Roxy

Hi, It is has been almost 13 yrs. since I spayed my last standard. Steeler (our 6 mo. old boy)is set to go in two weeks. The vet is really casual about everything and said only one day of real rest and then careful leash walks only for a few more days. He said there are only sutures under the skin so hopefully no need for a collar (yeah!). Did anyone else have a real easy time of it? Any things I need to be aware of? Thanks for any help, Suzanne

WonderPup

Boys are a lot easier than girls in my expereince. The last one we had done acted like he hadn't had an procedure at all. He hardly noticed after the first day. He was a little sore that day but by the next aftenood he was ready for anything. He didn't like taking it easy but we made him for the rest of the week.
I cant think of any major concern if you're vet isn't doing traditional stitches that have to be removed. I watch my guys to make sure they aren't licking the site over much but other than that.... ?

CurlyDog

We decided to wait until Max was about a year old to have him neutered. In the past we had dogs neutered around 6-7 mos but after some research, I found that there are benefits to waiting. This is what I found. Males benefit from the testosterone while they are growing. In females, the benefit of spaying outweighs the benefit of the hormones.

spoofan

Gunther was just neutered 2 weeks ago.
He had gastropexy done at the same time.
He recovered fast.
The breeder recommended that I wait till he is at least 14 month old before neutering him. My vet was in agreement.
Saying that there are some indications,that male dogs grow differently,causing problems down the road.
I thought...why take any chances.

gwtwmum2

What is gastropexy? Did you experience any undesirable male traits from waiting longer? Do you have any other dogs in the house?
Wrigley is scheduled to get fixed at 6 months (in March). I have fixed small females in the house (Chinese Crested). If I waited to fix him - I wonder if the girls would trigger any behavior.

spoofan

He had absolutely no undesirable behaviour.
My daughter has a 3 year old standard poodle girl ( spayed ) and they were fine together...if anything,it was Stella putting him in his place to establish her rank as the boss.
There was no aggression,no unwanted humping (which,when present, is mainly a***ual anyway).
Laparoscopic gastropexy is attaching the stomach to the right side of his body...to prevent bloat...actually,they can still bloat,but the stomach will not twist.
One thing I have noticed...since Gunther had his surgeries done,his appetite has increased quite a bit. Probably a coincidence.

gwtwmum2

I've heard of having that surgery done as a preventative for great danes but hadn't heard of it being done for Standards. Did you vet suggest this as a preventative or had your guy shown some trouble with bloat? How big is he?

Roxy

Just to throw in my two cents again on the bloat. If I had a female I would do the same since that is a more invasive surgery (spaying vs. neutering). Having had a Newfoundland that had emergency surgery for the twisting tummy, I would also think about it. Poodles also tend to bloat, another reason why two meals is recommended for them.

spoofan

My vet recommended it.
I had it done on my standard poodle female before.
Gunther has not exhibited any signs of bloat,but knowing,that standard poodles are known to be predisposed to bloat,I chose to do strictly as a preventative procedure.The laparoscopic gastropexy resulted in 2 small incisions on the side and underneath his body.It is much less invasive than the traditional gastropexy.
He is about 27 in and about 60 lbs at 14 month.

SECRETO

I don't mean to pop in here, but Eli has his jewels and is mommy's angel. He also lives with two spayed female terriers. I have never had an issue.

My personal opinion is to wait until Wrigley is older rather then younger. There are health reason's why waiting is a positive plus Id rather not have a squoting male peeing on his front legs forever. lol Id' let him get accustomed to hiking his leg before the neuter.