Re: [PyrNet-L] Re: Chat: Questions on Spaying

[klbyrd@tampabay.rr.com]

Our Margo was just spayed and I have to say that we do think she may
have had show potential and gave it a lot of thought before deciding it
was what was best for us.  It may not be what's best for you, of course
because you may enjoy showing her.  However, if you wait, you may as
well not even bother doing it in terms of medical benefits.  I have
spoken with several different vets as well as our local humane society
in an attempt to time the surgery correctly for Margo.  According to
numerous experts on the topic, the medical benefits include eliminating
cancer risks for certain cancer types, but if the dog is not sterilized
before the first heat (6-10 months roughly), these benefits are lost and
you are spaying simply to avoid putting up with a dog in heat and to
prevent pregnancy, but not for any other medical benefits.  Margo came
throught the surgery remarkable well and gave us little trouble during
her recovery period and left the incision alone with no real resistance
on her part.  We used no collar or other methods to prevent her from
bothering the site.

It's a tough decision when you are interested in showing the dog because
you need to decide in a short time perild what to do and then your
decision is pretty much final!  Good luck.

Kris