is it safe to a spay a lab over 6 years old?

Question
Hi there,
I have an opporunity to adopt a female 6 year old lab and am on the fence if I should. She is not fixed yet (and I can't/won't take her until she is.) Is this a safe procedure for a lab this age? (I am told she never had pups but I am not entirely sure that is true.)  I 've had labs before but I had them fixed at 5 months. I am chartering unknown territory and I am getting conflicting advice. Any advice you can give would be very appreciated. Thx!

Answer
I doubt those telling you there may be problems have much to base it on except limited personal anecdotes.  It is very common for people to generalize from limited experience.  I do know it is quite common for better breeders to retire and spay their females when they about that age.  My Lab's mother lived to be 15 after being spayed, and one of her daughters is also retired, spayed, and doing fine at 10 years old.  The mother of another of my puppies went on to be an obedience champion after retiring and being spayed.  I also know there is some evidence it is better to wait until a female is a year or 2 old to spay her.  I would think there shouldn't be a problem.  Perhaps talk to your vet.