Spaying questions.

[showjump]

My hungarian vizsla bitch is 8 months old. She has not come into season yet, but i want too have her spayed.

I have heard she has too have her first season before being spayed? If i have too wait for her first season what age will she have one?- i would have thought very soon now?

Thanks, any other points i havent considered let me know.

 

[MurphysMinder]

There are differing opinions as to whether a a bitch should have her first season before spaying. Some vets prefer to do it before a season I think. Personally I like a bitch to have a season before spaying but that is just my opinion. If you do decide to wait the ideal time for spaying is around 3 months after the season. I would say your bitch may well come in any time now, but I had one bitch who had her first season at 3 years old

 

[UnaB]

We tend to advise people who buy our puppies to wait til about 18 months to spay them if possible. Let them get a couple of seasons out of the way and grow and mature properly. The same applies to the boys.

Definately let her have one season first though.

 

[jvoyce]

The argument for neutering after the first season is to do with growth and urinary continence.

The argument for neutering prior to first season is prevention of mammary tumours later in life. (and of course avoiding mis-alliance)

There are valid arguments on both sides and different vets will have opposing views.

There is evidence from some Bristol university research a couple of years ago that the benefits of earlier neutering outweigh the risks in most breeds. I don't know of any research later than this but I'm sure someone here will know of some.

Some specific breeds do benefit from later neutering but I don't know whether Vizlas come into this group.

Hope this is helpful - basically, I'd ask a couple of different vets and make your decision based on the advice they give.