xp: educate me b/c I am dumb, Re: unspayed 14 y/o?

[luvmygsp]

I posted this on TN but I'll ask here too

We are about 90% committed to adopting a 14 y/o GSP that was dumped in a shelter b/c she was a "burden" to the family who had owned her since she was a puppy (wtf is wrong w/people??!!).

After evaluation by the foster center she was just transferred to, we were told that she isn't spayed. I know nothing about any of that when it comes to dogs. Anyone have any insight? Forgive my...dumbness...but for a dog does going into heat eventually...stop?? At 14 we highly doubt she'll live more than a year, but we just need to educate ourselves on this!

TIA!

[tacokick]

You could spay her to cut down on the risk of cancer.

Also, she might live longer than you think! Our rescue lived until nearly 21!

[luvmygsp]

Thanks!
I should have clarified that I wasn't looking for advice on spaying a 14 y/o, but on what living w/a 14 y/o unspayed dog would be like. I don't think we'd put her through the surgery at this point in her life. Im just clueless when it comes to the possibility of her going into heat at her age.

[momof2boys]

I'm not sure at what age they stop going into heat, but I would figure that out and discuss it with a vet before you rule out spaying her. If she continues her heat cycle, not only do you have the gross job of cleaning up after a dog with vaginal bleeding, but also run the risk she could get pregnant. Which would not be good for a dog her age!

[SallySparrow]

I understand the concern, but luvmygsp is a regular on this board (or...the old board...is anyone really a regular here?) so even if she doesn't get the dog spayed, there's no way she's going to let her get pregnant.

I don't know the answer to your question, so I'm not much help, but I would be concerned about putting her through the surgery, too. I hope you find the info you need.

[patches31709]

Dec 10, 2012 17:42:35 GMT -5 SallySparrow said:

I don't know the answer to your question, so I'm not much help, but I would be concerned about putting her through the surgery, too. I hope you find the info you need.

Ditto. There is no way I'd put a 14 year old dog through that.

[chessie]

I would not put a 14 year old through that surgery. If it was middle aged I probably would.

[setsail1999]

Poor girl At 14yo I agree about not spaying. I would also be concerned about higher risks for older intact females developing pyometra which can be a very dangerous uterine infection. Unfortunately I don't have any information about heat cycles for you

[shortcake2675]

Pyometra plus the hassle of Beamer going through heats every 6 months is why I had her spayed at age 9. I consulted with two vets, made sure she was monitored through the surgery and had her ears cleaned and a dental done while she was under too. I now have an 11 year old Newf that just had her ACL repaired that is spayed and I'm very thankful for having done it at age 9. I don't think the heat cycles stop, just get less regular.