"Fixing" the Mastiff...

[Supamom73]

"Fixing" the Mastiff...

I have a 3 month old female ENglish Mastiff puppy. I have made an appointment to get her fixed in the next couple weeks. Is this too soon? I've read a couple articles stating that it may be bad to fix them early as it causes growth problems? is 3 months considered early? I'm not sure.. when did you all get yours fixed and have there been growth problems?

 

[NeSaxena]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

3 months is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too early!!!!! It is recommended to wait at least18 months.

 

[Simba_ddb]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

With my dogs before I've always give them At least one season before getting them fixed. So normally about 6 months plus. It seems the advice on mastiffs is to wait longer

 

[Smokeycat]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

This is a thread that includes some articles that explain the reasons to wait until the puppy is older before spaying. When to spay

 

[Sadies Mom]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

It is not only the growth that will be compromised. I had Sadie payed early (I did not know any better and followed the advise of my vet) and she is suffering from spay induced incontinence and has to take meds for the rest of her life. Please wait as long as you can.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

Cancel the appointment please and wait until minumum of 18 months.

 

[Robtouw]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

Most experience em owners will tell you to wait until age 2. Giant breeds grow differently then regular dogs, discuss the issue with a vet that is experienced with giant dogs, this is harder then you think! Most vets are cocky and say they understand the giant breed but only have textbook experience, ask for documentation for their reason to "fix" early and a reference from your vet, tell him/her you must research the pros and cons first and give them the chance to prove to you that their experience with EM's is limited. As Sadie's mom sadly explained, incontinence is often a side effect from having the surgery before the dog has reached maturity, usually this occurs when there is a slight surgical nick error that causes the life long issue. Your decision will effect the rest of your dog's life, make an informed one please.

 

[raechiemay]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

My first EM was spayed at 6 months & also had spay incontinence. If she missed even one dose, she would leak for a whole 24 hours. And if she went swimming, it didn't matter if she had her meds or not, she would leak huge puddles for another day after that. It was such a pain having to deal with it that's why I waited.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

minimum 18 months! 3-4 months is WAY to early.

And yes, its not just how they grow thats affected. More and more studies are showing that dogs who are spayed/neutered before they're fully grown have more incidence of cancers (of various types) and bone and joint problems. Its WAY more healthy for a large or giant breed dog to wait.

A very recent study done on Goldens: PLOS ONE: Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers

And a paper looking at several studies done over the last several years: Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs (and a set of clickable references: Spay and Neuter Decisions - References )

 

[LizB]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

The vets are influenced by the rescues, who are (rightfully so, perhaps) obsessed with keeping unwanted litters out of the shelters. However, it is not the responsible owners who are having unwanted litters. Also, the vet will say that the dog gets through the surgery better as a young dog, and certainly with giant breeds it is cheaper to do it when they are smaller.

I learned my lesson with early spay/neuter and my last BM kept his bits and pieces his whole life because we never had a single issue to make us want to neuter him, and our breeder supported him remaining intact. I am convinced dogs are healthier to wait.

I'll never do an early spay/neuter again.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

I spayed my Akita at 6 months and wish I hadnt. He is too long legged and pigeon toed! Not saying his turned in feet are to blame for his early spay but I cant rule it out either.

 

[Supamom73]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

Thank you all for the information. I will be calling my vet to let her know I am waiting a while. I may print out some of this information and take it to her. If she gets huffy, then we will be going somewhere else lol.

 

[HayleyMarie]

Re: "Fixing" the Mastiff...

Good job at waiting I spayed my Westie at 6 months and I totally regret it. She had terrible incontinence, thankfully being on raw turned that around, but it but Teagan through a lot of distress when we where trying to figure out what to do to help her.