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To Spay or Not to Spay 11 years old

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • Y

    I need some advice. My basenji is 11. I never had her spayed. I know….I should have... My vet refered to her uterus as a powder keg! She is in good health. Should I have it done now?

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  • S

    wow, I would listen to your vet.

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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  • MacPackM

    Other countries feel differently about spaying/neutering, but I think many people here believe that ff you are not a breeder, there is no reason to keep those annoying reproductive organs that can potentially cause problems in later years. It does seem strange to take a perfectly healthy dog in for abdominal surgery, but I think the idea is to lessen the risk of mammary tumors and eliminate all the potential problems related to the uterus. If you are not comfortable, get a second opinion.

    Anne in Tampa, with all neutered dogs!

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

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  • tanzaT

    As long as she is healthly now, blood workup is good… I would have it done... but only after you have a full blood panel done and discuss with your Vet.....

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • etzbsederE

    If she were younger, I would say absolutely, go for it if you are more comfortable, but I agree with Pat. Make sure she is in good health first. Although these are common surgeries, there are always risks, and failing health can make them worse.

    Michael Feldman
    Gilbert, AZ

    Chaverim Basenjis

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  • Y

    I'm new at this forum! Is this how I add to my own discussion?!

    First, thanks for the input!

    I believe my vets concern was pyometra. Her thought was better to have a scheduled surgery rather than an emergency surgery. It's a tough decision! I could do nothing and everything could go fine… or not. I could have the surgery and everything could go fine... or not.

    BIG SIGH......

    I can't decide!

    She (the dog) just had a dental 2 weeks ago and had to have 5 extractions but she's fine now.

    I thought if I posted my dilemma and got enough opinions I could make a better decision so PLEASE let me know what you think!

    Thanks so much

    GF

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  • S

    Ask the vet to do a senior blood planel, if its ok, then I would follow his advice and do this when the dog is healthy and there are no issues.

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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  • tanzaT

    If she came through the dental with no problems, I would assume that they already did a blood workup?…. too bad they just didn't do the spay then.... and pyometra is always a big concern... for sure and yes it is better to have a scheduled surgery.... I would wait a month since she just had a dental and then have it done.... again discussing her blood panel... first... if she were mine, I would have it done.... all things being considered...

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • Y

    OK…that's a good idea and a good place to start. If the bloodwork is good and it should be, (she had a work up before her dental), I'll go ahead and get it done. I am planning a vacation in Florida in February and my dog always travels with me. In the back of my mind I've been worried about a sudden problem hundreds of miles from my own vet. I get her bloodwork done A LOT! Her mother had Fanconi but so far we have dodged that bullet. THANK YOU! I'll let you know how it goes!
    GF

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  • lvossL

    If her bloodwork is good, I agree have it done. Every heat cycle they go through increases the risk of pyometra.

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  • Y

    Hi Again! I stopped at the vet today and made an appointment for next Wednesday. She (the dog) had blood work done several weeks ago and all is well but they will do it again the morning of the surgery. My vet is so wonderful….she knows my bond with my dog and is going to let me take her home at the end of the day instead of keeping her overnight. That was also a big part of my concern since we have never been apart one night since the day she was born. I know the dog would survive but I'm not sure I would! Anyway, thank you everyone. I will post again post surgery and let you all know how well it all worked out!

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  • tanzaT

    @yag113:

    Hi Again! I stopped at the vet today and made an appointment for next Wednesday. She (the dog) had blood work done several weeks ago and all is well but they will do it again the morning of the surgery. My vet is so wonderful….she knows my bond with my dog and is going to let me take her home at the end of the day instead of keeping her overnight. That was also a big part of my concern since we have never been apart one night since the day she was born. I know the dog would survive but I'm not sure I would! Anyway, thank you everyone. I will post again post surgery and let you all know how well it all worked out!

    That's great.. and honestly, I would never leave mine overnight after a spay (or neuter)… especially unless this is a ER Vet hospital, there is typically no one there overnight (as in human). If I had a Vet that insisted that they stay, I would be finding another Vet....

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • Y

    Exactly how I feel. Fortunately I love my vets, it's a husband and wife and they have come to know how I am and always work with me. I have 2 goats and the husband does farm calls. I feel very lucky. I always take the staff chocolates and snacks just in case I feel the need to get obnoxious about something…they will placate me!
    Thanks again for the input. I adore my dog and it's very cool to talk to people who love basenjis!

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  • tanzaT

    @yag113:

    Exactly how I feel. Fortunately I love my vets, it's a husband and wife and they have come to know how I am and always work with me. I have 2 goats and the husband does farm calls. I feel very lucky. I always take the staff chocolates and snacks just in case I feel the need to get obnoxious about something…they will placate me!
    Thanks again for the input. I adore my dog and it's very cool to talk to people who love basenjis!

    Sounds like a great Vet practice!!! Let us know how the spay goes, I am sure she will do great!

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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