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Summery :

1. General information
2. Things
3. Why Do It?
4. When to do it
5. Procedure
6. After Castration
7. Risks
8. Results
9. Alternative
10. Cost

1- General information

Castration in dogs is a routine surgical procedure, which concerns males and involves the removal of the testicles .

After castration, the dog is no longer able to reproduce, as it no longer produces sperm or testosterone .

Neutering in dogs has several advantages: it prevents dangerous behaviors related to sexual impulses; eliminates the risk of testicular cancer; reduces the risk of prostate diseases ; prolongs the animal’s life; reduces the risk of separation anxiety ; etc.

The best time for neutering depends on various factors, including the size, breed and behavior of the animal. Generally speaking, in small dogs , the right age is around 6 months; in large dogs, however, it is at the end of bone and joint development (between 10 and 18 months).

Like any surgical procedure, castration of a male dog also carries risks. Fortunately, these are rare occurrences that can be controlled by following the veterinarian’s instructions.

2- Things

Castration in Dogs: What Does It Consist of?

Castration in dogs is a routine surgical procedure, which concerns males and which involves the removal of the testicles with the aim of stopping the animal’s ability to reproduce .

The testicles are the sexual organs that produce sperm , or male reproductive cells , and male sex hormones , specifically testosterone . Removing the testicles eliminates the production of sperm and testosterone.

Castration in dogs is, together with sterilization of female dogs, the most effective strategy to keep the canine population, the phenomenon of stray dogs and the overcrowding of kennels and shelters under control.

Did you know that…

In veterinary jargon, unsterilized dogs are called “entire” dogs.

3- Why Do It?

Why Neuter Male Dogs?

Veterinarians recommend neutering male dogs for a variety of reasons; here are the main ones:

• It reduces straying and overcrowding in kennels and shelters . It is a way to control births. Unless the owner is a breeder, the advice of veterinarians is always to neuter the animal.
• It eliminates the risk of testicular cancer , the second most common cancer among unneutered dogs.
• It reduces the risk of prostatitis ( infection of the prostate ) and a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia .
• It reduces the risk of tumors related to the production of sex hormones , such as perianal adenoma (a benign tumor that forms around the anus ).
• It eliminates sexual impulses , which can lead the animal to dangerous behaviors, such as running away to try to mate, or behaviors that are difficult for the owner to manage, such as urinating around to mark the territory.
• In some dogs, it reduces aggression . However, it is worth noting a 2018 study that found that male dogs that were neutered early suffered less separation anxiety , but were more aggressive.
• Extends the life of the animal . Generally speaking, neutered dogs live longer than “intact” dogs.
• Reduces separation anxiety in dogs and other fear-related behaviors.

While it was once thought that male dog aggression was linked to testosterone, it is now known that aggressive behavior in dogs is more often due to a form of anxiety and a lack of confidence. It is also known that certain behaviors such as aggression are influenced by factors such as breed, habits, the environment in which the animal usually lives, neurological processes, etc.

Castration in the elderly dog: why do it?

In older , intact dogs, castration may be a treatment for testicular cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia .

Depending on how serious the problem is, the therapeutic approach also changes.
READ MORE ON HEALTH AND CARE

4-When to do it

When to Castrate a Dog?

To know when to castrate a male dog, you should consult your trusted veterinarian , who is up to date on the latest veterinary evidence on the subject. It should be noted that the best time for castration depends on numerous factors, including health, size of the dog, behavioral aspects and the environment in which the animal lives.

In any case, this article will try to provide some information on the subject, without forgetting that the veterinarian is the point of reference for any question or request.

Generally speaking, small dogs can be neutered as early as 6 months of age ; in the case of large or giant breeds, however, it is necessary to wait between 10 and 18 months of age .

The reason for this difference is easy to explain: remembering that testosterone is a fundamental hormone for growth, while at 6 months small breed dogs are already fully developed, large or giant breed dogs need more time to grow and mature.
The latest evidence on the subject suggests that, in large breed dogs, early castration could interfere with the animal’s bone growth and joint development; furthermore, it represents a risk factor for cruciate ligament injuries .

Disadvantages of Castration of Male Dogs

• It reduces metabolism and promotes weight gain .
• If it occurs earlier than bone maturation, it could compromise the latter and the development of the joints .
• If performed before maturity, it is associated with the development of a higher risk of cruciate ligament injuries and behavioral disorders such as noise phobia .

5- Procedure

How is Castration Performed in Dogs?

Castration surgery in dogs requires general anesthesia . This means that on the day of the operation, the animal must fast at least since the previous evening.

From a practical standpoint, castration in male dogs involves a relatively small incision just in front of the scrotum . Through this incision, the veterinarian is then able to access the testicles and perform their removal.

After the testicles are removed, the surgical wound is closed with stitches, which are usually absorbable, to prevent the owner from returning to have them removed.

Why does the dog have to fast?

Fasting prevents the animal from aspirating the food expelled while under anesthesia if it vomits (general anesthesia blocks the reflex ability to swallow ). If this happens, a phenomenon known as aspiration pneumonia could occur .

Preoperative tests

Typically, before castration, the veterinarian will subject the dog to a series of tests, including blood and urine tests , ECG ( electrocardiogram ) and chest x-rays . These tests help the specialist understand whether the dog is in a suitable state of health to undergo surgery under general anesthesia (to reduce the risk of complications from general anesthesia, good liver , kidney and heart
health are essential ).

Fasting and water

As mentioned, fasting from food must begin the evening before, approximately 7-8 hours before the operation. This fast also includes sweets and treats.
Water is allowed, but up to 2-3 hours before the operation.

General anesthesia

Before general anesthesia, the dog receives a mild sedative and an intravenous anesthetic , which serve to relax and put it to sleep.
Then, it is finally the turn of general anesthesia: the veterinarian intubates the animal and through it administers oxygen and anaesthetic gas to keep the dog asleep during the operation. It is important to point out that, throughout the operation, the animal’s vital signs
are monitored , the purpose of which is to detect any complications early.

How long does the male dog castration procedure last?

Castration of a male dog is a short procedure, lasting a maximum of 20 minutes .
To this amount of time, however, you must add the time needed to prepare the animal and general anesthesia.

Did you know that…

If the dog has not been feeling well in the days preceding the castration, the owner must inform the veterinarian, who may also decide to postpone the operation.

6- After Castration

After how long do castration stitches fall off in dogs?

If your veterinarian has used non-absorbable stitches, these are usually removed 7-14 days after surgery .

If you used absorbable sutures, however, they dissolve on their own over time.

Castration in Male Dogs: Convalescence

Dogs recovering from castration surgery must rest for a few days , to best preserve the surgical wound while waiting for it to heal; baths, running, jumping, etc. are therefore contraindicated.

During the recovery phase , it is also important that the dog does not lick or scratch the wound ; therefore, the vet may recommend an Elizabethan collar or special protective clothing.

Diet should also be kept under control , precisely because the dog moves less.

Finally, if the dog complains of pain , the vet may prescribe a painkiller .

Male Dog Castration: After How Long Can He Go Out?

Generally, barring unforeseen circumstances, a neutered dog can return home with its owner on the same day of the operation .

Sometimes, however, it happens that the vet decides to hospitalize her for 24-48 hours .

Male Dog Castration: Post-Operative Check-ups

Some veterinarians want to monitor the post-operative progress of the neutered dog, which is why they schedule check-ups 2-3 days after the operation and 7-10 days after the operation .

Castration in Dogs: Does it Make You Fat?

Just like sterilization in female dogs , castration reduces the metabolism of male dogs and encourages a more sedentary lifestyle . These two factors promote an increase in body weight , which can be kept under control with a specific diet for sterilized dogs and with particular attention to physical activity .

Castration in Male Dogs and Recovery Times

A healthy, relatively young dog recovers from neutering surgery within 5 to 10 days .remains essential.

7- Risks

Castration in Dogs: Risks and Complications of the Procedure

Neutering a dog is a routine procedure that is considered safe.
However, it is still a surgical procedure, which is why it carries a certain degree of risk.

Here are the potential risks and complications of sterilization in dogs:

Death . General anesthesia procedures are associated with a risk of death. Fortunately, this is a very remote possibility, made so by modern anaesthetics and innovative monitoring equipment.
To reassure dog owners, it is noted that the probability of a pet being involved in a traffic accident that develops a surgical complication during a routine procedure is much higher.

Allergic reaction . Drugs used for sedation and anesthesia can cause an allergic reaction in hypersensitive dogs. Allergic reactions are difficult to predict, but fortunately rare.

Aspiration pneumonia . This is a risk associated with general anesthesia. It can occur if the dog is not fasting and vomits during the procedure while under anesthesia.
It should be noted that the drugs used for general anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting , which further justifies the importance of fasting.

Internal bleeding . This complication can occur if the veterinarian has damaged a blood vessel during surgery.
Symptoms and signs of internal bleeding include weakness, white gums , depression , anorexia, and/or a distended abdomen.

Seroma . It is a subcutaneous effusion of lymph and serum , resulting from the rupture of some lymphatic and blood vessels following trauma or , as in this case, surgery. Seromas mainly affect dogs that resume movement too soon after surgery. They usually heal spontaneously; however, some can open and represent a risk factor for secondary infections.

Postoperative infections . Infections can be internal or external to the incision site. If infected, the dog needs antibiotic therapy .

Reaction to stitches . In some dogs, the stitch material evokes an adverse reaction. This leads to the formation of a sort of wound that traps the stitches and takes several weeks to heal. In some cases, surgery is even needed to remove the stitches.

8- Results

Castration in Dogs: Is it Effective?

Castration in dogs is a surgical procedure with permanent effects , which permanently interferes with the ability to reproduce.

Furthermore, the benefits on the animal’s health are remembered, with the elimination of the risk of testicular tumors and the reduction of the risk of prostate pathologies .

Castration in Dogs: Is the Testosterone Drop Immediate?

After neutering, testosterone levels in dogs gradually decline over a few weeks . In some animals, a small amount of testosterone may remain.

Alternative

Alternatives to Neutering the Male Dog

There is an alternative to surgical castration of dogs: chemical castration , a temporary variant that involves the implantation of a microchip under the skin that releases an active ingredient capable of blocking the synthesis of testosterone.
The effects of chemical castration last between 6 and 12 months .

Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Neuter a Dog?

The cost of neutering a male dog varies according to the size of the animal: for small dogs, it ranges between 120 and 150 euros ; for larger dogs, it is around 200 euros .