Neutering Your Pet

Why?

Castration helps prevent prostate infections and cancer, decreases the risk of perianal adenoma (a tumor near the rectum), and helps prevent perineal hernias. It can decrease aggression, roaming and undesirable urination behavior. Neutering can also aid in the control of epilepsy and endocrine abnormalities (such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease).

When?

The preferred age is 4-6 months. Younger animals are at increased anesthetic risk, so we wait until approximately 4 months because of the anesthesia. Also, some may have a testicle that has not descended into the scrotum; if it is going to descend it usually will by 4 months. Neutering past 6 months is fine - if your pet is over 2 years of age, the veterinarian will discuss this with you.

Procedure?

You will first meet with the veterinarian. This can be during the routine
puppy/kitten shots, or if it is your first visit, we schedule an appointment for a pre-neuter exam.

Next, you can set up a neuter appointment with the receptionist. You will drop your pet off the day before surgery. We highly recommend performing blood tests the night before to insure the pet has no underlying infection, anemia, dehydration, kidney or liver complications. Your pet will also have EKG monitoring, fluid therapy and pain medication during the procedure. Pain medication will also be sent home.

We will put your pet under anesthesia and perform the castration. Usually all sutures are buried and will not need to be removed. Your pet will be able to go home that afternoon.

Home care?

Each day, look at the area where the incision was made. Watch for redness, swelling, or discharge. If any of those occur, please call our office. Do not bathe your pet for 10 days. Keep the area clean and dry. Discourage him from licking or chewing at the incision site. If he is, he may need an e-collar to prevent the licking.