FAQ Neutering/Spaying

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% of neutered
                     dogs. Aggressive behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60% of neutered dogs.  Urine marking is eliminated in 50% of neutered male dogs.
                     Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70% 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 boistrous 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?

                     Undescended testicles have an  increased tendency to grow tumors over descended testicles. They may also twist on their stalks and cause
                     life-threatening inflammation.  For these reasons, 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.