For the benefits of spay/neuter there are also down sides. I specifically looked for a breeder who would let me keep my bitch intact longer even if we don't end up in the breed ring. I will not spay her unless medically necessary until after 2 years. Our contract allows up to 3 years regardless of going in the breed ring if she finishes I will probably be able to keep her intact until 7 or so. I think that having those hormones is a good idea. We replace them in adult women, we should keep them in our dogs. They're there for a reason. I also think you need to keep your intact female's heats under close observations and if she has silent heats at all, spay her because the risk is too great.

You can check out some of the issues at this link: http://www.naiaonline.org...tsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf Due to the fact that Maddie has skeletal issues already, I would be even less likely to spay if I could keep her intact reasonably.

That being said, I still would look into this as a boredom issue. More controlled exercise, bring something to the barn to entertain her, change her toys and chews every day, more training and mental games to tire her out.