To spay or not to spay?

by Joyce
(Connecticut USA)

First, this is such an amazing club and such a great resource for all things Pyrenees. Thank you!

Charlette has turned two years old and we are discussing whether or not to spay her. We would only do it for health reasons as we can keep her safe from pregnancy.

Our vet feels we should absolutely spay her to reduce her risk of certain types of cancers. Our breeder feels we should wait until she is at least five years old, if we spay her at all. Charlette's bloodline is clean and disease free.

We would love your advice.

Thank you!

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Sep 27, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Spay or not to spay
by: Donna

It's a pretty personal decision. I, personally, always spay at two if I have a puppy. I cannot guarantee she will never wander or an intact canine will not get at her. I've not had any health issues with my dogs.

When I adopt they are already spayed/neutered to ensure no further pups are produced and rightfully so.

If you can guarantee your bitch will never come in contact with another intact male, you could leave her. However, being Pyrs, they love to hang outside. You'd be amazed at how animals can do their thing through and over fences.

Here is something I pulled out of Dr. Becker's article below:

My second choice is to sterilize without desexing. This means performing a procedure that will prevent pregnancy while sparing the testes or ovaries so they can continue to produce hormones essential for the dog's health and well-being.

And, Dr. Becker's article:

Spay or Neuter

I hope this helps.
Sep 28, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you, Donna!
by: Joyce

Hi Donna,

Thank you so much for your very thoughtful response and introducing me to Dr. Becker. I truly appreciate it.

Do you know if intact Great Pyrenees are prone to/have high rates of uterine or ovarian cancer or pyometra? I have not been able to find any breed-specific information on this topic.

Thank you again!

Joyce
Oct 07, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Intact
by: Donna

I don't think it's breed specific. I think if cancer occurs it could be other things involved.

I've only had spayed and neutered dogs with no side effects of which I am aware. I have heard discussion on both sides about dogs getting cancer if they are spayed/neutered or left intact.

Here is an article by Dr. Will Falconer for you to consider, as well:

Spay/Neuter - Dr. Will Falconer

There is also this article:

To spay or not to spay - Dogs Naturally
Oct 19, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: Joyce

Thanks Donna!
Appreciate your thoughtful response.
All my best, Joyce

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