Early Spay/Neuter?

[Mindy and Tim and Cody]

We placed a deposit on a litter of goldendoodles and expect our pup to come home at about 8 weeks old, sometime around the middle of May.  The breeder recently asked if we wanted her vet to do an early spay/neuter on the pup we pick BEFORE it comes home.  Although I am no dog expert, I had not heard about spaying/neutering this early, and was wondering if anyone out there had any thoughts on this.  Thanks much for your help!  

[Missi]

There are many previos discussions with this exact topic!

Here:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/when-to-spayneuter-a-puppy...

And, on that discussion, Adina links to other previous discussions. Hope it helps!

[Mindy and Tim and Cody]

Wow, lots of info. Thanks so much.

[Adina P]

It is not uncommon for breeders to spay/neuter before pups go home. The benefits:

- you won't have to do it
- pups heal faster and without trouble at that age.
- no chance of a breeder's pet pups being bred without permission

The controversy has to do with things we just aren't sure about...in my opinion.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

An additional benefit is cost.

But the other side of it are:

Some studies show higher incidence of urinary tract problems.

Our vet says that the hormones are important for brain development

There also is some discussion that there is a difference in bone development.


From the standpoint of population control esn (early spay and neuter) is a preferred.

I personally am not in favor of it but I do see it's benefits.

Talk to your vet before you make the decision.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I am a really big fan of early spay/neuter. When we got our first Doodle (Guinness) he was neutered before we got him. It was our breeder's practice to neuter the non breeding pups. My vet was also a big proponent of this. Our new puppy was not neutered when we got him (he's a DRC rescue), and he's scheduled for this procedure on Monday. I have to admit I'm a little nervous about it. I know he'll be just fine, but I just hate that he has to go through it. I know there will be a recovery period where I'll have to keep him quiet, and I just worry that he's going to be uncomfortable at least for the first few days. He's really a "big baby" (and when it comes to my kids and Doodles, I am too), and I just know I'm going to be feeling sorry for him. It was so much easier having it all over with when we got our puppy. I would say "go for it" before you get your new puppy. Please keep us posted...we really love puppies here on DK!

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I agree! We had Timbow ESN and it was so easy because he healed within 2 days and you can't even see a scar! :)

[Nugget's Family]

Our breeder's vet did it early. Nugget is now 3 years old and is doing great. I thought it was odd at the time, but now I know that it is more common. I will say she has zero maternal instincts which may or may not be a result of ESN.

[Christine & Shelby]

Shelby was spayed at 6 weeks by the breeder's vet (part of her contract). I scheduled a visit 2 days after the pups had their surgeries and other than the incisions, you would have had no idea that they had just had surgery. The were playful, loving and oblivious to the fact they had surgery. It is nice not to have to worry about it.... she is doing great, she healed just fine... no concerns here, it's been a positive experience for us.

[Karen P]

Chewie was an early neuter and we have not seen any problems with it. It was nice to not have to worry about it later. I was told that the early it is done the easier the surgery is on the puppy.( Less anesthesia and a quicker recovery time)