Neuter (Castration)
By Dr. Karen Burgess
Who is it for?
- Male animals
What is it?
- Surgical removal of testicles
When is it done?
- 6 months of age or older, shelters will often do at a much earlier age.
Why is it done?
- To prevent breeding/reproduction, eliminates chances of testicular cancer, decreases benign prostatic enlargement by 80% or more, decreases testosterone levels thereby curbing the chance of leaving the yard to find the in heat female which decreases their risk of HBC and dog fights
How is it done?
- Preanesthetic bloodwork performed, intravenous catheter placed and intraop fluids administered, monitoring performed by a registered technician and include blood pressure, EKG, blood oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide levels. The animal is sedated and then administered anesthesia via a tube in the windpipe. After surgery the pet is monitored for the remainder of the day until discharge. Pain medication is administered during the procedure and sent home with the pet. The incision may have stitches or not that would be removed in 10-14 days.