[Amazonchix]

Here's an article by Richard Allen, DVM at Best Friends in Kanab,Utah. This link also provides a list of additional professional veterinarian medicine articles one can reference for further readings on early s/n. When you read important information as s/n on websites, please make sure you are reading articles and information from licensed veterinarians and not a layperson's opinion. http://www.pbrc.net/misc/juvenilespayneuter.pdf

This is a great link or flyer handout to those of you in shelter work, rescue or involved in low cost s/n clinics. This link addresses the most common questions regarding juvenile s/n.

Waiting till your pet is 6 months old to spay/neuter is now considered an old school belief. Pets as young as 6-8 weeks old (depending upon weight) can be spayed/neutered without any health complications long term due to early s/n. Early s/n is called "juvenile s/n." Long term health complications used to be the agrument against juvenile s/n, but has been proven incorrect. The younger they are the quicker and faster they bounce back and can help avoid potential behavioral issues due to hormones.

[KH02]

I wouldn't do it, and i've had schooling and worked in the animal medical field.
I was employed with an animal hospital about 3 years ago and we ALWAYS stuck to the 6 months and i agree with that.

[Summerz]

Originally Posted by KH02

I wouldn't do it, and i've had schooling and worked in the animal medical field.
I was employed with an animal hospital about 3 years ago and we ALWAYS stuck to the 6 months and i agree with that.

I worked as a Vet asst. and I agree with you.

[Amazonchix]

The only reason most vets don't follow this is as explained in the article...they weren't taught that in school. I volunteer aside the brightest and one of the most accomplished vets I have ever been around. Matter of fact, he probably leads the nation in completed s/n with over 13,000 last year. Yes, that is over 13,000 s/n surgeries! His rationale for not performing juvenile s/n sooner was that it was not what was preached in vet school, but then he took additional courses and seminars that confirm that he is now doing the right thing.

Yes, and they also preach in vet school the SD/Hills is the greatest food ever...and many vets till this day preach that in their private practice. And yet, there are many of us that know that they are not right (lol).

[gizmo980]

My dog was neutered around 8-9 weeks of age (not by my choice - he was at the pound), and he didn't have any complications... I'm no expert, though, so I'll take your word if you don't recommend it!

[Amazonchix]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

My dog was neutered around 8-9 weeks of age (not by my choice - he was at the pound), and he didn't have any complications... I'm no expert, though, so I'll take your word if you don't recommend it!

Not sure if that was meant for the previous poster...but I do recommend juvenile s/n.

[ShelbyGirl1]

If I have my choice, I'd also wait till they are 5-6 months.

[eevee]

Originally Posted by ShelbyGirl1

If I have my choice, I'd also wait till they are 5-6 months.

ditto. I haven't heard of any health benefits to early neuters so don't see the need to rush it that early. I have no issues w/ rescues doing it though since it eliminates the risk of newly adopted pets of being bred later on

[Woof Woof Woof!]

I think it's just a BAD idea all around.

And irresponsible for this vet to be promoting it.

[ShelbyGirl1]

I know it is done all the time in shelters. But I sure hate the idea of a young puppy or kitten at 6 weeks old being pumped with anesthesia! It's bad enough when it has to be done at 5-6 months!