March 27, 2021
Why should I have my dog neutered? Neutering should be considered if you are keeping any male dog as a pet. Remember that guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for deaf people, and dogs for the disabled are routinely neutered, and this does not impair their ability to perform their duties.
What are the advantages of neutering?
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 fat, 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, or affection.
When should the operation be performed? Most veterinarians recommend neutering at around six months of age. However, neutering at an earlier age, which is a common practice at animal shelters, does not appear to be detrimental. In certain giant breeds, you may discuss with your veterinarian if delaying a neuter is appropriate.
Is there any alternative to surgery? There have been recent advances in non-surgical neutering. These involve injection of a compound directly into the testicle. You should discuss this treatment with your veterinarian to determine if it is appropriate for your pet.
Are there any dangers associated with the operation? Neutering is considered a major operation 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. It has been said that your pet has a greater chance of being injured in a car wreck than having an anesthetic or surgical complication.
What happens when my dog undergoes this procedure? Your pet will be examined by a veterinarian and pre-anesthetic blood tests will be performed. If everything is acceptable, your pet will be anesthetized. He 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. Your veterinarian will use absorbable internal sutures so that the sutures do not have to be removed.
Are there any post-operative precautions I should take for him? Rest and restriction of activity are the primary post-operative care you should provide. Most dogs can resume normal activity 10-14 days after surgery. Until then, leash walks, lots of rest, and no swimming, bathing, running, or climbing stairs are the rule. It is also important that an e-collar be worn at all times during the recovery period to prevent him from licking or chewing at the incision site, which could cause an infection, or worse, open the incision and require a second, more costly surgery to repair the damage. We would like to see him back 10-14 days post-procedure to examine the incision site and ensure that it has healed appropriately and that he can return to normal activity.
