Not wanting to start a debate, but any advice on spaying....

[Kazz]

Random you cannot live in the past. What happened to your rabbit regardless of how upsetting will have no bearing in reality on Princess's spay - in your mind yes it will be hard and I hope nothing goes wrong but the risk of her having kittens is greater the fear will build I am sure over the years. Whereas so far she has overcome the "hurdles" you were advised about, so she is tougher than maybe you imagine. She is obviously a survivor.
Whatever you decide will be with her best interest at heart. Karen

[Elaine]

I dont know if this is worth considering but I know that vets do have a sort of cotraceptive injection they can give, I dont know all the implications of it or if they would be happy to use it long term but it may be something to ask about or look into.
I completely understand your concerns but I think if a Tom cat caught her, due to her condition, I think you'd beat yourself up about that more than if the operation was to take her.
Sorry if that sounds cold, its not meant to at all.
Not an easy one for you and I wish you both well. xxx

[random]

Thanx everyone.

I have tried to put myself outside the situation and I know if it were me giving advise i'd say go for the spay, but with it being my cat it is obviously a lot harder a descion.

If she doesn't make it through the op obviously I will never forgive myself, but if she was left entire and got caught then I would also never forgive myself.

I don't feel I am living in the past when I lost my rabbit Kazz, I have had 3 cats spayed in that time, and both my bitches booked in for their spays. I think it is because the vet spoke to me about the risks and made fully aware I wanted to go ahead with it, as rabbits are at a higher risk, and I was in 2 minds for a while but decided to go ahead. I think it is just the similarity of the descion making, i.e weighing up the risks for either option and doing what I feel is best, as last time my choice wasn't the right one.

Obviously with a healthy cat or dog the risk is minimal and a spay would be the obvious choice in that case, but even so it is worrying.

Thank you for all your views, I feel reassured that a spay would be the right choice now although my family don't feel the same way unfortunately.

[random]

Originally Posted by Elaine

I dont know if this is worth considering but I know that vets do have a sort of cotraceptive injection they can give, I dont know all the implications of it or if they would be happy to use it long term but it may be something to ask about or look into.
I completely understand your concerns but I think if a Tom cat caught her, due to her condition, I think you'd beat yourself up about that more than if the operation was to take her.
Sorry if that sounds cold, its not meant to at all.
Not an easy one for you and I wish you both well. xxx

I know there is one for dogs Elaine and I also know it is definately not advised for long term use and rather just as a one off.

[Elaine]

Originally Posted by random

I know there is one for dogs Elaine and I also know it is definately not advised for long term use and rather just as a one off.

They do have them for cats too as Diddydawn has used this on occasion when she couldnt get the cat booked in for spaying but I wasn't sure about long term use.

[borderdawn]

I think Princess sounds like a little fighter and has already surpassed the odds stacked against her, long may that continue!!
Dawn.

[Grete]

I have to say having read the arguments put forwards, I would be inclined to go for the spay.

There is an extra thing I thought of too :

Because you and the vets *know* she has this problem, and will be scanned beforehand, they will know exactly what is going on inside her.

She will be watched more carefully than a healthy cat that is expected to have absolutely no bad after-effects so she will probably be kept at the vets until they are sure she is OK.

There is never a perfect decision, you can only do what you believe is best.

*hugs*

[Erin]

oh Kel I have no idea what I would do if I was in your position right now.
As Dawn said Princess is a little fighter.Im sure you will make the decission thats right for her ((((hugs))))

[borderdawn]

The scan will be conscious, no sedation, so no risk to her, a proper assessment can then be made.
Dawn.

[dinahsmum]

Originally Posted by borderdawn

I think Princess sounds like a little fighter and has already surpassed the odds stacked against her, long may that continue!!
Dawn.

I agree and I think, that by giving her the chance to live when she was a little kitten, and not taking the easy (and understandable) option of ending her little life then, you have kinda obligated yourself to look after her as an adolescent/adult and ensuring she doesn't get pregnant is a high priority.
Trust your vets to do their best and in the fates to continue to watch over Princess. x