Would You Have Your Dog Spayed if in My Situation?

Question

**NOTE** Before anyone posts about all the unwanted Dogs and such in the world, I already know about this. Save it if you feel the need to take the podium in responding to me.

Also; I am aware of the plight of unwanted, etc. And, I am a conscientous Dog owner that donates food to my County's Animal Shelter and belong to the Humane Society in my County.

Anyway; I have 2 GSDs, Black & Tans, M&F. Both come from exceptional bloodlines, Female is AKC with Award winning Pedigree and A-1 OFI Cert. Male is UKC from exceptional Bloodlines A-2 OFI Cert and 5 Generations of Working/Police Dog pedigree and many of his relatives work in Police Agencies in MI, OH, IN, WI.

My concern is "Jinny" has had irregular heat cycles all her life. She would otherwise make a Great Brood Btch. in anyone's Breeding Program. I'm concerned with her cycles though, and I tried to have her bred with another Exceptional Male that has studded before sucessful litters.

***NOTE*** SOME MORE TO SHARE!! HOLD

I have 2 friends that are Cops. 1 is State Cop and other Sheriff Deputy. They along with tohers in their Depts. ant to get Pups from my litter as they know Jinny and Zuma's Grandfather is a Local Hero in the County east of mine in a K-9 unit. That's why they alos would like Pups from my dogs.

However; Jinny's heat cycles have been sporadic and I'm concerend she may have Female problems. She is otherwise very Healthy, but, her patterns are Bizarre, and she doesn't act receptive, and I'm concerned she may have problems. I just had her checked, and Vet noticed swollen Lymph Node in her abdomen due to Heat Cycle, and yet she has not been receptive.

Would you have her SPayed if you were me to protect what may be a chance of Cancer, or hope to have her bred and see if she finally mates with my Male?

I want to do the right thing. I'm willing to have her Spayed if it means her health vs. a Litter. She's my Best Gal and means the world to me.

My VET has checked her out well and he said it's my decision if I want to have her Spayed. He said her health is good, and swollen Nodes in and around heat cycles is normal.

He's impressed with her as many are and she has perfect markings, temperment, and all dimensions and my Vet has judged regionally for GSD Shows before and he says she could be a great show dog although I am not going to show her.

He is satisfied with her health and yet, he does agree that if her Heat Cycles continue to be irregular and such, I may want to consider Spaying her.

None of her Blood tests or anything has indicated any abnormalities otherwise. She is the Alpha of 3 dogs, and I had a false Pregnancy with her a year ago after what I thought was a successful mating. I didn't witness mount and copulation, but, after severeal hours in the Kennel with Male, she quit acting receptive or as if she were in heat. The one time she ever acted Receptive.

***NOTE*** I know what I kind of feel, but, I'm torn in my Decision. I just want/wanted feedback and some perspective in the "Waht would you do if you were me"? Mindset.

I live alone and am a Disabled Veteran, and it's not as if I have a whole lot of people around to share my thoughts or get feedback from.

So, I DO value what you have to say especially if you are a Breeder yourself.

All serious and thoughtful posts are appreciated.

OH I'M SORRY, I THOUGHT I POSTED THEIR AGES.

JINNY WILL BE 5 Y/O NEXT MONTH. I WON'T BREED HER PAST 6 YEARS OR SO OF AGE. I WOULD GO TO 7 SINCE SHE HAS NEVER HAD A LITTER.

ZUMA IS JUST OVER 2 Y/O.

NO BLOOD TEST RESULTS BEING AWAITED. I HAD HER IN OVER 3 WEEKS AGO. ALL WAS GOOD. SHE'S A VERY HEALTHY 82 LBS.

From Esther's Answer on down, .....I am amazed by what I still learn although I have done so much research and read many book s as well as questioned my Vet and Vet Techs on many things. I have not gone into this blind concerning Breeding and I've done much reserach which of course I'm glad and I wouldn't do this blind.

However; I appreciate your feedback and answers alos and the added info I have also not been aware of.

ESTHER,...I have noticed Jinny have like a Pus Mucous plug at times during Heat Cycles. I had read where this is normal in some dogs and my Vet echoed this when I shared with him. However; your answer makes me woinder. I will have that checked. Thanks!

PBULL ......She doesn't seem to get a swollen Vulva like my Female Rottweiler although I know they are 2 different Breeds. She seems not to swell too much, and maybe she just doesn't get as large or swollen.

She has had some Silent Heat cycles I've been aware of, and she is not as pronounced or she does not bleed as much as my Rott.

I keep the calendars marked and record when I see signs.

Thanks so much for your feedback as well as the Answerer above you that has run a Kennel and got a New Brood Btch. Your time and answers are very helpful.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Often even with thorough vet exams, blood test, vaginal smears, etc underlying problems aren't able to be diagnosed. From my experiences both personal and as a tech when a dog has problems as you describe even if they do end up getting pregnant the outcome is usually not favorable. Many times the female has a difficult time during pregnancy or whelping and/or there are problems with the resulting pups. Also every time a dog goes in heat she develops scar tissue in the uterine lining and the uterus becomes unfavorable the more times she goes in heat. The more your dog has irregular heat cycles the higher her risk goes for pyometria and for mammary cancer (which are already high because she is intact).
As sad as it is to decide to spay such an exceptional female that sounds like she could offer a lot back to the breed by way of improvement I have to say I would defiantely decide ot spay if she were my dog.
I understand your dilema having had an exceptional Dane female who had a lot to offer back to her breed that sadly for very similar reasons I had to have spayed. For the health of your dog though I really recommend spaying. It would be a shame to lose such a nice sounding dog at an early age because you didn't.
Good luck

Answer 2

How old is she? If she has been in heat more than 3 times, her chances of mammary tumors down the line won't change if you spay her now. I'm not against spaying, but if she were mine and she had such a good bloodline, I would breed her.

Does your vet do repro stuff on a regular? My friend is a repro expert and we do a lot of vaginal smears and progesterones, etc.. for our breeders that come to our clinic. There is artificial insemination you can do if she won't stand for a male. The lady who runs the kennel next door to the clinic I work at, actually had a reputable repro vet in the area surgically inseminate her *****. I think it was b/c the dog's sperm was frozen and 5 years old, and they were concerned it wouldn't take. She got 9 puppies from that breeding.

Have you ever caught a heat cycle? Does she not get a swollen vulva or anything? I've heard of dogs going through silent heats, but not more than the first one.

It sounds like your vet is giving you good sound advise. If I were in your situation, I would wait a little longer and see if I can maybe catch a few cycles, unless there is anything immediate that will affect her health. I might even see a reproduction vet specialist (there is one in Sanford, NC that I know, she's real good). If nothing works out, then I would definitely then spay her. I guess I wouldn't be in a rush unless it was necessary.


New since last post:
Ok, so I can see your dilemma b/c now I'm thinking that maybe I would have her spayed. It seems as though she is older and you have done a lot of research etc... You only have another year before you will not breed her anyway. I guess I might still try or look into AI before I give up completely (nothing major, just the simple tube at the cervix opening). Her irregular heat cycles don't mean that she can't produce. What else is the vet saying about immediate issues? Will her irregular heat cycles kill her.

I guess one thing that would sway my decision, is how bad do I want her to have puppies. It seems as though you do really want some puppies out of her b/c you have made it this far.

Answer 3

Since you just saw the vet recently, I'd say that they are still awaiting on some of the results from their testing.

Depending on the age of the dog, and the last heat cycle she went through, this could be an indicator of pyometra (pus in the uterus). It's definitely something you want to watch out for, and perhaps talk with your veterinarian about.

Also:

- Heat cycles can be unpredictable in some dogs.
- What may appear as a missed heat cycle may have been a "silent heat" the cycle happened but evidence was not obvious.

I'd say wait until you get your vet gets lab results back. If there is some underlying medical condition - then she will have to undergo surgery.

~Hope this helps

Note: Just read the other part of the post. I'd say perhaps it would be better to spay her at this point: Especially if she's not being responsive, but that's ultimately your choice.

Answer 4

Hi,

I have been in your situation and after lengthy consideration I opted to have m B@tch spayed.
The reason for it was my concern for her overall health.
What I also did is do some extensive research and I eventually bought another young female of equal quality and similar bloodline( which wasn't easy) to breed with my male.
It took a while for everything to come to fruition, but it was well worth it.
Good luck to you.


P.S. I forgot to add that I still have the original female, she is strictly a pet now and I have not regretted my decision what so ever.

Answer 5

"I want to do the right thing. I'm willing to have her Spayed if it means her health vs. a Litter. She's my Best Gal and means the world to me."

You've already answered your own question. :)

Best,
Tatsinda

Answer 6

Did you get your dog for companionship or as a breeder. If it's the first, get your dog spayed.

Answer 7

Would you rather have her bred or around for a while?

Answer 8

GO TO THE VET AND GET HER TESTET FOR CANCER