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A few weeks ago I adopted a female chorkie who was rescued from a puppy mill. She is the cutest little girl; very small-maybe 2 lbs and I couldn't love her more! I have always gotten my dogs neutered so I was planning to have her spayed also. Now I have some doubts. A friend took his yorkie to his vet to get spayed. The yorkie had a bad reaction to something used in the surgery and almost died. When questioned (by the owner) the vet made light of the problem saying that he performs spay surgery on small dogs all the time and sometimes they die. This vet has the reputation of being the best in the area. I know there are health benefits of spaying in addition to preventing unwanted litters but now I am a bit scared. Have any of you had experience with very small dogs getting spayed - good or bad? Thanks!

My little pekepoo didn't weigh much more than that when she was spayed. She came thru just fine.

While there is a certain amount of risk involved during any surgery, please consider the alternatives: an opps mating with a larger dog resulting in pregnancy might be more risky. also, statistics show spaying reduces the chance of mammary cancer.

If I were you, I'd have a Vet perform a thorough exam now; discuss your concerns before scheduling surgery. All my rescues have been spayed/neutered but only after they were in best of health.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,

Yes, there are many benefits to spaying BUT it does need to be at the right time. IF your newly found family member is otherwise healthy and there is absolutely no chance that she could be impregnated in your home or under your supervision - then, yes, wait until she is more mature.

If not, then yes to having her spayed ....

Bottom line, there is now a test re sedation with very small animals - ask your vet if he is familiar with it. If not, reconsider, wait a bit and find another vet - just my humble opinion.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

Thanks all! I have decided to wait until she is a bit older (she is just 7 months now). I can make sure that she has no contact with any male dogs so no accidental litter. And I am going to check other vets in my area to see if they do the test IR mentioned. I didn't know there was anything like that available. Thanks again...Ali

Our vet offered this test when our last female was spayed. We declined the test because of the added cost and no apparent reasons for her to have any complications with the surgery. Had I a doubt I would have had the test ordered. I'm with the others, wait awhile longer if possible. A 2 lb. dog? I can't imagine. My cat weighs more I've never owned a small dog. Maybe one day. Hope all goes well with her.

If there are legitimate breeders of tiny breeds in your area I would ask them for a vet recommendation. Someone very experienced with the tiny breeds?

Once a female goes into their first heat, there are a lot more "bleeder veins" to deal with during the surgery, at any time after that point. Thus it is riskier from that standpoint. This is also why it is more expensive to have them spayed later rather than prior to the first heat.

alibaba, please consider Conrad's post.
Although most dogs 1st heat is before they are a year old, 8-10 months, some experience a "false heat" as young as 6 months of age
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,