Worrying about spaying Madilyn..

[Madilyn's Mom]

Some of you may recall that Madilyn was supposed to be spayed (August 3rd, to be exact), but her first bloodwork results weren't good (showed possible signs of congenital liver problems). Her second tests were perfect---showed nothing but a healthy puppy (my theory for the initial bad results was that she'd nibbled on a Philodendrum plant the day of the bloodwork :yikes: ). Needless to say, that dam' plant is no where within her reach now.

Anyway, I don't know why, but I'm much more nervous and worried about Madilyn's spay, than I've ever been about any other companion animals' spay/neuter (but, it has been about 13 years since my cat was spayed, so I can't quite recall if I was quite as much of a wreck! :/

Madilyn's new appointment is next Wednesday (Sept. 6) and now I'm worrying that she may go into heat any day now (though she doesn't seem to show any signs). I may be worrying unnecessarily, but she will be 8 months old next week as well. I hope that I don't sound too naiive here, but are there any sort of signals/signs that can be observed just prior to being in heat? I would be soo grateful for any knowledge (or calming words of reassurance about the surgery Thanks to anyone who reads this, and extra Thanks to anyone who replies!

 

[Zoom]

I've heard a lot of dogs get more needy, they start to swell in that area and I've observed a 'rich' sort of smell wafting off them right before they start to actually bleed.

 

[showpug]

Her vulva will start to swell at the very beginning, before she starts to bleed. Just check her everyday. On some dogs, especially the small ones it can be harder to tell.

Good luck with her spay, I am sure she will be just fine. I worked for a vet for about 5 years and watched spays everyday. It was VERY rare that there were ever complications. In fact, we never lost a dog to anesthesia in that time period and we never lost any post-op patients either. There were lots of dogs that would come in for pre-operative blood work and the liver levels would be elevated. They would come back later and have normal results. All ended well and I hope it does for your dog as well.

 

[bubbatd]

She and you will be fine ...believe me, it's harder on you than her !!! (( Hug ))

 

[Madilyn's Mom]

Thanks everyone! You certainly helped to soothe my mind a bit

She and you will be fine ...believe me, it's harder on you than her !!! (( Hug ))

You are soo right! I'm sure that I'm worrying excessively...sometimes just hearing a simple "everything's going to be alright" can be so soothing --Thanks!

Her vulva will start to swell at the very beginning, before she starts to bleed. Just check her everyday. On some dogs, especially the small ones it can be harder to tell.

Your words of experience definitely gave me a great sense of reassurance! I do have a question (for you, or anyone who can answer)---what if she starts to show signs (like swelling), would I have to wait, and allow her to go into heat, or would it still be safe to spay? Her surgery is one week from tomorrow, and I just don't know how soon it would be for her to go in heat if she started to show any pre signs.

It's amazing that with all of the books that I have on chihuahua's, none of them goes into any detail about what to expect prior to, or during a heat cycle I feel like a complete dummy when it comes to this! I also think that my lack of knowledge/understanding, is what's making me worry so much more!

 

[Ashlea]

She will be fine. Strangely enough, I am always a wreck when Lilly goes in for surgery or a procedure! Aeron is not so bad, she is a big girl. It is almost as if I am more protective of my little girl.

Maddy is VERY cute by the way!

 

[TheQueen]

The spaying can be done while she is in heat; however, there is usually higher cost (not sure why). I'm just glad that you are doing the responsible thing and having her spayed. Every furr baby I have ever had has "been fixed" and I wouldn't have it any other way.

She is quite a cutie by the way!

 

[Madilyn's Mom]

Thanks Ashlea and TheQueen---for helping me feel much less worried! I'm definitely doing much better than I was a few days ago (I was a wreck!) :yikes:

Thanks also for complimenting Madilyn's cuteness!! She really is the most adorable dog that I've ever known---I am a very lucky mom indeed!!

 

[Ashlea]

No problem. Give that little honey a smooch from me!

 

[Sadie'smama]

She'll be just fine with the spaying, but I do understand your being nervous. When my youngest cat Lucky was taken in to be spayed, I cried all the way out of the vets office and all the way home. I think it's more tramatic for us than for our pets

 

[Brattina88]

It's completely normal to be a nervous wreck, trust me
Its a really routine surgery, so I'm sure it'll be fine. She's such a cutie !!