Dogs spayed before the first estrous cycle have a 0.5% risk of the risk for mammary cancer that might be expected with an intact bitch. Dogs spayed before the second estrous cycle have 8% of the risk that an intact bitch might have. Dogs spayed after the second estrous cycle have 26% of the risk of mammary cancer of an intact bitch. I have read conflicting sources on the decrease in risk after the age of 2 and 1/2; some say there is no decrease in risk of mammary cancer; others say there is a benefit to spaying no matter when it is done.
The down side to spaying: Spayed bitches are more likely to be incontinent of urine in old age. But there doesn't appear to be any difference in incidence of incontinence between those spayed early and those spayed later, at least not in the studies I've read. Growth rates were unaffected (P>0.05) by gonadectomy, but the growth period in final radial/ulnar length was extended in all neutered male dogs (neutered at 7 weeks or 7 months) and in bitches neutered at 7 weeks of age. Thus,animals were not stunted in growth but were actually slightly (as determined by radiographs) taller.(Salmeri, Bloomberg, Scruggs, Shille J Am Vet Assoc 1991) Animals neutered at greater than 24 weeks of age have a significantly higher minor complication (incisional or scrotal swelling, etc) rate than animals neutered prior to 12 weeks of age.(Howe LM J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997) Leanne ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
