here I am again - I who knows not much!!! If ( and when) I get a bitch, I will want her spayed. why? - because my dog will be a pet - full stop. I do not want to show her or breed her. I acknowledge that being spayed makes it more convenient to us owners (no mess etc), but I also want the freedom to take my dog out all of the time without her ever being at any risk, or to agitiate other dogs (post titled 'irresponsible idiots' springs to mind here.) and in my pet owner stance, I don't think an 'off' coat would bother me. Do the experienced people on this board REALLY think spaying is detrimental to a PET dog? I would be really interested to know
Zoe
P.S no offence is meant here. Reading this board has convinced me of positive benefits of non-spayed bitches for certain people. i am just trying to find out all sides of the argument for spaying bitches that are pets and only pets :)

Hi Isobel

I'm not getting into any arguments over whether it's best to have a bitch neutered or not either - there are pro's & cons' as with everything, but sorry, I do think coat changes are a factor to consider, albeit a minor factor. A heavy, woolly coat can be very uncomfortable for some dogs don't you think? You obviously take great care of your Cocker's coat but I'm afraid many pet owners are not prepared for what happens to their Cockers after neutering & find it v difficult to keep them well-groomed between clips - this is particularly true of those with solid blacks from show lines. Owners need to be informed about what can happen so they are better prepared - that's why I think coat changes are relevant anyway :-)

Jane

OK I'll let you have your minor factor.

but I still think its a teeny weeny minor factor:p

Hi Isabel,

I've just re-read my post and it didn't come across as I'd intended. We've thought long and hard about spaying and feel that for us, it just isn't right . Obviously if the vet recommends it for medical reasons specific to Holly then we'd be there like a shot but we don't want to have her 'done' as a matter of routine.

I'm still not getting this across properly, I can't seem to get my brain to work today :D , but I know what I mean!!.

I don't want you tho think we're some weirdo/irresponsible family who haven't thought this through - we have. We're NOT going to breed from Holly and we WILL keep her safe.

Fiona

Its OK Fiona I suspected it was just a throw away remark connected more to the chat about coats than speying it is always a difficult decision on whether to spey and I'm still not sure whether I made the right one, Amber suffered a lot more pain post op that I was led to believe, but as I had two friends experience pyometra in their bitches (fortunately both survived) it influenced me more towards it at the time. Its done now though and the fact is I won't have to worry about these things now.:)

Fiona, have you joined CockersUK there is a message on there telling us about the Parti-Colour Cocker Club 'Learning Fun Day' on Monday 6th May at Markfield Community Centre, Markfield, Leics. I cant remember if you have mentioned where you live but I thought you might be interested. The whole or half day includes a short talk on the breed standard ,help and advice on any problem areas you may have with your own dog i.e., trimming to advantage, standing and moving your dog and a demonstration of obedience and field work. Also a 'Fun Match' with lots of prizes.

These events aimed at the new ones seem few and far between these days most clubs seemed to be concentrating on judging seminars these days. I was very lucky when Amber was just ready to lose her puppy coat I attended a grooming demo by Patricia Bentley which was hugely helpful.

Dont know why admin but I couldnt add any more to the above message are you limiting the length of messages due to the problems? Might be a good idea cut some of the waffle :D

Anyway Fiona if you arent going to join CockersUK and want the contact details for the event just let me know.

Hi Isabel,

Could you let me have the details for CockersUK. We live in Berkshire but we might be able to get up to Leics for the funday.

Thanks,

fiona

I have an Isabel as well, only she's spelt Isabelle, so I'll apologise in advance in case I spell your name wrong!! :D

Fiona

See my reply on your other thread. I've given you the link for C-UK.

Pam

Fiona , not having her spayed also leaves you with the option of breeding her if you change your mind , . but when you decided you were getting a cocker as you said it was because you liked what you saw . and spaying would certainly change that, I must have missed out on the post saying you had a puppy all the problems with board . so Im saying it now im thrilled for you , and i wish you many years of happiness with your pup,, best wishes Marie

Thanks Marie. We definitely won't be breeding from Holly, there are enough spaniel breeders in this country without me joining the ranks, but I would be interested in showing her. Both of her parents have been shown and have done very well so I'd be interested in trying Holly in the show ring.

We're going to see the vet on Monday and he's going to give me lots of advice about the pros and cons of spaying so at least we'll know exactly what we're doing.

Fiona

I have a no. op pom's who have never been done, 2 lived till they were 16. At the moment I have 4 between 10 and 13 who have never had a days illness and look as though they've many years yet to go. It doesn't look as though not havnig them done has caused them any problems!

In my opinion, (which I seem to have alot of lately), breed type is probably the most relavent factor on the specific effects spay/neutering has in the overall results. I have never noticed any effect in the coat quality on any of my spay/neutered Westies. But as those experienced with spaniels have attested, it certainly plays havoc with their coat quality. The biggest drawback I have experienced with spay/neutering has been the loosing battle with weight gain. But I wonder if this is a problem with spay/neutering breeds like greyhounds and whippets? I can't recall ever seeing an obese greyhound :) But, spay/neutering the terrier types ..............butterballs abound.

The sex hormones control many of the bodies functions, not just sexual activities, hence middle age spread and the need for HRT in women who have ovaries removed. Jackie H

Missy is an ESS with a lovely coat at the moment - I'm having her spayed in the next few months - so will be interested (although not upset) to see if her coat changes in anyway afterwards.......

Fran

I'll be listening to your reports with interest, Fran , as I will be having Banya done at some stage...I spoke to a friend the other day with a working Cocker, and her dog actually had a pyo at 2 and a half...so she had her spayed. Pyo is the fear with me, more than anything.

Llindsay

My 7 year old goldie was speyed after her 2nd litter{they were 3 weeks old, she was 4.5 years old at the time} due to pyometra and sadly her caot went with it she is now VERY wooly and has sprouted hair from everywhere BUT she is much happier since being speyed

My mother and I had two b.c.s from the same litter. They were spayed on the same day. While mine already had a longer, curlier coat than her sister, I would say it did get woollier. However, her sister had a very silky coat which remained that way to the end. Weight was never a problem with either of them, or incontinence. I guess it's likely to be different in every case.
LynnT