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Posts: 1
From:rochester, nh, usa
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-07-2003 08:30 AM            

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My female malty is between 8-9months old. I have her scheduled to be spayed but am unsure if she is or has been in heat. What are the signs? I know one is if her vulva is swollen but how does one know what a swollen vulva looks like? Any other signs? Please help, I'm very concerned that my tardiness has put her precious health at risk. Thank You

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Posts: 309
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 08-07-2003 08:46 AM            

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I think this link explains it well, it tells you what to look for at each stage.
http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/Pdogsheatcycle.HTM

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Posts: 47
From:Brewton, AL, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-08-2003 03:24 PM            

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Hi mrsb!
You don't have to look at her vulva to see when she's in heat. Your carpets are going to tell you, because she is going to leave a trail of little blood droplets everywhere. It can happen anytime around 12 months of age. You could spay her now, but most vets like to let the girls go through their first heat before they do it, they say it's better later on when they get old, and may experience incontinence if spayed too early. Some think it really doesn't matter, so I'm not sure what the best choice is.
But any time you do it, she will be a much happier baby (and also less exposed to a whole list of nasty problems that may happen if they're not spayed).

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Posts: 22
From:Coloma, Michigan, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-08-2003 04:57 PM            

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I've heard the exact opposite about spay age. My vet says most vets prefer to spay before they even have thier first heat. Somehow the surgery is suppose to be "safer", but didnt get the specifics on why that is.

I adopted one of my girls while she was in heat. OH MY GAWD... I had NO idea there were so many unneutered males and how far they would travel to try and "get married". What a nightmare. My girl couldnt even go out and pee. Them males would jump over the fence, dig under the fence. They tore up the screening on our porch, put claw marks on our front door. They would fight with each other.. Then there was the "mess" like DogAngel mentioned...Longest 3wks of my life!

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