Is spaying safe for my 9 and 11-year-old Yorkie and Chihuahua dogs?

Spaying her may not significantly decrease her risk of developing mammary gland tumors at this age, but it would definitely prevent a pyometra in the future. If her blood work is normal and her physical exam is "clear", she should be spayed. Your vet can tailor an anesthetic protocol taking Miny's age into consideration.

Thanks for using PetCoach. I do recommend spaying even for adult or older dogs. The primary reason is the risk of pyometra, a fatal uterine infection. Every time she goes into heat she is at risk. Here is more info, so you know what to watch for if you opt not to spay her https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951481 As she is a littler older, there are things you can do to make surgery a bit safer. Even if not required by her veterinarian, a full exam and bloodwork should be performed prior to surgery. This helps to assess if there are any diseases that may affect her under anesthesia or her ability to heal. She should receive IV fluids during her surgery. Here is more info on spay https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951464 Even at this point in her life, Cookie can benefit from spay surgery.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. At 10yrs old, Brian's is not too old to have this procedure done. Many of the drugs used for surgery help control seizures. In older dogs I like using Midazolam as the pre-anesthetic drug combined with atropine to help keep the heart rate at a good rate and then inducing with protocol which also controls seizures. As long as your vet knows she has seizures he or she will make the most appropriate decision for anesthetic drugs. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.

While any anesthesia carries a risk, spaying is generally a very safe procedure. The risks of anesthesia increase as a dog ages (I'm specifically referencing senior dogs like 10 years and older), but there are few risks for a young and healthy puppy. Your vet is right she could be ill in the future if you don't spay her. Not spaying her leaves her at risk of developing a pyometra in the future. This is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment, and spaying the dog is part of the treatment of a pyometra. That surgery is high risk due to the severity of the illness in the dog from the infection, and it costs thousands to perform. In addition, dogs who are spayed are at an increased risk of developing mammary tumors. Of these mammary tumors, 50% of them are malignant. For her health, it is best to spay her now. I would speak with your vet about getting it done. I hope this helps!

Just as in people, anesthetic procedures are not without risk. However, if she is deemed healthy and will be adequately monitored during the procedure, the risk is minimized. She should have a full blood panel performed beforehand to make sure she is healthy to undergo the procedure. Your vet should also do a good physical exam to ensure she does not have a heart murmur or other health concerns. Wishing you both the best!

I am so sorry that you are exeoeriencing these problems with Wiggles I am sure it's very upsetting. Because mammary tumours are Hormone linked I would advise spaying her when she has the tumours removed. The last thing you would want is for Wiggles to have another mammary tumour in the future and therefore another surgery. For anaesthetics for older dogs many precautions are taken. Your veterinarian will discuss these with you to help put your mind at ease. They include blood pressure monitoring and intravenous fluid treatment before, during and after the surgery. I believe this is the best course of action and I send you the best of luck.

Yes, pets can be safely spayed at this age. As long as her heart and internal organs are functioning normally, complications are not expected (but just like anything, there is always a small risk with any procedure). Minnie is still in her prime and will not be considered a senior until 9 years of age. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.