• Springlands Veterinary Centre
/
• Articles
/
• Desexing
/
• Your Dog
/
• Male

Male

What is neutering?

Neutering or castration is the surgical removal of both testicles so that your dog is not capable of producing offspring.

What does the surgery involve?

The procedure is done with your pet under general anaesthesia and consists of a small incision just in front of the scrotum where the testicles are removed. The small incision will then be closed with stitches that need to be removed in 10-14 days time. Most dogs can go home the same day as the operation. Your dog will be given long acting pain relief so he will not require any further medication at home, but if you feel that your dog is excessively uncomfortable we are happy to reassess the need for further medication.

Caring for your dog after surgery

It is very important to keep him warm and quiet the first night of his operation and only give him a small meal that night. Then for the next 10-14 days he must have restricted exercise until the sutures are removed. We recommend that your dog is walked on a lead for this period of time and that he is lifted into cars, onto couches, rather than jumping up himself and no bathing or swimming. Check his wound daily and look out for any swelling or discharge, please contact us if you have any concerns. 10-14 days after his operation the stitches in the skin will require removal (the consultation at stitch removal is included in the price of the castrate and will allow the nurse or veterinarian to check the healing of the incision site).

At what age can he be castrated?

For routine castration, the best time is at 6 months of age (this is before the onset of puberty).

Advantages of neutering

• To prevent unwanted puppies
• It reduce the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis
• To reduce the risk of hormone related diseases such as perianal adenoma (cancer)
• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer which is the second most common cancer in entire dogs
• Decreases the behavioural urge to roam and look for a female
• Can reduce certain types of aggression
• If done early enough it will stop leg lifting / urine marking