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by PatriotAmanda on 08 July 2009 - 14:07
I am kind of shocked that your vet would tell you that. I started reading this because I am waiting for one of my dutchies to have her first heat and am trying to find out what to expect. I know the breeds can have some differences but are generally quite similar. As for the comment that has been made to you about the GSD being a difficult dog to spay I would have to disagree. I have been a vet tech for 5 years now and have yet to hear or see any complications with a GSD. I highly recommend that you do pre an. bloodwork to clear your dog of any problems. We require it for our hospital and sometimes even x rays and US if their are heart conditions because that is when you have complications. As long as you go about it correctly you will be just fine. From my understanding of recent studies it has proven to be more effecient and healthier for the dog at a later age. Good luck with everything
by DebiSue on 08 July 2009 - 15:07
Thanks Amanda!
I really like it when a vet tech chimes in. I like to hear from those who have been in "the trenches" with the surgeon so to speak. This new vet we decided on seems like a keeper. She doesn't like to spay before 2 years of age and won't recommend it. (yea!) She did agree with the other vet about the spay being more difficult simply because it is a larger dog but no different than a Lab, or Rottie. She said the older the dog got, usually the more fat the vets have to deal with. And I'm sorry I can remember the term she used but she did say the uterus goes through a change as a bitch ages that makes it more difficult but she was clear that it was no different with a GSD than other large breed. She explained all the equipment they use during surgery and said they use a very safe anesthesia. She was very reassuring so we'll be using her when the time comes. I hope she understands I will be sitting in their waiting room while this is going on. Won't be any drop off & pick up later for my girl.
Deb
by Sunsilver on 10 July 2009 - 00:07
I have taken Star to another vet, as her incision was looking red and swollen. He told me he would not have spayed her just 2 weeks prior to her coming into heat. So, if you are planning to spay your girl when she's mature, this is something to be aware of. Most vets these days are accustomed to doing paediatric spays on dogs that are around 6 months old. After the first heat, the blood supply to the uterus is greatly increased, and you need to be much more careful to ensure all bleeding has stopped. The vet not giving IV fluids during the surgery was definitely an important factor too, as it caused her BP to drop, just as Louise said. Then when it went back up following the surgery, she began to bleed.
Anyway, Star is doing fine now. The incision is looking better, and she's off the antibiotics.
Just keep a close eye on your girl for pyometra. My friend's bitch that developed pyo was less than 2 years old, so it can happen in young bitches.
by DebiSue on 10 July 2009 - 01:07
I really liked the way our new Vet talked to us. She even said to keep track of the heats so we would not be near one when we decide to spay her. Seems like a pretty smart cookie and when you ask her opinion that's what you get. No political crap from her.
Good to hear Star is on the mend. Hate that you had to take her back but good to know you found another Vet, one with some sense it sounds like. I have to make a note to myself to verify I.V. fluids will be used. As long as they take good care of my girl, we will get along. If I smell anymore bullsh** or they screw up and harm my girl...well, let's just say it will not be pretty.
I think we're ok as far as the pyometra. The new Vet checked her, really palpitated her uterus and there was no swelling, no pain reaction etc. Plus she took a swab from her vulva and declared it free of pus. Apparently what we have is a split heat as GSDXephr mentioned. And I think we are on the way out...FINALLY!
by rowdyreiner on 10 July 2009 - 05:07
I would love to see pics of your little girl when you get the chance. All this talk about her, but no face to put with the conversation :( She sounds like a great girl, but like most girls, a handful!
And just an update on my end...day 58 from the first tie, taking temp twice a day, so far no significant change (100.2-100.6). She has been eating more (at least for her anyway), and I've been giving her about a cup of cottage chesse everyday. Nipples are enlarged, but no milk yet, so I think we've still got a little while. She is getting better at staying in her whelping box, but she looks sooo sad, because she wants to sleep with our other dog. Poor thing. My husband has taken a week off for vacation when the puppies arrive...I told him to tell his boss it was "maternity leave" LOL. Anyway, I have the camera ready, so be prepared for some "squishy" pics when they come out!
Katie
by DebiSue on 10 July 2009 - 12:07
Sounds like the time is getting close. What I have noticed with the onset of labor is panting and refusal of food and water but I've read here that some bitches eat during labor so that kinda throws my theory out the window. It's been a looooong time since I've been around during a whelping. I would imagine she will want to avoid the other dog when the time comes so maybe she won't look so sad about being in the box. In fact she may get down right hostile to the other dog at about that time. Just dying to see those "squishy" pics!
As for pics of my girl, I'll have to wait until I'm at home to download any. Found out that I had change the pixels to get them to download so if you want to see her baby pics and a 6mo shot look up Morgan's Echo of Airin for her pedigree...I managed to get some baby pics in there but haven't updated it yet. And if you look on the one long thread asking you to post your favorite photo way down towards the bottom I have a bigger pic of her avitar.
I best get to work,
Deb
by Ryanhaus on 11 July 2009 - 12:07
DebiSue,
That's a bunch of BS about spaying a GSD, Mira was spayed at 8 yrs of age, and I couldn't even see an incision, I was wondering if the vet had really spayed her, she recovered fast.
The vet might had been talking about spaying a GSD while in full blown heat, then the blood vessels are engorged with blood. As for putting a dog under to operate, don't worry, just opt for a pre-screening test where they draw blood and check certain levels of kidney & liver function so your dog will be sure to wake-up, it costs alittle extra, but it's worth piece of mind, cause you're quarranteed your dog will wake up, I've noticed that some vets routinely offer the pre-screening bloodwork and others you have to ask.
So glad to see you have a new vet!
Paula
by DebiSue on 11 July 2009 - 13:07
And no, he wasn't talking about spaying her during a full blown heat! He is adamant about spaying early. I think he assumes that until he is proven wrong, everyone he talks to is irresponsible and will allow more unwanted puppies into the world. I'm sure in his years of practice he has seen many moronic, meat headed pet owners who don't have a clue. Maybe he is jaded. I feel he has made it his own personal mission in life to end "accidents" by neutering any and all animals brought to him. So when he runs into someone who disagrees with him (and doesn't have his high dollar education) maybe he stretches the truth to sway the undecided. I don't know why he made the statement other than to use it as a scare tactic. Problem is, I may be ignorant of a lot of things, but I do research and ask for other opinions before I make up my mind. My education may not have come from the same source as his but I'm smarter than he gives me credit for. That is why I chose a different vet. I don't like BS and I can smell it from a long way. I'll be sure to ask that they do a pre-screening blood work.
Deb
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