Neutering in Dogs

Why should I have my dog neutered?

Neutering is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known scientifically as orchidectomy. In this procedure, both testicles are removed in order to sterilize a male dog.

What are the advantages of neutering my male dog?

• Reduces the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis
• Reduces the risk of hormone-related diseases such as perianal adenoma
• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common cancer in intact dogs
• Removes sexual urges, which usually decreases roaming behaviors
• Reduces certain types of aggression

Is neutering performed for any other reason?

Neutering may be used in an attempt to treat certain forms of aggression. In older dogs, the operation may be performed to treat testicular tumors and some prostate gland conditions. It is also used to control hormonal (testosterone) dependent diseases such as perianal adenomas.

What are the disadvantages?

Most of the perceived disadvantages are false. The most quoted of these are that the dog will become overweight, lazy, and useless as a guardian. Obesity is probably the most commonly quoted disadvantage of neutering. In most cases, obesity is the result of overfeeding and not exercising enough. By regulating your dog's diet and caloric intake, you can prevent obesity in both neutered and intact males.

Neutering doesn't cause a change in personality, guarding instincts, intelligence, playfulness and affection.

Are there any dangers associated with the operation?

Neutering is a major surgery and requires general anesthesia. With any anesthetic the risk of serious complications, including death, is always present. However, with modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk of a complication is very low.

What happens when my dog undergoes this procedure?

Your pet will be examined by a veterinarian and pre-anesthetic blood tests will usually be performed. If everything is acceptable, your pet will be anesthetized. Your pet will have an intravenous catheter placed to administer the anesthetic and to provide fluid therapy during the surgery. After your pet is anesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in his trachea or "windpipe" to deliver oxygen and gas anesthetic directly into the lungs. The surgery consists of making a small incision in front of the scrotum and removing the testicles. Absorbable internal sutures will be used that do not need to be removed.

What surgical complications could arise?

In general complications are rare during a castration surgery, however, as with all surgical procedures, there is always a small risk. Potential complications may include:

Anesthetic Complications

Any dog can have an unexpected adverse reaction following the administration of any drug or anesthetic. Such cases are impossible to predict, but fortunately are extremely rare.

Another potential danger associated with anesthesia arises if the dog is not properly fasted prior to anesthesia. Anesthetized patients lose the normal reflex ability to swallow; during swallowingm the epiglottis, a cartilage flap at the entrance to the windpipe, closed and prevents food or water from entering the lungs. If there is food in the stomach, the dog could vomit while under anesthesia or in the early post-anesthetic period, allowing food to enter the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life threatening condition.

Illness will increase the risks associated with anesthesia. Pre-operative blood work is a useful screen test that may detect pre-existing problems that could interfere with the pet's ability to handle anesthetic drugs. Our blood work package includes a CBC (complete blood count which analyzed red & white blood cells and platelet function). This package also included a comprehensive biochemistry which screens 12 different internal components. 

To minimize the risk to your dog, it is essential that all pre-operative instructions are strictly followed and that you report any signs of illness to your veterinarian prior to an operation.

Post-Operative Infection

This may occur internaly or around the incision would. In most cases, the infection can be controlled with antibiotics. A post-operative infection most commonly occurs when the dog licks the site excessively or is in a damp or unsanitary environment.

Are there any post-operative precautions I should take?

"Rest and restriction of activity are the primary post-operative care you should provide."

Rest and restriction of activity are the primary post-operative care you should provide. Most dogs can resume normal activity seven to fourteen days after surgery. Until short then, leash walks, lots of rest, and no swimming, bathing, running or climbing stairs are the rule.