I went back and forth on this issue--I thought all the same things about my Ginny--that she would have beautiful puppies, she has a beautiful disposition . . .
But after reading many of the threads here and doing some serious research, I realized that the best thing for my baby was to have her spayed--there are a lot of risks with NOT spaying that I had never considered. I just didn't want to risk my baby's health just to have beautiful puppies--there are so many out there who need homes now!
There is increased risk of cancer the older a boxer is before she is spayed. Boxers are highly prone to cancer so it makes sense to do everything you can to help prevent it.
One of our wonderful moderators gmacleod had a great post on this issue last year--she addresses the risks and potential health issues of not spaying.
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72880
You might try a search of the forums for more discussion--I think it will make you feel better about your decision. In the end, isn't your baby's health the most important thing?
Spaying eliminates the chances of developing:
• Pyometra. Pyometra is a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many unspayed cats and dogs. If it is left untreated, your pet will most likely die.
• Ovarian cancer, cysts and infections. Ovarian cancer is a common occurrence in unaltered females.
• Uterine cancer and uterine infections. These are common occurrences in unaltered female dogs and cats, especially older pets.
• Acute metritis (infected uterus). This can be potentially fatal if not treated in time.
• Difficult pregnancy and delivery.
• Pseudopregnancies. Some females go through a false pregnancy every time they come into heat.
Spaying greatly decreases the chances of developing:
• Breast cancer and tumors. The rate goes down to almost zero if the spay is done before the first heat cycle. Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in dogs, and the third most common cancer in cats. The chances of a female dog reaching 10 years of age without developing this potentially fatal tumor is less than 11% in some breeds with normal hormone production.
• Tumors of the reproductive system.
• Mammary cancer. Mammary cancer is very common in older unspayed females, and is the most common cancer to spread to the lungs.
• Mastitis (infection of the mammary glands). This can be potentially fatal if not treated in time.
• Mammary tumors. Unspayed females have about a 7 times greater chance of getting mammary tumors.
• False pregnancies.
• Certain skin conditions related to hormonal imbalances.
• Hair loss. The hair coat on many dogs suffers because of estrogen surges that occur with heat cycles or whelping. Their coats appear thin and the underlying skin is exposed in many areas. It can take 2 to 4 months for the hair to return to normal.
Sorry this is so long! I wanted to make sure to share with you all I learned in my research!
Ginny sends her biggest boxer wiggles to your Sasha!!
