When is Best to Spay a French Bulldog to Avoid IVDD

Answer To when to spay a French bulldog to avoid IVDD

Dear Tracy and “Lulu”

I loved the photos, she is the “bomb” 💣💥

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as every bulldog is unique, and each owner has different needs and lifestyles.

Moreover, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to definitively support many of the claims for or against spaying or to determine the ideal timing for the procedure.

FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPY EARLY-AGE OVH BENEFITS:

Here are some common arguments in favor of early spaying:

1. OVH Prevents Fr. Bulldogs Breast Tumors (Mammary Gland Tumors – MGT)

Evidence suggests that spaying before the first heat cycle almost completely prevents breast tumors (0.5% chance).

Spaying after the first heat cycle increases the risk to about 8%.

LATE SPAY WARNING ⚠️:  If spaying is done after two heat cycles, the risk rises to 25%.

Prophylactic spaying is generally considered ineffective for preventing MGT after a third heat cycle or if your bulldog is over 2.5–4 years old.

2. Fr. Bulldog OVH Prevents Accidental Pregnancy and Associated Risks:

Spaying helps prevent accidental pregnancies, which can carry risks such as dystocia—a complication during labor that is common in brachycephalic breeds due to their large heads—and may lead to the need for a costly and potentially risky C-section.

3. Avoiding French Bulldog Pyometra:

An ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in French Bulldogs prevents pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus. While pyometra is more common in older females, it can also occur earlier in life in young bulldog females.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR DELYING FR. BULLDOG OVH

There are professionals, breeders, and veterinarians who argue that delaying sterilization has its benefits.

1. Delying Fr. Bulldog Spay May Benefits Joints, Bones and IVDD :

Some studies suggest that allowing one heat cycle before spaying can help prevent the delayed closure of your bulldog puppy’s bone growth plates.

ESTROGEN & BONE GROWTH: Estrogen aids in the growth plate closure, so early spaying could potentially delay this process and increase the risk of future orthopedic conditions such as:

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
2. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
3. Hip Dysplasia
4. Elbow Dysplasia

2. Delying OVH in Fr. Bulldog May Prevent Weight Gain:

Some studies show weight gain after ovariohysterectomy (OVH) within 1–2 years of the procedure, but it’s generally unlikely to have a long-term impact.

Interestingly, osteoarthritis is significantly more prevalent in intact females.

3. Delying Fr. Bulldog Spay Might Reduce Future Cancer:

Early spaying prevents certain cancers like mammary gland tumors (MGT), ovarian tumors, and uterine tumors.

However, anecdotal reports suggest early spaying may increase the risk of other cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumors (MCT).

When to Spay a French and Will it Help Prevent IVDD SUMMARY:

It’s wonderful to see how committed you are to making the best choices for Lulu’s health and well-being. When considering the right time to spay your French bulldog, it’s important to think about your lifestyle and preferences.

For some owners, dealing with the bleeding during estrus can be a major consideration.

 

🩺For many English and French bulldog owners, spaying before the first heat cycle, typically around 6–9 months of age, is often recommended.

🩺However, there is also a case to be made for spaying after the first heat cycle, as it may offer certain benefits.

🩺Both options have their merits, so allowing Lulu to go through her first estrus can be a reasonable and acceptable choice.

🩺If you plan to breed her and have considered all associated risks, it is best to do so while she is young, ideally between 1.5 and 3 years of age. You might also consider having her spayed at the time of the C-section.

Warm regards, 🐾
Dr. Kraemer & The Vet4Bulldog Team 🩺

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