Spaying a dog is a serious decision to any dog owner! Should I spay my female Shih Tzu dog? Is it dangerous? would it hurt her? Here are the answers from a fully qualified veterinarian to all those CRITICAL questions that you were worried about…
1.What is spaying a dog?
Spaying or ovariectomy is the most performed veterinary surgery around the world. It is a surgical operation performed to female dogs in order to eliminate heat cycles and render them unable to reproduce.
Spaying and neutering
The term “spaying” is used for female dogs. “neutering” is used for male dogs. Spaying consists of removing the ovaries to stop producing ovules and eliminate sexual hormones.
Spaying is done to healthy female dogs. In some cases, it is used for medical reasons to counter the effects of sexual hormones on the organism. Sometimes, this may be used to terminate pregnancy. That have dead foetuses or that can’t give birth normally.
Female spaying is performed much more than male dog neutering. It is a safe procedure and is widely practiced as a routine operation.
Spaying procedures: How it is performed?
Ovariectomy is only done through surgery under general anaesthesia. In ovariectomy, both ovaries are removed. Therefore, the Shih Tzu is unable to produce ovules. Sexual hormones are no longer secreted. Therefore heat behaviour stops. Sometimes, uterus should be also removed along with ovaries in certain conditions. This is called ovariohysterectomy. This is generally done when the uterus is infected or the is pregnant.
Spaying incision
Incision is about 2 or 3 inches long, it is often done following the linea alba (median ventral line of the abdomen) just below the nombril. Another approach consists of 2 incisions on the lateral side of the abdomen.
At what age?
For Toy and small breeds, spaying is scheduled at about 4 to 6 months old. Intact females and males should not be housed together 6 months of age if breeding is not desired.
Veterinarian generally advise owners to get their bitches spayed at least 2 months after starting heat.
Female puppies should be spayed at an early age from the same household because they may become adult at an early age. They should be spayed earlier to avoid unwanted pregnancies. To determine the best period, always talk to your veterinarian to figure out the best time to spay.
How long does a dog stay in heat?
Heat lasts between 2 weeks to 1 month approximately. On average, it lasts for a mean of 3 weeks ( proestrus + oestrus ).
Social benefits:
- Reduce stray dogs’ overpopulation
- Avoid breeding related pets (e.g. from the same litter) or same household
- Avoid breeding between dogs with incompatible sizes
Individual benefits
- The dog becomes quieter.
- Less risks in getting reproductive system diseases like pyometra, abortions, mammary gland cancers …
- Avoid getting stray dogs attracted by the female dog in heat.
- reduce aggressiveness.
- Urinary incontinence;
- Obesity;
- Predisposition cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries.
- During pregnancy risks include anaemia and dehydration.
- Some may exhibit pseudopregnancy after spaying.
Are there nonsurgical alternatives for sterilization or contraception of female dogs?
Contraception is a reversible control of reproduction. It is based on the use of medicines to counter the effects of oestrogens responsible for the heat manifestations. Progesterone is the most used hormone that suppresses heat. This is a reversible contraception that may be done to schedule breeding. Spaying is more used as it guarantees permanent irreversible contraception.
When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
Weighing the pros and cons is the key to determine if you need to get your female dog spayed. Spaying is better done to females living with other dogs or females living with male dogs from the same litter or related dogs. In some conditions, there are some diseases that require ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy.
Before surgery?
Like any other surgical operation, spaying has some minor risks. Like anaesthesia and bleeding. Before surgery, your veterinarian needs to perform a complete check up to determine if it can safely undergo surgery. Sometimes, some health issues may not allow surgery like heart or kidney problems.
After surgery?
After surgery, the abdomen is wrapped with an elastic bandage and an E-collar is put on the neck to prevent it from licking the wound. Pain relievers are given and food and water are reduced for the next day. The wound requires a daily disinfection and it takes a minimum period of 10 days to heal. The vet prescribes antibiotics to avoid infection. In some cases, prolactin, a milk inhibiting drug can be used to inhibit lactation. The dog must avoid exercise and must be put alone until the wound heals completely.
- Redness,
- Swelling around the incision, or
- If the it stops eating or becomes lethargic
contact your veterinarian immediately!.
Cost of spaying a dog?
200$ to 300$
Recovery?
Generally, few days are necessary for the dog to get back to its normal life. The wound heals completely in about 2 weeks. The hair grows back in a about a month.
If your dog has any medical issue, please consult your own veterinarian for treatment and further advice!
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