Spaying a bitch post whelping???

Re: Spaying a bitch post whelping???

Laura Moss — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:55:02 GMT

Could somebody remind me the reason why we wait for the milk to dry up?

Re: Spaying a bitch post whelping???

Katie Tallett RVN MBVNA — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:36:08 GMT

I think it depends a lot on the bitch and the clients, we will do them from 8 weeks post whelp. Physically i think there is no problem with this, mentally for some dogs i think it is too soon. I think you need to 'risk assess' the bich/owner and if it is a case of spay at 8 weeks post whelp or find her in pup again, then 8 weeks it has to be. I think some bitches need a little longer- bear in mind at 8 weeks the pups will be leaving and although most bitches will give a sigh of relief, it can still be a traumatic time for some bitches and the last thing they need is bunging in a vets kennel for the day to be operated on. I saw this recently with a poor little dog who had been bought as an adult to breed off, was in pup for the first time within 3 months of been wth the new owner and had a fair sized litter for her first. Clueless owner, bitch and dog un-vaccinated, no worming, decent feeding (certainly no puppy food) so bitch not in the best physical condition to spay but booked in by vet as lives with entire male dog who they have no intention of castrating so high risk for pregnancy next time. The dog was dropped off for neutering that morning and by the time she went home later that day, the owner had packed off ALL of the puppies to their new homes. I know she is an exceptional case but i really feel for that little dog.

I would judge case by case but anywhere from 8 weeks is ok physically

Re: Spaying a bitch post whelping???

sarah Hall — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:08:33 GMT

We wait until the milk has all gone, usually 9 weeks after whelping

Re: Spaying a bitch post whelping???

Susan Jackson — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:45:14 GMT

Again the same as soon as the milk has all gone.

Re: Spaying a bitch post whelping???

Sophie Bedford RVN CertVNECC — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:18:09 GMT

Likewise, normally do it when puppies are fully weaned and milk dried up. Again, not seen any complications this way.

Re: Spaying a bitch post whelping???

Nicola Smith — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:11:25 GMT

We normally do them when pups weaned and milk gone - so about 8 weeks after whelping. Have had no problems with doing them at this point.