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Boxers/Spaying a 9 year old boxer

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Expert: - 1/18/2012


Question
I have a 9 year old boxer that I am getting different feedback on related to spaying her.  Her cycles are usually twice a year around Feb/Mar and Sept/Oct.  However, in Dec she had a short cycle for about 3 days that was heavier than normal.  I have her scheduled for spaying on Thurs.  The vet that is performing the procedure has advised me they will do blood work first and if any concerns from the blood work they will not proceed.  They say the routinely perform this procedure on older dogs 9 years and above.  I have also discussed this with the previous vet and they have told me the same.  However, a local vet has advised me if she was his dog, due to the risks he would not do it this late in life.  Talking with my boss who is a dog advocate and involved in the Humane Society has advised me the same.  She said it would be like giving a 72 year old woman a hysterectomy.  I just want to do what is best for Miss Libbie and do not want to risk losing her or something going wrong.  I just do not know what to do.

Answer
Hi Angie,

I would have to agree not to spray at this age due to possible complications and risk. Now if it were me I would like to know what is causing this heavier than normal cycle but is the risk of surgery really something you want to take with her at this age ? Probably not, just let her live out her life in the most comfortable way possible. Thank you so much for your question and good luck with whatever you choose with Miss Libbie.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com

Boxers

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Angela Donald

Expertise

I'll be happy to answer questions about boxer dog allergies,behavior,behavior modification,breeding,care,coat color genetics,diet,ear cropping,exercise,genetics,grooming,health,history,pedigrees,showing and training.

Experience

I am a dedicated dog enthusiast and guardian of boxers for 40 years, a boxer conformation show exhibitor and breeder as well as a canine behavior consultant with a special interest in the boxer breed. I currently share my life with six boxer dogs.See our family of Boxer Dogs

Organizations
American Boxer Charitable Foundation

Publications
I currently contribute regularly to Dog-Canine Blog.I am the founder and publisher of The Boxer Behavioral Journal,a scientific journal with detailed behavioral case study information,which someday I hope will add valuable knowledge to the breeding,care and health of the breed.I am also a freelance writer with my latest article: Distinctive Behaviors of Boxer Dogs found at http://www.hitowerboxers.com/boxerdogbehavior.htm and distributed on the world wide web.

Education/Credentials
I have a MBA from AU.I have gotten real life experiences from my 40 years of the family owning boxers and other canine breeds, through my boxer rescue rehabilitation efforts, obedience training of the breed, more than 20 years of study on dog-canine behavior, genetics, health research,from my work as a canine behavioral consultant,exhibitor and breeder. My quest for canine knowledge is a never ending journey.

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