spayed too eary?

[Chloe_Anne]

I got mt dog Chloe when she was 9 weeks old and she was already spayed. I was just wondering if there are any known side effects of spaying too early, and if so, what are they?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Sorry about the duplicate.


Early spaying and neutering in dogs is a recent phenomenon, and is performed to try to stem pet over population problems.  Kittens have undergone early spay and neutering for over 10 years and research has shown no serious problems thus far, as a result.

I think it may be too early to tell if there are going to be any health problems associated with early spaying and neutering in dogs.  More research will be necessary.

There are two minor problems that will require assessment or additional surgery if the pet is already spayed or neutered.  These are umbilical hernia's and a recessed or immature vulva.  If the pet has an umbilical hernia it can be repaired during the spay or neuter.  If the pet is already spayed or neutered, repair of the hernia will require another surgery.  Or, if a female has a recessed or immature vaginal area it is best to wait until the vaginal area matures before spaying to help avoid urinary and vaginal infection problems.  This problem cannot be assessed if the pet is already spayed early.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Early spaying and neutering in dogs is a recent phenomenon, and is performed to try to stem pet over population problems.  Kittens have undergone early spay and neutering for over 10 years and research has shown no serious problems thus far, as a result.

I think it may be too early to tell if there are going to be any health problems associated with early spaying and neutering in dogs.  More research will be necessary.

There are two minor problems that will require assessment or additional surgery if the pet is already spayed or neutered.  These are umbilical hernia's and a recessed or immature vulva.  If the pet has an umbilical hernia it can be repaired during the spay or neuter.  If the pet is already spayed or neutered, repair of the hernia will require another surgery.  Or, if a female has a recessed or immature vaginal area it is best to wait until the vaginal area matures before spaying to help avoid urinary and vaginal infection problems.  This problem cannot be assessed if the pet is already spayed early.