stitches - restrict exercise, running etc. until after the stitches come out.

That's about it - takes about 2-3 days and they are pretty much back to their old selves.

[OSoSwift]

There is research to say that if bitches are desexed before their first season they have a very very low chance of things like mammary tumours in later life, so that has to be a good thing. Also the younger they are desexed, for example at your bitches age instead of at 2 years old, the more quickly they recover.

She should be fine in a day or two and then you will have trouble keeping her quiet.

The quieter you keep her the better. DO not let her lick - very important- if she licks her sutures they can get infected and yukky.

She may not want to eat or eat much the night after she has been desexed but should be wanting to eat the next day.

Most vet hospitals give them an injection of painkilelrs after their spey, this lasts for a short time so as mentioned if you think she needs more ask your vets for some.

Sending lots of cuddles your girls way

[Everythings Shiny]

As a nurse I have to congratulate you on desexing before her season.

I truly believe it's a brilliant thing to do (I know people disagree)

It will severely reduce the chances of mammary tumors as she gets older. I only wish I got my girl done early as she has had to have tumors removed 18 months after being desexed (she was an ex- brood bitch).

If your concerned that she will lick at her stitches, ask the vet staff about getting an elizabethan collar. Nine times out of ten you can take it home and if you don't need it you can get either a refund or a credit on your file.