Expert: Christine Puetz - 1/12/2009

Question
I have a 16 week old Olde English Bulldogge that I had planned on spaying. We have two other dogs, a female golden retriever and a male American bulldog mix that are both altered. I really have no interest in breeding and no interest in dealing with heats as we spend a lot of time at our cabin with family and many other canine family members, some of whom aren't neutered. My vet today advised me of a greater risk of death during anesthesia with bulldogs. He seemed concerned, but told me that if I wasn't planning to breed spaying was the best option. I am quite concerned about the risk of death though. I am wondering how great a risk is this, and is the surgery worth the risk?

Answer
Sarah,

I would also recommend spaying.  

With any surgery, there is risk.  I do not think it is higher for bulldogs.  

Most bulldogs have their puppies but c-sect and many are bred surgically.  We have never lost a bulldog during surgery.

If you do not have surgery and your dog gets bred, you most likely would have surgery to have puppies.

We recommend spaying around 6 months old.

Hope that helps,
Christine Puetz