Spayed side effects.

[Annamal]

I have a young Beagle dog that has an appointment to get spayed the 18th, but with what I have heard, I'm wondering whether I should have it done now or not.
I've been reading some different things online, and so far I've read several negative things. http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

One thing that I am worried about is age. On the website from the link above, it says that females under a year old have a higher risk of bone cancer...even though my dog isn't a large breed as mentioned.

I am also worried about weight. I've been told that females tend to gain weight if spayed before they come in heat at least once.

Is this true for any of your pets?

It may just be coincidence, but my other dog was spayed before she came in heat, and as active as she is, she is still a bit chunky. She is active, healthy, doesn't over-eat, and is even on 'weight management' food.

So in your opinion should I be concerned and wait, or go ahead with the surgery?

Thanks.

 

[elegy]

i'd spay her, were she mine. yes, there's a higher risk of osteosarcoma, but in a beagle even a higher risk is so tiny it's hardly worth mentioning. if you were talking about a rottweiler or a giant breed dog, it would be different. if you allow her to go through heat cycles, you increase her risk of developing mammary tumors. you also are risking pyometra, an infected uterus, which can be fatal if not caught and treated (through an emergency spay). you are also risking accidental breeding.

weight is directly related to calories in and calories out. yes, her metabolism will likely decrease when she's spayed. so feed her less. if she's chunky now, she is over-eating.

it's completely up to you in the end, and i totally commend you for seeking out your own information instead of blindly following the status quo. i wish more people would be actively involved in their pets' health care.

 

[Annamal]

it's completely up to you in the end, and i totally commend you for seeking out your own information instead of blindly following the status quo. i wish more people would be actively involved in their pets' health care.

Thank you.

I've talked to two vets who told me no side effects at all, and I found it hard to believe anything could have no side effects.
I have found a few more websites that seem to only lead to certain breeds for risks.

So, I will probably get her spayed this friday.