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Old June 15th, 2010, 09:39 PM
csrichie csrichie is offline
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Question: Elderly dog surgical complications

Hi,

I have a 10 years old chihuahua, she has no obvious health issues other than the recently acquired inguinal hernia. I've booked an surgical appointment for hernia repair early next week. The vet also suggested to have her spayed at the same time, however I am a bit concerned. I have been told 2 years ago by my previous vet, who now is retired, that the risks involved in having her spayed outweighs the benefit.

I was wondering whether i should carry out with the surgery.

Thank you very much for your advice!

Last edited by csrichie; June 15th, 2010 at 09:55 PM.
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  #2  
Old June 15th, 2010, 10:07 PM
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Shaykeija Shaykeija is offline
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As long as she is having the hernia repair, get the spay done also. She should be just fine. Did they do a senior blood panel yet?
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Old June 15th, 2010, 10:22 PM
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mikischo mikischo is offline
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I have no idea why your previous vet felt that in your dog's case the risks of spaying outweighed the benefits???

In any case, inguinal hernias most commonly occur in intact middle-aged female dogs so it is possible that, had she been spayed, this might not have occurred to begin with. If a dog is unspayed it is standard procedure to have her spayed at the time of surgery for this type of hernia.

Here is an article on inguinal hernias:

http://www.petplace.com/article-prin...y.aspx?id=7703

for a speedy recovery for your girl. Please keep us posted.
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Last edited by mikischo; June 15th, 2010 at 10:35 PM.
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Old June 15th, 2010, 10:35 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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It would depend upon why your vet thought the spay might be too risky in the first place. The health panel is a good idea--it checks for organ function and general health. Ask your current vet lots of questions and go from there.

If she's in good health, doing the spay at the same time as the hernia repair is a good idea.
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Old June 16th, 2010, 12:18 AM
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Goldfields Goldfields is offline
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If she is well enough for one anaethetic you don't want to do one surgery now for the hernia, then find later that she needs a second one if she gets pyometra and has to be spayed.
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Old June 22nd, 2010, 01:17 PM
csrichie csrichie is offline
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Thanks for the input everyone.

Her surgery went well. In addition, she had some extra teeth pulled due to gum infections - which supervises me since our previous vet said they were fine. She's only with me for the summer while my parents are on vacation, but I'll let them know to try their luck with a new vet once she gets sent home.
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Old June 22nd, 2010, 03:56 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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Glad to hear that she did so well, csrichie!

Sending for a quick recovery!
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