Ponderings On Becoming 6 Months Old

Saki has just turned 6 months old.

The big question when pups reach this age is whether to de-sex or not - I always thought de-sexing was the right thing to do and didn't question it much, but having actually now read the research for myself it appears that it is a far more complicated decision than many acknowledge.

If she is spayed, the good news is she'll be:
-At lower risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer)
-At almost no risk of pyometra (uterine infections)
-At no risk of pregnancy
-At lower risk of ovarian and uterine tumours

But the bad news is, if spayed, she will also be:
-At higher risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
-At higher risk of hemangiosarcoma (another common fatal cancer)
-At higher risk of orthopedic disorders (hip dysplasia and other bone problems)
-At risk of spay caused urinary incontinence
-At higher risk of hypothyroidism
-At higher risk of potentially fatal adverse reactions to vaccines
-At higher risk of urinary tract tumours & TCC (bladder cancer)

How on earth do you weigh up which risks to take and which to avoid? The risks avoided by spaying or the risks caused by spaying? It's a horrible decision, especially for large and giant breeds who are such high risk of all of the spay-risk conditions, and especially for Akitas who are at even higher risk of some of those listed. I don't know what to do... *worries*

...

Anyway, Saki's growth chart to date:

2 months old: 6.5 kg (14 pounds)

3 months old: 11.6 kg (26 pounds)

4 months old: 17 kg (37 pounds)

5 months old: 23 kg (50 pounds)

6 months old: 27kg (60 pounds)

Her growth rate slowed a bit in the past month - I hope she has another growth spurt soon! :)

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