Spaying Complications

Spaying is a surgical procedure that is performed on female dogs during which the reproductive organs are removed. The surgery is performed for a number of reasons, including preventing pregnancy, behavior problems and proactive health benefits. But complications can result from the procedure. Nonetheless, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) claims that the benefits outweigh the risks.

  1. Bladder Cancer

    • According to the ASPCA, spaying puts dogs at a slightly greater risk for developing bladder cancer. There are three types of this cancer: transitional cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. Some symptoms of bladder cancer are frequent urination, incontinence and blood in the urine. A veterinarian will diagnose the disease with blood tests and urinalysis. Transitional cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer and is usually fatal.

    Incontinence

    • A decrease in the hormone estrogen causes 5 to 20 percent of female dogs to develop an inability to control their bladders, according to the ASPCA. This can result in excitement wetting. Certain breeds, overweight dogs and puppies spayed before 12 weeks of age are at higher risk for developing this complication.

    Hormonal Complications

    • A common complication found in dogs that are spayed in middle age is hypothyroidism. According to the PetMD website, the thyroid gland produces certain hormones that have a wide range of effects on female dogs. Spaying can cause the gland to produce fewer of these hormones, which can cause hair loss, skin infections, shedding, inactivity, lethargy, weakness, and mental dullness. Some uncommon symptoms that PetMD cautions against are seizures and tilting of the head when the dog would normally keep it upright. Certain breeds such as Doberman pinschers, Irish setters, golden retrievers, great Danes, sheepdogs, cocker spaniels, miniature schnauzers, boxers, poodles, and dachshunds are more likely to develop this condition than others.

    Weight Gain

    • Spaying can change the production of hormones that effect a dog's appetite and metabolism. Combined with the inactivity or lethargy caused by hypothyroidism, this can result in a dog gaining weight, some even to the point of being obese. The ASPCA claims that puppies that are spayed are at a greater risk for this, but it also says that weight gain can be held at bay with proper diet and exercise.

    Aggression

    • Spayed females tend to be less aggressive, but the ASPCA claims that a small percentage will become more aggressive toward people and other dogs. This is another complication that can be caused by a change in hormones. The possible culprit in this case is a decrease in levels of oxytocin (the hormone that produces happy feelings) and estrogen, says the ASPCA.