What
are the advantages of neutering my male dog?
·
Reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis
·
Reduces the risk of hormone-related diseases such as perianal
adenoma
·
Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
·
Removal of sexual urge which results in
less roaming behaviors
·
Reduction of certain types of aggression
Is neutering
performed for any other reason?
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 anal adenomas.
Neutering
may also be used in an attempt to treat certain forms of aggression.
What are the disadvantages?
Most of the
perceived disadvantages are false. The most quoted of these are that
the dog will become fat, characterless, and useless as a guard.
Obesity is probably the most commonly quoted disadvantage of
neutering. Obesity is the result of overfeeding. By regulating your
dog’s diet and caloric intake, you can prevent obesity in neutered
or intact males.
Neutering
doesn’t cause a change in personality, guarding instincts,
intelligence, playfulness or affection.
When should the operation be
performed?
Research
reveals that neutering a pet at an early age does not cause any
increased risk. Most veterinarians recommend neutering between four
and six months of age.
Is there any alternative to
surgery?
Not at the
present time, although there are several exciting advances being
made in this area.
Are there any dangers associated
with the operation?
Neutering is
considered a major operation and requires general anesthesia. With
today’s 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 I leave my dog for this procedure?
Your pet will
be examined and pre-anesthetic blood tests are usually performed. If
everything is acceptable, your pet will then be anesthetized. Most
pets 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 (windpipe). This will allow us to deliver oxygen and the gas
anesthetic. The surgery consists of making a small incision in front
of the scrotum and removing the testicles. Many veterinarians use
absorbable sutures so that you do not have to return to have them
removed.
Are there any post-operative
precautions I should take?
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, no running or climbing
stairs and lots of rest are the rule.
