To fix or not to fix?! How to chose your vet!

[d1mitrov]

So our little baby girl has come to the point where we have to decide whether to spay her or not. Ive read multiple accounts and stories about the whole experience and frankly im torn. The thought of her going through this invasive procedure really makes me sick. For people that have owned Frenchies for a long time(im a new owner) what is your experience and thought process? Should i do it or not? Also if i do decide to do it how should i pick the right vet. What kind of questions can i ask them to make sure they know how to work on Frenchies. I know this has been discussed before but i feel like this is such an important step i had to make a thread about it.

I would appreciate any help and feedback. Thanks guys!!!

 

[Frenchie Grrrl]

How old is your baby? Has she been through her first heat yet?

 

[2bullymama]

I had our girl done at 6 months of age... she lived to be 9, very healthy no issues at all. Some believe it is best to let them go through at least one heat season and then decide if they are going to spay... but overall, any time AFTER 6 months of age should not be any problem

 

[Frenchie Grrrl]

Here is a pretty good article that talks about both the benefits and risks. It also sites specific studies and has links to some, if you want to do further reading.

Personally, I probably wouldn't spay before a year old, but it's obviously a personal decision. What is "right" for some families, may not work for others, depending on their situation, etc.

 

[d1mitrov]

She is 10-11 months and no heat yet. I just also read this article that actually quotes a study that says dogs who have been fixed had a higher chance for certain diseases and cancers such as hip dysplasia, ccl or dogs knee, Hemangiosarcoma, Lymphosarcoma and Mast cell tumors
Your Dog Needs To Be Spayed Or Neutered - Right? - Dogs Naturally Magazine

 

[d1mitrov]

Here is a pretty good article that talks about both the benefits and risks. It also sites specific studies and has links to some, if you want to do further reading.

Personally, I probably wouldn't spay before a year old, but it's obviously a personal decision. What is "right" for some families, may not work for others, depending on their situation, etc.

omg thats the same article i just read and linked to lol

 

[Frenchie Grrrl]

She is 10-11 months and no heat yet. I just also read this article that actually quotes a study that says dogs who have been fixed had a higher chance for certain diseases and cancers such as hip dysplasia, ccl or dogs knee, Hemangiosarcoma, Lymphosarcoma and Mast cell tumors
Your Dog Needs To Be Spayed Or Neutered - Right? - Dogs Naturally Magazine

Yeah, it's not super clear cut with females, imo. I wouldn't do it before my dog's first heat cycle, though.

 

[EPR35]

I would find a vet that has experience with brachycephalic breeds and their breathing issues. While under sedation for her spay the vet can explore her throat/airway in case there are any other issues that should be addressed that may not be an obvious problem now. Spaying is a relatively simple surgery but identifying and taking corrective action for issues such as elongated soft palate etc. require an experienced vet. Proactively screening/correcting for these things will help you girl avoid future surgeries and the health problems that result from these conditions that don't always present symptoms until the dog is older.

 

[Tgirl]

I will always spay my female dogs. I have seen way too many pyometra and breast cancer patients to not.

 

[malt]

I read in older threads here that the question of when to spay warrants attention too. It depends on a number of variables such as breed and conditions common to it, development of the individual dog, etc. At one point, you'll have more risk of A and less of B, and less of A but more of C at another. It becomes a balancing act. Can any general guidelines be drawn for French Bulldogs?

 

[Frenchie Grrrl]

I read in older threads here that the question of when to spay warrants attention too. It depends on a number of variables such as breed and conditions common to it, development of the individual dog, etc. At one point, you'll have more risk of A and less of B, and less of A but more of C at another. It becomes a balancing act. Can any general guidelines be drawn for French Bulldogs?

Most all of the studies that I have read have been in larger breed dogs. I've never run across anything Frenchie specific.

 

[mattcantwin]

Most all of the studies that I have read have been in larger breed dogs. I've never run across anything Frenchie specific.

Here's something:

https://bluehavenfrenchbulldogs.com...-my-frenchie-puppy-and-what-are-the-benefits/

 

[Cbrugs]

I’m pro neuter/spay if not showing or breeding. Jax got neutered at 6 months of age. He never started lifting his leg so I never had a problem with marking. Louie, my bulldog, just got neutered last week at 11 months. He started lifting his leg around November and we did have a few instances of him marking in the house (the kitchen trash, the toy bin, the dog bed, Jax’s crate). The vet said that neutering would help but not eliminate that as he already started doing it. It’s only been a week so we’ll see what happens.


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[Frenchie Grrrl]

Here's something:

https://bluehavenfrenchbulldogs.com...-my-frenchie-puppy-and-what-are-the-benefits/

Well, I meant actual studies, as to the benefits and risks. This breeder is obviously pro early neuter/spay, and doesn't site any studies.

 

[2bullymama]

I'll try to find the link but Dr. Karen Becker has a video of options for pets

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/videos.aspx

Not sure I'm fully on board, but some vets are offering the option

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[mattcantwin]

Well, I meant actual studies, as to the benefits and risks. This breeder is obviously pro early neuter/spay, and doesn't site any studies.

My bad.

 

[Honeys Owners]

I'll try to find the link but Dr. Karen Becker has a video of options for pets

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/videos.aspx

Not sure I'm fully on board, but some vets are offering the option

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Here's the text link to that video https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/09/30/neutering-health-risks.aspx

 

[d1mitrov]

I just dropped my baby off. From the door, she already knew something bad is gonna happen she started shaking and looked really scared. I think my heart broke a little. I really hope im making the right choice. Our babies are perfect the way they are I hope this really helps them live longer healthier lives.

 

[Frenchie Grrrl]

Aww, best of luck to your baby. Let us know how she does.

 

[Tgirl]

I'm sure she will be fine.