Dog castration: everything you need to know

A lot of pet owners have questions about canine castration. Knowing the rationale behind this process will empower you to make well-informed decisions regarding the health and welfare of your pet. Understanding the facts is crucial, regardless of whether you’re thinking about it for population control, health benefits, or behavioral issues.

Everything you need to know about canine castration will be covered in this article. We’ll talk about the actual procedure, its advantages and possible risks, as well as what to anticipate from the healing process. By the time it’s all over, you’ll know more about the effects castration can have on your dog’s life and why it might be the best option for you.

Every dog is different, and the situations that surround every choice are also distinct. Our goal is to give you accurate information so you can make the best decision for your pet. Together, let’s delve into the specifics and examine this crucial subject.

What is castration

The purpose of this surgery is to prevent a male dog from reproducing.

There are currently two approaches in veterinary medicine for treating canine sexual dysfunction:

1. Vasectomy – ligation of the spermatic ducts. After this medical procedure, the pet loses the ability to reproduce. The hormonal background remains unchanged, the attraction to individuals of the opposite sex remains, dogs can continue to mate with females. This method is practiced by breeders, who thus reject males.
2. Castration is an operation to amputate the testicles. Males completely stop having sexual function, they lose the ability to mate and reproduce. Dog owners most often tend to this method.

Furthermore, the second method will be meant when discussing castration.

Frequently asked questions from dog owners

It is said that if a man has never "walked," castration cannot be performed. Is this accurate?

No. The exact opposite is true—it is preferable to perform the procedure prior to the initial mating.

Will a dog’s castration help prevent markings at home?

It helps most of the time. Furthermore, the intensity of the urine odor lessens. Males who were castrated between the ages of two and seven are the exception. It’s possible for an adult dog to continue marking its territory.

After castration, what should you do if the dog doesn’t urinate?

Some dogs experience a serious side effect following anesthesia called anuria, which is the kidneys’ incapacity to produce urine. This is a very serious illness with potentially depressing results. The dog must be seen by the veterinarian in order to be examined and to get a treatment recommendation.

How much does a castrated dog wake up from anesthesia?

Every dog experiences anesthesia withdrawal at a different time. It is dependent upon the pet’s age, health, and kind of anesthesia. It takes three to seven hours on average. With a dog under control the entire time, someone ought to be close by.

It is said that a dog’s aggression disappears after castration. Tell us about the changes in castrate behavior.

In part. Competitive aggression—the fight for the female—disappear in dogs. However, they can also be hostile to outsiders and defend their territory. The dog will not behave differently if its hostility was unrelated to sexual hunting.

Can animals older than seven years old have the procedure?

Indeed. based on the signs. Older dogs occasionally start marking their territory inside the home. The owners turn to surgery in order to get out of this mess.

Do dogs undergoing castration procedures undergo local anesthesia?

No, men are not subjected to such operations. For several grave reasons:

• Local anesthesia does not anesthetize the testicle and spermatic cord. The animal will experience severe pain, which can lead to injuries to the dog and the person, as well as pain shock.
• The animal will experience severe stress, will try to escape.
• A sharp jump in blood pressure is possible against the background of stress and pain. This will cause additional blood loss.

Go to another clinic if the one you are offered a castration procedure without general anesthesia.

Castration is a big decision that dog owners must make because it affects the health, behavior, and general quality of life of their pet. This article will discuss common concerns, the surgical process, and post-operative care while examining the procedure’s potential benefits and drawbacks. Comprehending these crucial elements will enable owners to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their dog’s welfare.

At what age should a dog be castrated

There is currently disagreement among veterinarians, shelter employees, and professional breeders regarding the appropriate age for dog castration. Furthermore, there is still debate concerning this between foreign experts and domestic veterinarians. Some people support ovarian excision at an early age. There are those who advocate for late castration.

Early castration is more common among staff members of animal shelters and veterinarians who collaborate with these groups. The issues pertaining to abandoned animals worry them. A dog from a shelter can be adopted more readily into a family if it is castrated early. This ensures the male won’t have time for an unintentional mating. The puppy needs to be two months old at the latest.

Breeders of dogs are more likely to wait until the dog is 14 months old to have the surgery. They contend that growth and bone density are products of the hormonal background of the male. The formation of the dog’s skeleton may be seriously disrupted by an early castration. For sports dogs and animals at risk of osteosarcoma, late castration is advised.

Six to twelve months is the result if you average the opinions and determine the average age advised for this procedure. The male dog’s genitalia are fully developed at this age, and the hormonal landscape is favorable for surgery.

Crucial! The male should not be "untied" before surgery. Dogs that are not walked better handle the procedure and heal more quickly after it.

What will happen if you castrate at a different age?

1. Early castration (2-6 months.) can lead to a delay in the development of the puppy. Such individuals behave for a long time, do not grow up.
2. Castration of dogs of large and giant breeds at the age of 12 months violates the normal growth of bones, which leads to "long -core". In such male, dysplasia of the hip joint is more often.
3. If the procedure is carried out at the age of 2 to 7 years, then males may retain all behavioral characteristics associated with "sexual hunting", marking the territory.

After speaking with their veterinarian, the owner should choose the animal’s age at which the procedure will be carried out. The dog’s age, breed, state of health, and genetic markers are considered when making this crucial choice.

Is it worth doing?

Consider the benefits and drawbacks before responding.

Advantages:

1. Neuteration prevents unwanted reproduction.
2. Mood stabilizes. Competitive aggression decreases.
3. Males stop running away in search of a female.
4. Dogs stop getting into fights because of a female.
5. The dog"s behavior after castration becomes more manageable, and the attention of the castrated pet switches from other dogs to the owner.
6. Unwanted manifestations of sexuality decrease or completely disappear. Males stop pestering your legs, soft toys, and other pets "like adults".
7. Male dogs stop marking their territory or do it much less often.
8. Reduces the risk of prostate diseases.
9. Prevents the development of testicular cancer in old age.
10. Minimizes the risk of developing perianal fistula.

Repercussions (cons):

1. Risk of obesity. Owners need to change the feeding regimen of the male dog after surgery, reduce the caloric content of food and the portion size. To reduce this risk, it is important to provide the pet with the necessary physical activity.
2. Increases the risk of developing cardiac hemangiosarcoma – a fatal oncological disease of blood vessels.
3. Increases the likelihood of thyroid disease – hypothyroidism.
4. Increases the risk of oncological pathologies: cancer of the urinary tract and prostate cancer.
5. In old age, the development of progressive geriatric cognitive impairment is possible: dementia, disorientation in space, memory loss.
6. If the operation was performed at an early age (up to 12 months).) the risk of developing osteosarcoma (bone cancer), ligament ruptures and hip dysplasia increases.
7. The risk of atypical reaction to vaccination.
8. Early castration (up to 6 months).) inhibits the development and growth of males.
9. It is possible to change the texture and nature of the growth of the coat.
10. Early castration can lead to senile urinary incontinence. This occurs in cases where the operation is performed before the bladder is fully developed.

Crucial! Whether surgery is required should be decided responsibly and objectively. Owner approval of the operation is contingent upon careful consideration of all benefits and drawbacks.

When is surgery necessary

These inquiries will aid in your decision-making:

• Your male dog has been diagnosed with cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)?
• Is there a real risk that your dog will mate with an unspayed female?
• Your dog is one of the following breeds: Irish Setter, German Shepherd or Leonberger (breeds prone to developing perianal fistula)?
• You often go with your dog to places where other male dogs congregate?
• Your dog has pronounced behavioral problems: he actively marks his territory, is aggressive, “fits in” to your feet, is more interested in other dogs than in you? And this cannot be corrected by training and education?

Positively responded to at least one question? Castration will be the wise course of action!

How to prepare a dog for castration?

Although castration is regarded as a straightforward medical operation, the animal’s body is still subjected to surgery. Additionally, anesthesia is used during the procedure. Therefore, it is essential to speak with a veterinarian and take a number of preparatory steps before deciding on the procedure and the best time to execute it.

1. Anthelmintic and anti-flea treatment 2-3 weeks before the proposed procedure.
2. Vaccination. All vaccinations for puppies must be done no later than a month before the operation. This is due to the fact that antibodies are produced within two weeks.
3. Preventive examination at the veterinary clinic. The operation is performed only on healthy male dogs.
4. Laboratory tests: general blood test, biochemistry, urine and feces analysis.
5. Anti-stress measures. Sedatives 2-3 days before the procedure.
6. Bathing with flea shampoo and antiseptic the day before the operation.
7. Laxatives the day before castration.
8. Hunger regimen 12-16 hours before the operation.
9. Access to water is stopped 4 hours before the procedure.
10. Premedication – preparing the dog for anesthesia. The technology may vary in different clinics.
11. Selection of the type of anesthesia for medical reasons.

Additional prescriptions may be issued for an electrocardiogram, echocardiography (heart ultrasound), and chest X-ray for medical reasons (such as the male dog’s age or condition).

Crucial! If you agree to the procedure before the premedication phase, which entails preparing for anesthesia, you run a very high risk of suffering major complications.

A surgical preparation video:

How the operation is performed

A veterinarian should make the initial decision regarding the type of anesthesia.

In veterinary medicine, the following varieties of general anesthesia are employed:

1. Intravenous. The most effective and safe anesthesia with a minimal risk of complications.
2. Intramuscular. Inexpensive method. Most commonly used.
3. Inhalation. Rarely used, high price, possible only in a hospital setting.

The animal’s testicles and the site of the incision can also be covered with local anesthetic.

The male dog is fixed, given anesthesia, and placed on a sterile surface. The vet verifies that the dog is no longer sensitive. He then cleans and trims the hair from the area of the incision.

The spermatic cord is then tied off with a self-absorbing surgical thread by the doctor, who then makes sterile scalpel cuts in the scrotum. This is essential to stop the bleeding.

Following this, a scalpel is used to excise and remove the testicle. The second testicle undergoes comparable surgical manipulations by the veterinarian.

After that, an antiseptic spray or powder is applied, and the surgical site is dried with a sterile medical napkin. Veterinary medicine uses medications such as Ranosan and Tricillin.

The decision to use postoperative sutures is made based on the size of the male dog. There is a seamless technology for small breeds. The scrotum is additionally sutured or removed in large male dogs, and self-absorbable threads are used for the sutures. The male dog’s wound will heal with an undetectable scar.

Dog care after castration

The male dog will remain unconscious for several more hours following the procedure. Everybody has a different departure time. The operated animal needs to be close to the owner or clinic personnel.

The dog is placed on an oilcloth that is waterproof because, in the initial hours following anesthesia, the urethra is relaxed and unable to hold pee. The animal’s respiration rate and pulse are monitored.

The dog can be put on a sanitized cotton mat once it has stopped peeing under its own skin. Put it on the ground to prevent the animal from falling by accident. After the anesthesia wears off, the male dog’s coordination will be compromised. Don’t let him be left alone!

When you wake up from anesthesia, avoid giving people water or food right away. This can be carried out a few hours following the procedure. Find out from the physician who performed the castration when it is ideal to do this. For the first two days following the procedure, it’s acceptable if the animal refuses food.

Postoperative period and wound care

1. No need to apply bandages to the surgical area. Healing occurs faster in the open air.
2. Use an Elizabethan collar if the animal tries to lick the wound.
3. If the area of ​​​​the operation is red or swollen, it is treated with Chlorhexidine (liquid antiseptic).

When urgent veterinary attention is needed

Show it to the veterinarian if you are concerned about the wound’s state or that of your pet.

Signs that a veterinarian visit is urgent:

• The male dog refuses to eat for more than 2-3 days.
• High temperature rises in the first 24 hours after the procedure.
• The dog is breathing heavily, its oral mucosa is red or pale.

Video: post-operative care:

Complications after surgery

A surgical procedure carried out under general anesthesia is castration. As with any surgery, there is a chance of complications and personal responses.

Surgical aftereffects that call for veterinary assistance:

1. Uncontrollable vomiting. If the dog vomited once and not profusely, just make sure that the pet does not choke on vomit.
2. Long recovery from anesthesia (more than 6-7 hours).
3. Long-term hyperthermia – the temperature remains above 39°C for more than 2 days.
4. Hypothermia (body temperature below 37°C).
5. Divergence of sutures. Often occurs in large dogs.
6. Abscess in the postoperative area – purulent discharge from the wound. Accompanied by an increase in body temperature, weakness, apathy, refusal to eat and drink.
7. Thread pulse – barely palpable.
8. Pale or bluish mucous membranes.
9. Heavy breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing.

Crucial! The dog requires human companionship for the duration of the healing process. As soon as the first worrying symptoms appear, you must immediately call your veterinarian from the comfort of your own home.

How much does the operation cost in the clinic

• Moscow and St. Petersburg – from 2500 to 6000 rubles.
• Regions of Russia – from 2000 to 5000 rubles.

• Kyiv – from 400 to 1500 UAH.
• Regions of Ukraine – from 280 to 700 UAH.

The price is determined by the clinic, the animal’s weight, the kind of anesthesia, the cost of the post-operative care, the quantity of dog examinations prior to the procedure, and the location of the operation (clinic or home).

Is it worth castrating at home

The majority of vet clinics provide the "Neutering dogs with a home call" service. The process is simple, and you can call with everything you need on hand.

The preparatory steps for this surgical technique are the same as those for castration in a clinic. A medical consultation and an initial examination of the animal are required. To help you decide, we will then discuss the aspects of getting ready for the procedure and its benefits and drawbacks.

1. At home you need to prepare a clean room. It is best to wash the bathroom with disinfectants – complete sterility does not need to be achieved.
2. A table for the surgeon is installed in this room. Its surface is disinfected.

Advantages:

• Contact with other animals is excluded. In the clinic, this is more difficult to achieve.
• The pet in the usual environment is more calm. There is no stress that the dog receives when traveling to the clinic.
• The postoperative period is easier in familiar home conditions.
• No need to waste time and money on the road to the clinic.
• The doctor arrives at a time convenient for you.

Cons:

• At home, there is no possibility or necessary equipment to carry out resuscitation measures.
• It is impossible to achieve complete sterility.
• The cost of operations at home may be higher.

Costs:

• Moscow and St. Petersburg – from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles.
• Regions of Russia – from 2,500 to 6,000 rubles.

• Kyiv – from 450 to 1,850 UAH.
• Regions of Ukraine – from 350 to 800 UAH.

Alternative methods of castration

All over the world, traditional surgical castration is the most widely used, secure, and efficient technique. Modern medicine, however, provides dog owners with additional options.

1. Vasectomy (sterilization). We talked about this method at the beginning of the article. It consists of ligating the seminal ducts. The method deprives males of the ability to reproduce, but does not deprive them of sexual attraction.
2. Chemical castration (medical). Temporary and expensive procedure. It consists in the fact that an implant is inserted under the animal"s skin, which suppresses the male"s sexual desire. In domestic veterinary practice, the drug Suprelorin is used.

When you shouldn"t castrate a dog

You are not allowed to castrate your dog if you have a show-quality dog and have joined a club with it. Those who purchased a male dog with the intention of breeding it also do so. Ensuring that your dog has breeding value is paramount.

Aspect	Details
What is it?	Castration is a surgical procedure that removes a male dog"s testicles.
Benefits	Reduces risk of certain cancers, prevents unwanted litters, and can improve behavior.
Age for procedure	Most vets recommend between 6 to 12 months old.
Recovery time	Most dogs recover within 10 to 14 days.
Aftercare	Limit activity, keep the surgical site clean, and follow vet"s instructions.

Castration is a big decision that dog owners must make because it can affect a pet’s behavior and health for a long time. It can lead to a calmer temperament in many dogs and helps prevent certain health issues, making them more manageable companions.

It’s crucial to speak with a veterinarian first to learn about the advantages and possible risks that apply to your dog. Taking into account the age, breed, and overall health of your dog, they can offer customized guidance.

In the end, having a pet responsibly means taking the long-term effects of castration into account. You can guarantee your pet has a healthier and happier life by making wise decisions.

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