How Do Vets Neuter?

Neuter surgery is a routine, simple procedure in which a veterinarian castrates (removes the testicles) a male animal. There are several benefits to having your pet neutered. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), every year 3 million dogs, cats and rabbits are euthanized in shelters. By neutering your pet, you can be assured that you will not contribute to the massive pet overpopulation that leads to the deaths of so many animals. Further, a neutered male is less inclined to wander in search of females, is less likely to "mark" in the house and is at lower risk for certain health problems like prostate cancer.

Physical Exam

Before performing neuter surgery, your veterinarian will give your pet a physical exam to ensure that he is healthy enough to withstand anesthesia and surgery. The extent of the physical will depend on your pet's medical history and his age. Young, healthy animals are usually cleared quickly for surgery. However, if your pet has a pre-existing condition like kidney or heart disease, or if your pet is considered a senior, then your veterinarian will probably order lab work to make sure that all blood counts, enzyme levels and organ functions are normal. Further, if your pet has a known sensitivity to anesthesia (common in small animals and specific to certain breeds), this should be discussed with your veterinarian. There are natural, gentle anesthetics available for use on sensitive animals.

Before the Procedure

Typically, your veterinarian will instruct you to withhold all food and water from your pet beginning at midnight the night before surgery. If your pet is very young (under 6 months), then it may be preferable to withhold food and water for only 2 to 3 hours prior to surgery to prevent a hypoglycemia. This will be up to the discretion of your veterinarian.
According to the Animal Health Channel, your veterinarian will prepare for the neuter surgery by scrubbing his hands and forearms with an antiseptic solution. He will put on gloves, a surgical gown and mask. Veterinary technicians will sterilize all instruments to be used during the procedure.

Preparation

Neuter surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Typically, an initial dose of anesthesia is given with an intravenous injection. When the injection has taken effect, veterinary technicians will clip and shave the fur from your pet's abdominal area, and will sterilize the area with an antiseptic solution like chlorhexiderm or povidone-iodine. A technician will then insert a tube through your pet's mouth or nose into his airway (intubation) to maintain a path for mechanical ventilation and additional anesthesia if necessary. As a precaution, your veterinarian may opt to insert a catheter into your pet's leg so that there will be a readied porthole through which to administer emergency medications if necessary. Your pet will then be carried into the surgical area and hooked up to monitors that will track his breathing and heart rate during the procedure.

The Neutering

The entire neutering procedure generally takes from 10 to 20 minutes. According to Pet Place, your veterinarian will begin by making an incision just above your pet's scrotum. He will pull each testicle and its attached spermatic cord through the incision and tie a small ligature tightly around the cord to cut off blood flow. Then, he will cut the testicle off the cord and place the cord back inside the incision. After examining the incision for "bleeders" (tiny bleeding vessels), your veterinarian will complete an internal layer of sutures in subcutaneous tissue, and then a top layer of sutures to close the incision.

After the Procedure

Generally, your pet will be permitted to go home the same day as his neuter surgery. Your veterinarian will send you and your pet home with a list of instructions for a safe and uneventful recovery. You will be directed to restrict your pet's activity (leash walks only, no vigorous running, jumping or stair-climbing), and to check his incision at least twice daily for excessive redness, swelling or bleeding. If your pet attempts to chew on his incision, he may have to wear a plastic E-collar to block access to the wound. Call your veterinarian if the incision bleeds or shows signs of infection, or if your pet is lethargic or refuses to eat. In 10 to 14 days your pet will require a follow-up visit to its veterinarian for suture removal and a final check-up.

Expert Insight

The last 15 to 20 years have generated much discussion and controversy within the veterinary and rescue communities over the best age to neuter pets. According to Dr. Lila Miller of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), throughout most of the 20th century the standard recommended age for neutering was 6 months, and many veterinarians still abide by this recommendation. However, pediatric neutering (8 to 16 weeks of age) has garnered much support, including the endorsement of the HSUS, ASPCA, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers Association.
Every pet is different. Take a few minutes to discuss the neutering procedure with your veterinarian, and work with her to determine the best option for your best friend.

References

• The Pet Center: Dog Neuter Surgery
• The Pet Center: Cat Spay and Neuter Surgery
• The Animal Channel: Neutering Procedure

Resources

• The Humane Society of the United States: Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet
• Oregon Veterinary Association: Spay and Neuter Benefits and FAQ
• Pediatric Spay/Neuter