Question:
We have a 5-month-old female golden retriever. On her first visit to my vet after she came home from the breeder, I was told she has hypoplastic vulva. The vet suggested that she go through one heat cycle. He said that this could increase her risk for breast cancer, but right now it is too low to worry about. If we have her spayed before she goes into heat she may have to have surgery on her vulva. This could also lead to bladder infection. He also said this won't guarantee a need for reconstructive surgery.We have no intention of breeding this dog, and I'm very confused on what we should and should not do. If we have her spayed before a heat cycle, what problems, if any, could we face? What is the benefit of her going through a heat cycle? At what age can we expect her heat cycle to start?I'm quite worried about having a dog in heat and walking her outside, having male dogs approach her, etc. I have never dealt with a dog in heat before. I would appreciate your advice.
L.W., Reston, Va Jul 03, 2005
Answer:
I understand your concerns, but agree with your veterinarian that allowing her to go through one heat cycle could help rectify her congenital defect and avert the need for corrective surgery.It is true that spaying before the first heat reduces the likelihood of breast cancer later in life. But there are many estrogen-mimicking contaminants (especially dioxins and PCBs) in our food, particularly in animal fats and tallow, that are also present in pet foods. So I would strongly urge you not to feed your dog processed pet foods that include tallow on the label, and give her a teaspoon of vegetable oil in her food as a beneficial source of fatty acids.Handling a dog in heat is no problem. You can purchase (from a pet store) sanitary pads to put on her when she's indoors. Keep her leashed on her walks and take a cane or walking stick with you to push away any canine suitors she may attract. Once-popular chlorophyll tablets were effective in making female dogs in heat less attractive to males, but they're now har
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