Neuter Surgery for Dogs
The Humane Society of the United States advocates neutering your male dog to help prevent the birth of unwanted animals. There are stated health benefits to neutering a dog early in life, including the prevention of reproductive cancers. No matter why you choose to neuter your dog, the process, effects and recovery are the same.
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Identification
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Neutering is a term used to describe the surgical castration of male dogs. Male dogs who are neutered are physically incapable of reproducing. Despite being a routine procedure, neutering is still considered major surgery. As described in the "Clinical Veterinary Advisor," general anesthesia is administered to the dog. Once the dog is unconscious, an incision is made above the dog's scrotum. The testicles are removed through the incision, and all tubes leading to the testicles are tied off.
Benefits
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According to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians," neuter surgery for dogs provides a number of benefits in addition to the inability to reproduce. The likelihood of roaming behaviors ("running away"), aggression toward other male dogs, prostate infections, testicular cancer, territorial marking and prostate enlargement are greatly reduced. These behaviors are linked to the hormone testosterone. Testosterone levels reduce within the body one to three weeks after a dog is neutered.
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Considerations
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Not every dog is a suitable candidate for neuter surgery. If you intend to breed your dog, you should not neuter him. According to the "Clinical Veterinary Advisor," cryptorchid dogs, or dogs with undescended testicles after puberty, are at increased risk for complications from neuter surgery. Dogs who are extremely young (under six weeks of age), extremely old or dogs that suffer from chronic or outstanding health conditions may not be candidates for neuter surgery. The "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians" states that dogs who are unable to tolerate general anesthesia are also unlikely neuter-surgery candidates. Speak to a licensed veterinarian about concerns regarding your dog's suitability for neutering.
Misconceptions
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A common misconception, according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is that a dog's personality changes after neutering. This is not entirely true. While behaviors relating to hormonal urges and mating urges are eliminated, dogs who are neutered do not change in personality. A dog who is neutered is still likely to protect his family. Another common fear cited by the HSUS is that dogs who are neutered gain weight. While weight gain is possible due to a decreased drive to engage in courting and mating behaviors, a careful examination and re-evaluation of your dog's diet and exercise easily prevent weight gain.
Expert Insight
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All dogs who undergo neuter surgery are examined thoroughly beforehand. A full physical examination is performed. Blood, urine and fecal tests are often performed to determine the dog's suitability for the anesthesia and surgery. A licensed veterinarian is able to make accommodations based on each dog's individual needs and problems, as outlined in the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." The recovery period from neuter surgery lasts approximately two weeks, during which time you may need to see your vet about the removal of sutures or any problems that may arise.
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References
- "Clinical Textbook For Veterinary Technicians"; Joanna Bassert, Dennis McCurnin; 2009
- "Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats"; Etienne Cote, DVM; 2006
- "Minor Veterinary Surgery: a Handbook for Veterinary Nurses;" Julian Hoad; 2008
- The Humane Society of the United States: Myths and Facts about Spaying and Neutering
- "Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff"; Lila Miller, Stephen Zawistowski; 2004
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
