Surgery Question

[Kristy]

A friend of ours has a brindle Mastiff named Freya. Freya got spayed and had her stomach stapled at a year old. Our Maximus is 7 months and we are planning on getting him neutered and stapled all at the same time. I am deathly afraid of Max getting bloat and Im wondering how many people have gotten their dogs stomachs done and at what age? I dont want him to go through two seperate surgeries so thats why I planned on getting both at the same time. Any information would help.

 

[ruthcatrin]

If you're asking what age to neuter at, you'll find that most of the folks here recommend waiting till at least 1.5yrs. Its honestly healthier for the dog. If you do decide to have the stomach stapled at the same time keep in mind that it doesn't prevent BLOAT, it just keeps the stomach from twisting, basically giving you more time to get to the vet.

Some links on spay/neuter for you to read over:

This one's NEW: PLOS ONE: Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers

and this one's a combination of a variety of studies: Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs
and a clickable version of the references listed in that paper: Spay and Neuter Decisions - References

 

[Smart_Family]

Yea at least 1.5 for females and 2 years for males if possible.

 

[Robtouw]

I've had 6 giant breeds over the last 20 years, 5 English Mastiffs, 1 Saint, and not once have I had issues with bloat nor have I had any surgical proceedures "just in case". With proper diet, vet care and emergency knowledge you can manage without having this procedure. It all comes down to personal choice, but before you choose please research side effects and effects of infections due to the procedure along with anestetic events that you may also encounter. I usually wait until about age 2 before neutering my boys, my current pup will remain in tact.

 

[Kristy]

Thankfully, our other two dogs, a Golden and a Chocolate Lab, have both been fixed so there is no rush with getting Max neutered. I guess that I was inquiring more about the stomach surgery. I was just reading up on it, and it has already sent up red flags as it shouldnt be done until they have reached their maximum in growth and it can also cause discomfort. Max is our first Mastiff and we only want whats best for him.

 

[Kristy]

Do you have any highly suggested sites for emergency knowledge? As he grows every day, so should my references on how to care for him "just in case" and would you suggest calling our breeder to see if there were many problems with bloat through the bloodline? I know that I sound uber inquisitive right now, but I cant imagine being without him. I take all of your comments and suggestions with great appreciation.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Bloat's a common topic on here, and DD just recently lost her older Dane to it, if you go HERE, DD posted several links to sites with bloat kits that can help you buy time to get the dog to the vet if he does bloat.

Honestly I'd not consider doing the stomach surgery before 1.5yrs either, and probly not till later, because these giant breeds don't really stop growing and filling out till 2 or later.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Do you have any highly suggested sites for emergency knowledge? As he grows every day, so should my references on how to care for him "just in case" and would you suggest calling our breeder to see if there were many problems with bloat through the bloodline? I know that I sound uber inquisitive right now, but I cant imagine being without him. I take all of your comments and suggestions with great appreciation.

Having an idea of what history of bloat is in his background isn't a bad idea. Its generally assumed that there's got to be a genetic component but no-one's ever been able to narrow it down cause there seems to be so many other random factors involved.

 

[Kristy]

Thank you for the link, I will be doing as much research on this as I can. I just left a message with his breeder so I will wait to hear back from her. Im glad that I can get answers on forums like this and compare opinions. Just spoke with the breeder and she said she has never had any problems with bloat. In fact, her first experience with it was with a friend five months back who has a full size standard poodle that got it. So that makes me feel a little better.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Knowing the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect bloat, is ALWAYS a good idea!

And good, glad to hear that.

 

[Kristy]

Knowing the symptoms, and what to do if you suspect bloat, is ALWAYS a good idea!

And good, glad to hear that.

Thanks again, it means a lot! I have printed the information from all three of the links that DD provided. I will be going over them with my fiancee when he gets home.

 

[Marrowshard]

Related question, NOT trying to hijack the OP but we adopted Oscar as an adult. Where's the usual site of the scar for this surgery on males? I'd be interested to know if Oscar's had this done at any time.

~Marrow

 

[ruthcatrin]

Can't swear to it, but my understanding is that it would be a bit forward of where the spay scar would be on a bitch.

 

[Robtouw]

Kristy, definately research bloat and know the signs also canine cpr. Bloat and gastric tortion are issues that can effect your mastiff but with proper care & good dieting it isn't likely but having the knowledge just in case is always a good thing. Also, discuss bloat with your vet, ask about their procedures and have a reaction plan. Your vet can tell you what you need to know. CPR is easy, I never thought I would ever use it, but did one day on a puppy that almost drowned. It felt pretty good to save that little life! I posted a cpr chart on a thread on the forum here somewhere, I'll look for it and try to repost. Also, it is a good idea to keep a little first aid kit for cuts, splinters, etc. with sunscreen, antibiotic ointment, peroxide, bandages, benedryl, hydrocortisone cream, peptobismal tablets, tweezers and some wipes. I keep one with us when we go places. Once Buddy on a walk in the park got little pieces of glass stuck in his left rear paw, that kit was pretty hand to have! I've used it for bug bites, and all sorts of little accidents.

 

[Robtouw]