Our 5 1/2 month Bullmastiff bitch was due to have been spayed this week, she was given a pre-op check-up by our usual vet a couple of weeks ago, as he was very happy with her, he adviced us to book her in. However when my husband took her this week, first the nurse then another vet (the owner of the practice), checked her over and told him that they were unable to operate as she is "still tucked up". They have told him to bring her back after she's had her first season, which they have said may not be for another 12 months. Firstly I don't know what they mean by tucked up, does it it mean there is something wrong with her? I had tried to get information on when best to spay, and all the advice I've read, led me to believe that it would be best to get her done, prior to her first season, which our usual vet strongly agreed with. I wondered whether this could be financially motivated advice as the cost of the operation would, I imagine, be almost twice what we had been quoted, as the price is calculated by weight, or could they have a genuine concern that spaying her now could leave her with problems later? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated, Jackie.

Personally, I think 5.1/2 months is far too young for a bitch to be spayed, she is still a very young puppy and especially in a breed as big, I don't see the need for anyone to get a bitch spayed unless its for health problems, did your vet advise you that spaying can also cause problems, i.e. incontinence, loss of coat and texture, (on long coated breeds), and going fat!!!! ive only ever had two bitches spayed one who was elderly and the other after a ceaser., this is the one I had that has health problems now, you would never know that she used to have a super harsh coat, its gone so soft. I know, that not everyone has these problems with spaying, but unless you own a male dog, I really dont see the need to get her spayed, this is just my opinion and I do know that others will not agree with me!!!! If you are serious about getting her spayed, I would wait until she has had her first season.

Thanks for the reply, this is the first time I've used this site, it's nice to know people are there trying to help. I must admit that when our vet advised getting her spayed before her first season, I was shocked, which is why I searched for information on the subject. What I discovered is that the latest opinions, support spaying early as it reduces the risk of cancer, the risk increases by 7% if you allow the first season.As Bullmastiffs seem so prone to cancer this eased our decision, also both of my parent Rotts, suffered whomb infections at 6 yrs, and were lucky to survive the emergency op's. We do also own a male dog, although he'd not have much chance with her as he's a Pug! I know from past experience that he will refuse to eat for at least a week! Jackie.

What the vet may have meant is that her vulva is still very small. If spayed before the external genitals are developed some bitches, especially if muscular in the thigh will often have a condition, called infantile or inverted vulva, which can lead to a lot of infections with the urine burning the skin.

I know a bitch of my breed spoayed at 5 months who has had this problem. The owner wishes she had listened to me, but had her bitch spayed, as her older one used to have phantom pregnancies, which she wanted to avoid for the younger one.

If you are not breeding from this girl, then it's best to spey before a season. There are enough unwanted pups, and the health benefits increase the sooner you do it (ie, with each season the health benefits decrease).
There are very rare cases when some bitches have incontinence problems, but when you weigh that up against pyometra, cancer and of course all the pups in rescues nowadays, that's a very small risk to take.
Of course if there is a physical reason why they cant be speyed, then in between first and second season should be fine, but for those reading this - please spey before a season, it is best for your pets.
Speying does not cause weight gain, eating too much, and not exercising enough causes weight gain. If your animals weight increases after a spey, reduce their food or increase their exercise.
Good luck :)
Lisa
xx
Ps. In the US they spey at 8-12 weeks, so 5-6 months is actually quite late, although that's the earliest you can get it done over here.

One important reason for spaying midway between seasons is that there is more likelihood of surgical complications if a bitch is spayed very close to her season and the hormones and blood supply are high. If you wait till after the first season you minimise this risk.
:)

My Vet would only spey my dog after her first season, as I understand it , this is standard procedure.

I'm sorry but I don't know what "still tucked up means", I'm sure someone will be along later who can explain it!

liberty :)

Hi Jackie,
I imagine the vet means that your puppy is still far too immature to be spayed. There is a lot of evidence that early spaying can in some cases cause long-term health problems requiring lifelong medication.

The organisation that seems to have most experience with dogs longterm is the GDBA, (as all the Guide Dogs remain their property and the Organisation pays all vet bills etc) and they have found that bitches are least likely to have health problems if they are spayed after their first season, when they are reasonably mature, both physically and mentally.

Hope this helps.
:)

Hi,
Just out of interest, how long would everyone wait if the bitch hadn't had a season?
The reason I ask is, my aussie bitch is booked in to be spayed next Thursday. She is 21 months old and has never ever had a season, despite living with her litter sister for the last year who has had 2 seasons whilst living here....
The vet has checked her over numerous times and said she is perfectly healthy. I am spaying her as I do not wish to breed from her, and have waited and waited, but no season. My vet has said she is mature enough now to be spayed but I must admit, I was hoping to do it after a season, but my vet said there is no point in waiting any longer...
Any thoughts on this??
Gabrielle

She's probably a very clean dog, and you didn't notice it, sometimes they can be so clean there are no signs :)
I'd get her speyed, the vet knows whats best :)
Lisa
xx

Hello Jackie

That seems odd to me. Over here animals often get spayed or before thier first heat. Our vet told us we could have it done before our female GSD's first heat at 6 months but we waited until after for no particular reason. I would get a second opinion to see if financial reason account for what the vet said. That just seems odd to me.

KL

Hi Brainles is right i have owned and bred Bullmastiffs for 23 years you must not spay at a young age wait until she has had first heat then she can be done 3 months later and all will be okay lots of luck jackie,uk.

What signs should I look for. Star is 6 months now. So far no changes. People are telling me to spay before her first season others 3 months after. She is a boxer and I have been told before would cut the risk of mammary cancer. After would cure her juvenile vaginitus. I need some good advice.

PS. There are a lot of male stray dogs who seem to hang about waiting for females in heat. I have not got a private garden that Star would be 100% away from other dogs. They would still have access and that scares me.