Spaying my Pug pup?

Question

Hi all! I just got 2 pug pups and the female has a cherry eye. I would like to have the eye fixed when I have her spayed but she is only 12 weeks old. I have read articles that contradict each other. One says to do it at 5-7 months and the other say earlier. Since pugs are prone to respiratory difficulties, I am worried that her youth may compound the problem. On the other hand, the pup and her brother seem to have difficulty leaving the cherry eye alone :) Does anyone have any experience with spaying a young pup? Is it recommended? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Kittens and puppies can both be spayed/neutered once they are eight weeks of age and at least two pounds in weight.

Answer 2

The early spay (prior to 5 months) is mostly used by shelters so they can place puppies without worrying about the new owners not bothering to alter the dog. There are some side affects, but overall it is generally accepted that the risks out weigh the problems. It is generally not done on non-shelter dogs.

I would discuss this with your vet. If your dog needs the eye operation soon, and will be having anesthesia anyway, the vet may say let's go ahead and spay her while she is under. Or the vet may say both operations would take too long and put her in danger. Really needs to be up to you vet. Sounds like the eye should be treated before they cause permanent damage to it.

Answer 3

You can safely spay her at 12 weeks. Shelters go as early as 8 weeks and if she is bothering the cherry eye, I'd get it done now rather than wait or do two surgeries and expose her twice. Regardless of age, the vet will likely intubate her anyway to prevent breathing problems under anesthetic since two procedures will be done and she is a higher risk breed (this is not done for most spays alone because most dogs don't have a risk for such a short surgery). With this precaution, she should do fine at 3 months.

Jessica C. is completely wrong - the AVMA and most vets recommend spaying before the first season to prevent long-term risk of reproductive cancer and after it was determined that risk of urogenital problems was no higher in younger animals than older ones.

Answer 4

Some shelters will spay at a few weeks or so old. Most vets, however, will wait until the dog is 6 months old, because it is felt that the body is mature enough at that point to handle surgery and anesthesia. A pug needs to be monitored closely during and after surgery, as they can sometimes have breathing difficulty after anesthesia.

Your best bet is to talk to your vet and see if he feels the benefits of getting both surgeries done in one fell swoop outweight the potential dangers of putting a pug puppy under anesthesia at such a young age. Or, if he feels you should separate the dogs and put an e-collar on the one with the eye issue. Either way, good luck in whatever you decide : )

Answer 5

You want to spay a female dog before it ever goes into heat. That is the biggest consideration you should have. Statistics: spaying before the 1st heat decreases her changes of developing breast cancer by 95%. Spaying before the 2nd heat decreases the chance by 50%. After the second heat is over, spaying does not decrease her risk of developing breast cancer. Most vets recommend spaying around 5 months of age. This is old where the anesthesia risk is minimal, but yet not old enough to be in heat. It's sort of right in the middle. (Dogs go into heat between 6 and 8 months of age...sometimes later for giant breeds.) Of notable interest: The American Veterinary Medical Association has officially approved spaying dogs and cats as early as 8 weeks of age, and it is done commonly all the time. Re: breathing concerns: pugs actually breathe easier under anesthesia, simply because they're intubated (this provides a clear air passage). Word to the wise: Do not have your pug spayed though an animal shelter or low-cost service. They should have the full, professional attention of your own veterinarian, hopefully one who understands the special needs of pugs.

Answer 6

2 pounds is usually when the spay can be done. 12 weeks old is great. Don't wait any longer, especially with the cherry eye. Also, since pugs have problems, it may be best to spay her sooner so her hormones haven't all kicked in yet. Might curb the weight issues.

Answer 7

Females may be spayed when they are as young as 2 to 4 months old, although many veterinarians still choose to perform the procedure when pets are 5 to 6 months old. All animals are individuals, so talk with your veterinarian about the best time to spay your particular pet.

http://home.ivillage.com/pets/cats/0,,nt4w,00.html

Answer 8

I fostered a litter of four pug puppies. I had them spayed and neutered before they left to their new homes. It would be better to do it with the eye at a younger age. This way you don't have to anesthetize her more than once.

Answer 9

You can do it at 4 months and it can be okay. If the vet is confident, let them do it. They spay and neuter successfully as young as 8 weeks now. I don't suggest that is the best idea. but four months should be okay because of the other circumstances.

Answer 10

Call the vet who gave them their 6 weeks shots. Tell her your concerns and get them their 12 week shots. The vet will be happy to tell you her recommendations.