WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS TO THE DOG?
There are several health benefits to neutering. One of the most
important concerns the prostate gland, which under the influence
of testosterone will gradually enlarge over the course of the
dog's life. In age, it is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly
being large enough to interfere w/defecation. The prostate under
the influence of testosterone is also predisposed to infection
which is almost impossible to clear up without neutering.
Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into insignificance thus
preventing both prostatitis as well as the uncomfortable benign
hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging. It is often
erroneously held that neutering prevents prostate cancer but this
is not true.
Other health
benefits of neutering include the prevention of certain types of
hernias and tumors of the testicles and anus. Excessive preputial
discharge is also reduced by neutering.
WHAT BEHAVIORAL CHANGES CAN BE EXPECTED
AFTER NEUTER?
The only behavior changes that are observed after neutering relate
to behaviors influenced by male hormones. Playfulness,
friendliness, and socialization with humans are not changed. The
behaviors that change are far less desirable. The interest in
roaming is eliminated in 90 percent of neutered dogs. Aggressive
behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60 percent of
neutered dogs. Urine marking is eliminated in 50 percent of
neutered male dogs. Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70
percent of neutered dogs.
WHAT EXACTLY IS DONE SURGICALLY?
An incision is made generally just forward from the scrotum. The
testicles are removed through this incision. The stalks are tied
off and cut. Castration is achieved. If the testicles are not
removed, the desirable benefits listed above cannot be achieved.
The skin incision may or may not have stitches.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT UPON DISCHARGE FROM THE
HOSPITAL?
The scrotum is often swollen in the first few days after surgery,
leading some people to wonder if the procedure was really
performed. If the dog is immature at the time of neutering, the
empty scrotum will flatten out as he grows. If he is mature at the
time of neuter, the empty scrotum will remain as a flap of skin.
Sometimes the incision is mildly bruised but this is not unduly
sore for the dog and pain relief is almost never necessary post
neuter. Most male dogs are eager to play by the day after surgery
but to keep the incision intact, it is best to restrict the dog
from boisterous activity.
AT WHAT AGE CAN NEUTERING BE PERFORMED?
Neutering can be performed at any age over age 8 weeks. Dogs
neutered before puberty (generally age 6 months) tend to grow a
bit bigger than dogs neutered after puberty (testosterone is
involved in the causing bones to stop growing so without
testosterone the bones stop growing later). Neutering can also be
performed in the geriatric patient should the prostate gland
become enlarged and the best medical decision be to shrink it. In
this event, preanesthetic bloodwork and other diagnostics relevant
to anesthetizing an older patient would be recommended.
The
traditional age for neutering is around 6 months of age and many
veterinarians still recommend neutering at this age.
The benefits
of neutering (both health and behavioral) can still be obtained
regardless of the age at which neutering is performed.
WILL HE GET OVER-WEIGHT OR LETHARGIC?
Activity level and appetite do not change with neutering. A
male dog should not gain weight or become less interested in
activity post neuter.
WILL HE STILL BE INTERESTED IN FEMALES?
His interest will be reduced but if he is around a female dog
in heat, he will become aroused by her. Mounting behavior often
has roots in the expression of dominance and may be expressed by a
neutered male in a variety of circumstances that are not motivated
by sexuality.
WHAT IF A DOG HAS AN UNDESCENDED TESTICLE?
Neutering is recommended for dogs with undescended testicles. This
procedure is more complicated than a routine neuter; the missing
testicle can be under the skin along the path it should have
descended to the scrotum or it may be inside the abdomen. Some
exploration may be needed to find it thus there is often an
incision for each testicle. The retained testicle is sterile and
under-developed. If there is one descended testicle, this one will
be fertile but since retaining a testicle is a hereditary trait,
it is important that the male dog not be bred before he is
neutered
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