De-sexing Puppies At An Early Age

[Jerry Kandel]

I posted this in another section but perhaps I should have it here:

We are buying a Labradoodle from a reputable breeder who requires that the puppies be de-sexed at either six or seven weeks. I know she belongs to the Australian Labradoodle Assn. and while I am not sure I believe it is they who require their members to de-sex the puppies prior to releasing them (other than selling a dog for breeding purposes). I am not knowledgeable in this area and didn't think anything of it until I posted something in another site and was attacked on all fronts - with mostly everyone stating it would be unhealthy for the dog - especially long-term. Then someone posted the following article:

http://naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

So my question is whether those of you who purchased Labradoodles from breeders who required this - does/did it concern you and what are your opinions after reading the above article?

[shelly]

WOW! I think that's great!

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Zoey is an Austrailian Labradoodle and was desexed at 7 weeks, she is now 1 and has always been a happy and very smart puppy. I have not had any health issues with her and my vet was a little suprised when I first took her there but told me nothing would matter if it was done that early he felt it would be less of a trauma on the dog if done that early...That is only my opinion, I hope it helps..

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks Ann, Kendra, and Diane, I always appreciate when breeders add their perspective to a discussion like this. Although I realize that there are reasons that breeders don't want breeders (dogs and kennels) out there willy nillly, I think there are many other good reasons why ESN is done. I as an owner was glad not to have to deal with the surgery. All of you, as breeders have lived with and followed many more dogs than most of us ever will. As Ann pointed out there really are no good, prospective, controlled studies on the ESN issue. Until then, experience is the best alternative and breeders have that. I know you follow many of the pet dogs you've bred over the years and I do believe you would not do ESN if it proved to be a problem. Thanks again.

[Ann]

When I got Samson, he was not neutered. We brought him home at about 8 weeks old. Also, the breeder did tell me that one of his testicles had not descended yet. I'm not sure what causes that and she wanted me to know. When I brought him to the vet at 12 weeks, the vet told me to wait until he was six months old to neuter him because it is healthier for the dog. Also, he said that if his other testicle did not descend, we should definitely have him neutered as that can develop into cancer. He has an appointment to get neutered on Dec. 17th. He will be about 6 1/2 months then. I think my lab was neutered at 8 months and he lived until he was just 12 yrs. old. I think it is heathier for the dog to be neutered, unless you are going to breed him.