I have a female bulldog who is three in July. I have bought her as a pet and do not intend to breed her. I am in a dilemna whether to have her spayed or not as I have heard conflicting opinions. I have spoken to our vet who says its a bit dodgy spaying a bulldog and that I would need to really watch her weight and it could cause problems for her, plus they are not good when put under but then I think if I dont get her spayed and have no intention of breeding her then this could become cancerous. I can cope fine with her when she is in season and dont want to put her through an operation if its not really needed. She has gone uunder in the past and she was fine. I really dont know what to do for the best.

I know it is ultimately my decision but is spaying a bulldog fairly straightforward and what sort of problems could they encounter after being spayed or if I left it could my bulldog be at a higher risk of her womb becoming cancerous if it is not used?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you - Alison.

Brachycephalic breeds like this are always at a higher risk when under anaesthetic than their longer-muzzled fellows. Having said that, vets are aware of this and take extra-special care that they are 'under' for as short a time as possible.

I have never heard that cancer of the womb is a particularly big risk for bitches - the more common womb trouble they may get is pyometra - pus in the womb - which is a life-threatening condition. Prophylactic spaying is usually done to prevent this condition, and also to lessen the likelihood of the bitch developing mammary tumours. However latest reports suggest that unless the bitch is spayed before her third season there is no such reduction.

After spaying some bitches have a tendency to put on weight - others don't, and there's no way of telling which it will be beforehand!

If you can cope okay with her seasons it makes the decision really difficult for you.

Hope this helps :)

Hi, just want to say that i breed and show bulldogs and if i have had a litter from a bitch that i dont show then i all ways have them spayed after one may be two litters and have had know problems, you just cut down on there food intake, best of luck with your girl i am sure she will be okay( is your vet really good with bull breeds?.) regards jackie :-)

hi. i am fairly new to the list. i have 2 bulldogs and am hoping to breed soon. you are the first person i have seen on here who also has bulldogs. how many do you have? and what is your afix? hope you dont mind me asking!.

Hi Tanni, i have three adults and eight pups my affix is BURGAU been in Bullmastiffs for 23 years - Bulldogs 5 years and Cane-Corsos 2 years do you show your bullies and where did you buy them from? be very careful if you are going to breed dont just use your dog go and find a good male which might have done well in the show ring but not all good dogs are shown. keep in touch bye jackie. :-)