Spaying too early

D

diinin

Forums Regular
Can anyone tell me the problem, if any, with spaying too early--like, EIGHT WEEKS?

The dog in question is not a Sheltie, but a Basset Hound mix from a shelter that is spaying her at 8 weeks of age. So growth of coat isn't an issue. This is my sister's future dog. I did a search on here and someone mentioned growth plates, and others mentioned fullness of coat.

My vet said not until 4 months, and that between 4 and 6 months is best. It seems that many are waiting longer than that. We used to have ferrets, and I thought that many of their health problems, like cancer, were linked to the really early neuters they do, but maybe I'm remembering incorrectly.
 
I don't know if there are necessarily any PROVEN side effects to early spays. Many rescues will do early spay/neuters before they adopt out dogs. I think, other than the coat and growth issues that may arise from the hormone imbalances, the other issue with female dogs is spay incontinence. Early spays tend to (though again, no hard proof that I am aware of) result in early spay incontinence.

I wouldn't let an early spay dissuade me from adopting a pup, though. Healthy lifestyle and environment can play huge roles in working to prevent illness, so there is no guarantee that an early spay will have negative effects down the road.
 
Recommended spay/ neuter is usually 4-6 months unless health issues arrise. Like kia can't get spayed till her first heat cycle due to an enlarged vulva that tends to capture urine causing UTI's:eek2:
 
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