Hello everyone. There is something that has been on my mind a lot, concerning my Pug Amelie. She will be seven years old this year and I have not yet spayed her. My main reason for not doing it sooner was out of fear. My family used to have Boston Terriers, and I would notice that every time the females where spayed, their health would deteriorate. This happened to three of the females. Maybe I'm being paranoid, since more often than not, I hear how spaying is a better choice for a female Pug's health. Right now Amelie is very healthy, and it's a scary thing to visualize her going downhill because I did not spay her, or because I did 
I plan on taking her to the vet, and maybe he will clear things up, even though I know most of the time vets prefer the dog be spayed.
Is there anyone who can share their thoughts or suggestions with me? I will greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
Replies
JanandSass (11 months ago)
I gotta admit, that's a hard one, Amelie. If she is healthy, and is now 7 it might be best to leave things as is. (As long as there are no little boy dogs around and you can tolerate watching over her when she goes into season) I got Sasha done when she was about 2, and she did have a bit of a tough time healing her incision, although her health did not suffer. And she did put on weight, but let's face it, pugs do tend to do that.
Might help a bit to talk to a vet too, maybe they can tell you if she faces any health challenges by either having or not having it done, It's easy enough for others to tell you not to be fearful, but with dogs over 5 years, it's best to be cautious so go with your instincts. Too bad they don't go through menopause! Wish I could help you more than that.
JanandSass (11 months ago)
PS: I do think if you decide to have it done to ensure you have some antibiotics to give Amelie in order to prevent infection. You can give them to them in liquid form I like that best.
kbailey (11 months ago)
I'm a big believer in spaying and neutering. But I undrstand how you feel. When charka was neutered I was a nervous wreckm they are family members and its horrible to have a family member in hospital. But I agree you should speak to your vet. I've never had a dog done at that age so I can't realLy comment. The only time I've had a problem with a sterilisation was when I got a dog from the spca here and they spayed her- at 8 weeks! Needless to say it led to health problems. And needless to say I no longer support teir organisation. Now I dedicate all my energy to the pugs
amelieville (11 months ago)
Thank you both for your thoughts and advice. I understand how speaking to the vet will give some clarity. I only hope that this vet that I've been taking her to will have a little heart and think about Amelie's well being, and not his wallet. That may sound harsh, since there are many good vets out there. However, I have heard of and experienced vets who can be a bit oblivious and overlook certain aspects that are important in a dog's health. All in all, I will need to stay calm and pray that all will go well with the vet visit, and ask him as many questions as possible. Thank you so much JanandSass and Kbailey. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and advice with me. Amelie is such an important part of my life, and I truly hope that she will stay healthy and happy
KatB (11 months ago)
amelieville, I only wish you had talked with your Vet when she was younger. Alot of things could have been cleared up for you. Yes things can and do go wrong during altering dogs. And Pugs especially with anestesta. If it will make you feel better? Get a second opinion from another Vet. The only tip I can give should you decide to have her done, is make sure you get blood panal done before the surgery so she is well checked out before hand, and make sure you ask your Vet for a pain pack to bring home with you. That way if she has pain it will be taken care of. Get her a little crate/cage, or a small area that you can keep her nice and quiet for a few days. Don't let her get up and run around but only to potty and eat. To much time spent walking around after surgery will only make her sore. Best to keep her quiet. Wish you all the luck, and prayers comin your way for some extra help.
JanandSass (11 months ago)
Good advice, Kat.
amelieville (11 months ago)
Thank you KatB, your advice will be of great help. The times that Amelie has gone to vets was mainly for routine shots, and minor ailments. The vets would mention spaying, but would quickly move on to the next subject. I always knew of the possibility of needing to spay her, but like I said before, other family dogs did not do well after their spaying. That made me very apprehensive about spaying Amelie sooner. I know it sounds ignorant, but when there is fear lingering, one tends to procrastinate decisions that should be definite. Amelie is my first Pug, and she has taught me so much about what a precious breed Pugs are. I want to thank all of you for your support and advice. I need to write down all of your suggestions, and get as much info from the vet as possible. If something doesn't seem right, then I will look for a second opinion like KatB said. Thank you again KatB and God bless you for your prayers and support.
z28susan (11 months ago)
The only piece of advice I can offer on this subject is that our vet has told us the more cycles she would go through increases the risk of health issues (including certain cancer). Good luck!
SiennasMommy (11 months ago)
My little angel had 2 litters of pups and I just had her spayed at 5 1/2 years old. There are several good reasons for spaying - sometimes they don't feel well for a month (2 months out of the year) and the best reason is to avoid female cancers.
Look for a vet with some of the latest technology - ours used lasers which allow for quicker healing, our vet had a good knowledge of pugs (anesthesia) and we made sure that he used good aftercare pain treatment so she wouldn't be in agony afterwards (you'd be surprised how many vets don't use pain meds for pets afterward).
amelieville (11 months ago)
Thank your thoughts z28susan and SiennasMommy. I will definitely call around and see what vet offers the laser treatment for surgery, and of course the aftercare treatment. Her current vet charges around $80.00 for spaying, but I don't think they use lasers. Either way, I am going to see what vet might offer the laser treatment. It sounds like a safer option. Thank you again for your advice
SiennasMommy (11 months ago)
"Laser surgery is also our standard for the safe and comfortable treatment of your pet. In most surgical procedures we now use the laser to replace the scalpel and provide a gentler and better alternative to traditional surgery." (You're supposed to have less bleeding, swelling and pain with lasers.) "Although we can not eliminate all risk of anesthesia we are able to further reduce risk with careful monitoring of your pet during anesthesia with high tech monitors placed on your pet to gauge respirations, oxygen levels and heart activity. Our goal is to make this anesthesia a safe and comfortable event."
This was from her surgery pre-papers that they mail you before your surgery - ie, no eatting after midnight, etc. She was not allowed to use the stairs or jump (on the couch or bed) for a week after her surgery..you had to pick her up and place her up there. Sutures came out two weeks after.
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