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Heather asked in PetsDogs · 1 decade ago

My dog, Sierra, is has a genetic disorder that will cause her to go blind. Should we spay her?

The disorder is recessive. We wanted to breed her, but now we aren't. We don't live near any other dogs and Sierra is not let outside alone. She does not run off or chase things and is very obedient. There really isn't any chance of her just getting pregnant on her own. So should she be spayed since her offspring (should she have any) could possibly go blind or be a carrier (if the dad also has it or carries it)? Thanks.

Update:

Thanks for calling me stupid. I said we will NOT breed her. My question was whether or not she should be spayed. She's 4 yrs.

Update 2:

Thanks for calling me stupid. I said we will NOT breed her. My question was whether or not she should be spayed. She's 4 yrs. And yes, she has pra.

13 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Thank you for deciding not to breed your female. Dogs with genetic disorders should never be bred.

    Yes, I think you should have her spayed. Not only will it prevent her from ever getting pregnant (no matter how remote you think the possibility), but it will be easier for you and healthier for her in the long run.

    Females who are not spayed run the risk of pyometra, a potentially fatal uterine infection that can occur after every heat cycle. They are also more prone to developing mammary cancer as they age. Spaying with eliminate the possibility of pyometra, and significantly reduce the probability of cancer -- the sooner, the better.

    In addition, you won't have to deal with the mess of a heat cycle.

    Definitely get her spayed!

    Links on the benefits of spaying:

    http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_the_canine_sp...

    http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/why_you_should_s...

    http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/spayingneutering.htm

    Source(s): Dog trainer/handler/responsible breeder for 20 years.
  • 1 decade ago

    First off the dog will be healthier if spayed. She will be less likely to develop some of the canine reproductive cancers.

    Second an animal with a genetic defect of any type should never be breed. Why when the US puts down over 13 million animals every year because they are homeless should you breed a dog that isn't not the absolute best of the breed?

    There is no valid or good reason to do something like that. All you'd be doing is adding to the ever increasing number of animals on the planet. Animals do not have to be breed to have good happy lives, they just have to have owners that care about them.

  • 1 decade ago

    It is very important to get her spayed for her own health in the future. Bitches always have womb problems later on in life. The operation is more expensive & complicated the older they get. I have had 6 bitches that all had to have their wombs removed at around 11 years old. I get them done young now! I guess her blindness is due to PRA or CEA . It is passed on to puppies by their parents.You are wise to not to breed with Sierra but accidents can happen & a dog would probaly come & find her. They travel many miles.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Please have her spayed. The genetic condition will be passed on to any babies she has. Being in heat is stressful for them and can lower their white cell count leaving them prone to infections.

    Leaving a female undesexed can lead to pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus and can kill her if it ruptures, there often are no symptoms. Also she may get ovarian cysts, if these become infected, they can rupture and you can have the same problem, again it can have no symptoms. Also it will greatly reduce her risk of mammary (breast) cancer as well as a host of other problems.

    Desexed females are generally cleaner anyway, they tend to not pee inside and yes, there's the obvious discharge when on heat which can smell really bad.

    Male dogs can smell a female on heat for miles around and will come looking for her, and will jump fences or get in anyway they can, and may even attack you to get to her so no matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen.

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  • 1 decade ago

    Personally I would spay her, because if she breeds all her offspring and their offspring have the potential of going blind and would you want to wish that on a dog? Genes pass on whether it is humans, dogs or flowers, that's how nature works and how things evolve.

    Plus, it isn't your dog you should worry about, its the other male dogs in the area!

    My dog is also blind from a disorder that is common in the breed. We took her to an eye specialist vet because the other vets couldn't say what it was.

  • 1 decade ago

    Yes spay her for sure. Even if there are no dogs around, it is a hassle dealing with the blood when she goes into heat. And some studies have shown that spaying reduces their cancer risk.

  • 1 decade ago

    Do spay her. As said, males can smell a female in heat for miles and will come a calling.

  • 1 decade ago

    Dont worry because all you have to do is make sure that she is inside when there are other dogs around and u will be fine

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    You're KIDDING,right??

    PLEASE,tell me that you're NOT so irresponsible & un-ethical & STUPID as to BREED SUCH A DEFECTIVE DOG!!!

    SPAY! SPAY TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

  • jody n
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    no i woulndt dogs are differnt from humans the puppies would alright or at least they should be mabe ask a vet for thier opinion

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