I've got my 9 year old Cavalier booked in Thursday and they're doing a spay and mammary strip. She has 2 pretty small lumps, one on each side, they are about pea size and the vet seemed pretty dismissive of their size, but the combination of having a 1 year old male dog, not wanting to end up with pyo in the future, and these little lumps which have got a little bigger over the last 6 months since they were first noticed, it feels like I ought to be brave and get her sorted out. But although the strip was what the vet said, I'm wondering if she needs a full strip or if I should just ask to have the lumps removed. Her mother had a lump and they only removed that lump. Do they still have nipples with a full strip or do I need to steel myself for her to look odd?

Also, can people tell me all about dogs who have been spayed later in life and still kept their drive to work, as we have lots of rally and agility still to do next year, though of course her health is most important!

I think it depends on what the lumps actually are.  Many times, they are benign.  If your vet could do a fine needle aspirate now, to get an idea of what they are, you will be able to decide whether to have them removed at the same time as the spay or not...

Friend of mine had his older bitch spayed at the beginning of this year. Hasn't affected her deisre to work in anyway & she came 3rd in the National Trials less than 6 months later

Personally I wouldn't do anything with a 9 year old and two small lumps, other than getting her spayed. If I had to choose I'd go for lump removal, I swore I would never get a full strip again seeing what pain my borzoi girl was in after a full strip and how long it took her to recover

Personally I would opt for simple lump removal and spay. I had a bitch who had a mammary strip to treat 2 small pea-sized lumps and she died 3 days afterwards, having been barely able to move because ofthe terrible pain. I'd never do it again.

Before I did anything, I'd need to know exactly what these masses are so yes, fine needle aspirate.  Then depending what the results show, get them removed and her spayed.

Fab thanks all! I think we'll go ahead with removing them rather than aspirating, as they have grown a little, but I'll definitely just have them removed rather than full strip. It did sound a little bit extreme for such small lumps! It will be easier only to have one entire bitch in the household trying to sneak off with the young male!

neighbours cat had a full strip and she was in a terrible state for weeks after.  neighbour said really regretted doing it.  far too much to put her through

I'm another who will never do a full strip again, it was awful and my special old girl aged overnight and was never the same again. Before she had been really fit.

Hope all goes well for your girl LucyDogs.  Sending all good wishes for her.

Thanks all! Op went well and lumps have been sent for analysis. She is fine in herself, vet said short walks on lead are ok and she's wearing a onesie to keep the wound clean when she is out. She was licking one of the bits where a lump was taken but it's looking much better this morning and not nearly as red as it was 2 days ago so am just keeping an eye on it. Vet was very impressed with the 2 days post-op check with how lively and bright she was! Since then she's been whining quite a lot so not sure if she's a little in pain or just being a madam haha, but the Metacam should help to keep her comfy. :-)