I’ve been looking into the safest options for my girl. And tbh I’m leaning heavily toward delayed spaying (around 6 years old).
My reasons are (from what I understand about the most recent research) that the most common and aggressive cancers and health issues in goldens present an increased risk in spayed females, especially if they are spayed before 2 years old. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but from what I understand, the longer you wait to spay, the less risk there is for hemangiosarcoma & Lymphoma.
Conversely, the longer she goes intact, the more risk of mammary cancer, although this is far less aggressive and is treatable. The risk of Pyometra is 0 in spayed females, and is relatively rare for intact females under the age of 5/6, when it increases significantly. Obviously this is another thing that is treatable if caught early, but it sounds like it can be hard to catch. So this is why I am thinking of spaying around this age. For me personally, management of cycles is not an issue.
I’ve spoken to my vets about it, but they seem to be of the opinion that after the first heat is the best time to do it. This seems to contradict the newest research, though.
I’m curious as to what you all think and what your experiences have been with your golden girls. I’m wondering if waiting till she’s 5/6 if overkill? Do those extra 3 years reduce the risk of the worst cancers in any significant way?
Thank you in advance!