Your Goodest Girl's Health: What to Watch Out For

Dog Mother’s Day is typically celebrated on the second Saturday of May, the day before Hooman Mother’s Day. Dog Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible bond between dog mums and their pups with all the play, love, care and cuddles they share every day. It’s also the perfect time to shine a light on some important health issues that can affect our much-loved female dogs. 

What is a spey or desexing procedure in female dogs?

Desexing (also known as speying, or an ovariohysterectomy) a female dog is a day-surgery performed under general anaesthetic to remove the ovaries and uterus. Some vets will opt to only remove the ovaries (ovariectomy), which are the main producer of the female hormone oestrogen. Most small to medium breed dogs are desexed at 6 months of age. Early desexing in large breed dogs can be associated with some orthopaedic issues, such as cruciate ligament ruptures of the knee. For this reason, veterinarians often recommend that large breed dogs be desexed later, as it takes longer for their bones to reach maturity.

After recovery from the anaesthetic, your girl will receive a pain relief injection and you will be given additional medication to give at home. She will need to wear an Elizabethan collar, or E-collar, when unsupervised so they do not lick their wound. 

Why is desexing important in female dogs?

Desexing prevents unwanted pregnancies, but there are also many positive health benefits to speying your female pup, including:

• Dramatically reduced risk of mammary tumours (‘breast’ cancer) when performed before the first oestrus or ‘heat’.

• Prevention of pyometra (infection of the uterus).

• Eliminate ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers.

• Stops heat cycles (oestrus) and the associated bleeding and unwanted attention from male dogs.

Desexing Myth Busters

“Desexing is a legal requirement in Australia”

• In the ACT and South Australia, it is mandatory to desex your dog by 6 months of age.

• Desexing is not legally required in VIC, NSW, QLD, WA, NT or TAS, however, local councils will generally charge a much more expensive registration fee for dogs that are not desexed.

“Female dogs should have a litter before being desexed”

• False. This is not true for your dog’s health. Desexing a female dog before her first heat will actually greatly reduce the risk of mammary cancer.

“Desexed dogs become overweight”

• This is definitely possible. Hormonal changes occur in dogs after desexing, and the lower oestrogen levels slow metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. To keep your dog at a healthy weight, you may need to reduce their caloric intake by 10 to 20% and continue exercising together regularly.

“Dogs and cats become lazy after they are desexed”

• There are generally only small or no observable changes in your dog’s behaviour after desexing. Young male dogs however, will usually calm down, show less interest in humping, and are less likely to go on wild adventures over fences in search of love (no need to pull a Lady and the Tramp runaway romance!). 

Mammary tumors

Mammary tumours are the most common type of cancer in female dogs, with studies showing that up to 50 percent of non-desexed females will develop one during their lifetime. Early desexing, especially before the first or second heat cycle, can reduce the risk by more than 90 percent [1]. While dishing out belly rubs, stop to have a quick search for any unusual lumps or bumps. Definitely get your gorgeous girl checked out by your veterinarian if you find something suspicious.

Uterine infections or Pyometra in dogs

Pyometra is a term used to describe an infection of the uterus, and affects up to 25% of non-desexed female dogs by the age of 10 [2]. Desexing eliminates the risk and is considered the most effective prevention. If left untreated, pyometra can quickly become life-threatening, often requiring emergency surgery to save a dog’s life. 

Urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections

Urinary incontinence is a term used to describe involuntary urine leakage, and can be especially common in female dogs. Most often, incontinence is caused by either a weak bladder sphincter or a bladder infection. There are many more causes of incontinence and urinary issues, so it is always prudent to seek veterinary advice early.

What is the most common cause of leaking urine in female dogs?

Early desexing, particularly before three months of age, has been associated with an increased risk of developing incontinence later in life for female dogs. A condition called ‘urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence’ (USMI) is caused by low oestrogen levels and occurs mostly in middle-aged to older desexed female dogs [3].

Why do female dogs get UTIs more often than males?

Female dogs are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than males, mostly because of anatomical differences. Females urinate from a shorter and wider urethra than males, making it easier for bacteria from the outside environment to travel up into the bladder. Hormonal differences can have an effect too, as lower oestrogen levels after desexing can alter the local immune defences in bladder wall cells. 

Signs of UTIs to look out for 

If you are concerned that your dog might have a bladder infection, it’s important to pay close attention to all aspects of their urination and drinking habits, including obtaining a sample. Signs can vary depending on the severity of the infection, and include:

• Dribbling or leaking urine around the house.

• Small and frequent urination

• Spots of blood or mucous in the urine (easier to visualise on tiled flooring).

• Taking a long time to urinate, or straining with discomfort.

• Increased thirst.

• Generally unwell or a poor appetite.

Nutrition plays a key role in supporting dogs susceptible to bladder infections, so look for diets with immune-boosting ingredients like omega-3s and blueberries for antioxidants to strengthen their natural immune defences against infections.

Thankfully, urinary incontinence and bladder infections are usually an easy problem to solve when caught early, so it is definitely worth speaking with your vet for help. 

While female dogs have their own unique health issues to watch out for, it’s worth remembering that male dogs aren’t off the hook. They have their fair share of health challenges, too! No matter their sex, breed, age or lifestyle, Petzyo’s got all the bases covered for your furry friend!

References

1. Sorenmo, K.U., et al. (2003). Canine mammary gland tumors: a review. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 33(3), 573-596.

2. Hagman, R. (2018). Pyometra in small animals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 48(4), 639–661.

3. MarVista Vet: Urinary Incontinence. https://www.marvistavet.com/urinary-incontinence.pml#:~:text=Spinal%20cord%20disease.-,BLADDER%20INFECTION,-This%20is%20a.