Question about spaying

[GasX]

I have heard that vets will not spay a dog that is in heat and that you have to wait three weeks to do the procedure. Does anyone know why this is?

 

[mordantmonkey]

i'm guessing it makes it more difficult. my girlfriend got her cat spayed, and when they did the operation she was in heat so they charged extra. i'm curious as to exactly why.

 

[sixone]

Same way with cats. I don't know why, but that's what the vet said.

 

[KarenMarie]

The blood vessels and reproductive organs engorge with blood during a heat cycle, increasing the chances for complications during surgery. Yes, the surgery can still easily be done, but it is much less stress on the dog (and the vet, honestly) to wait until she's out of heat.

 

[2cpuminimum]

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
The blood vessels and reproductive organs engorge with blood during a heat cycle, increasing the chances for complications during surgery. Yes, the surgery can still easily be done, but it is much less stress on the dog (and the vet, honestly) to wait until she's out of heat.

Exactly, they bleed more when their estrogen levels are higher. I've seen the surgery done both ways, and it's much bloodier on a dog with active hormones.