Well, I guess I have to add to this discussion. As many of you know I have done early spay and neuter on several of my Bernese litters, 15 litters to be exact with 61 early spay or neuters and 42 either intact or neutered later. I am currently writing a paper in regard to the differences and experience with these litters related to the early spay and neuter. I will have photos at one year on all litters and three years on most litters. They will all have been evaluated for hip and elbow dysplasia.
I can tell you that I have worked with the veterinarian from GDC, Dr Paulos, and spoken many times with veterinarians from not only WSU (Washington State University - Dr Stanclist actually recommends and promotes early spay and neuter) but also Purdue, UC Davis, Ontario College of Vet Med, Veterinarian Highschool in Denmark and several practitioners in both US and Canada. The only reluctance I have found is whether the pups are able to survive surgery. Bernese puppies are usually 13-18 lbs by the time they are 7-8 weeks of age. I have had NO surgical or post surgical complications. As a matter of fact most of the puppies are so recovered by the time they return home that same day you could never tell. The only things I have seen in some puppies post surgically (only a few not many) girls tend to be a bit more sleepy and maybe a bit pukey but rarely and only for an hour or so...then right back at it. The boys can tend to be bothered by the suture material and turn to bite at the incision but only for a day and then they are fine. I have also had the surgeon change the suture material to a softer material and they don't even notice the incision (which in most cases is very small). So far I can't say that early spay and neuter has in any way affected the orthopedic results of my dogs. I have had the best litters orthropedically with early spay and neuter dogs. I have also had several intact dogs exhibit the exact same affects and growth patterns as their siblings that have been early spayed and neutered. So there is no way to conclude that early spay and neuter is better or worse for my dogs. I might conclude that my orthopedics are better but that may also be due to experience, better breeding practices and better dogs...They certainly don't look too different from each other...the boys do not develop as large of a penis as the intact animals. Have had some girls with leaking problems or UTI but have had intact siblings with the same problems. I can not recommend this procedure more...the benefits are so great that they far out way the few risks for me. PROS of Early Spay and Neuter Puppies are under for 5 minutes for boys and 10 at the most for girls with only isoflurane no injectables. They recover within 1-3 minutes and are able to take a high calorie paste on the roof of the mouth for quicker recovery and blood sugar. Suture site heals in a matter of 3-5 days. No recovery confinement. Usually no swelling or maybe a slight bit. The risk of losing a puppy to surgical complications is all mine as the breeder. No heart broken family. Risk is also low. Wards off several issues...have recovered retained testicles before further complications, no adverse testosterone issues associated with prostrate, no risk of testicular cancer, no dealing with heat cycles, no unwanted litters, reduced risk of mammary, no uterine cancer, etc... Cost less. Convenient to new owner. Shows a conscientious effort to controlling the breeding population of purebred dogs. Requires breeder to become very good at choosing the right puppy to keep for furthering their breeding program. CONS of Early Spay and Neuter You could loose a puppy in surgery. Unknown longevity effects at this time. Guess we all have our comfort levels of care. One precaution that I prefer to protect my dogs and breeding program with is early spay and neuter. Have been happy and relieve ever since making the first decision. For those interested in including their litters or puppies that have been early spayed and neuter and their siblings please contact me directly at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sincerely, Lisa Ebnet and the Furry Berner Crew in Ferndale, WA
