When it comes to castrating a male dog, most owners react negatively. It seems pointless to them to put their pet at risk on the operating table. Why deprive your pet of his masculinity if he:
- will not bring puppies in the hem;
- does not mark indoors, unlike a cat.
While the owners of bitches worry about the health of the uterus and mammary glands, the owners of male dogs breathe a sigh of relief and do not rush to the surgeon. And in vain. There are situations when castration is necessary for medical reasons.
I will try to explain in detail why every veterinary surgeon encroaches on the “household” of your dog. Spoiler: not for profit. Regarding the well-being of the pet, castration of a male dog has both pros and cons. Only after weighing all the pros and cons yourself, you can decide with peace of mind whether to castrate the dog, and at what age.
Some owners are terribly worried that after surgery their pet will become an “inferior” asexual creature. And we are sure that other dogs will begin to despise their relative. The source of such reasoning is the humanization of animals, which we all sin to one degree or another.
I'm sexy and I know it!
It should be admitted: a castrated male differs from an uncastrated male in only one thing: the level of testosterone in the blood. This entails both pros and cons.
Author of the article: Olga Shiltsova, practicing veterinarian, author of the books “Dachshund of Fate” and “Tails of Fortune”
Medical indications: 3 situations when castration is necessary
There is nothing unnecessary in the body - the main argument of opponents of castration. This is true. The problem is that in nature, canines live on average 6-8 years. And our pets last much longer, 10-16 years. And with age, some earlier and some later, diseases associated with the activity of the testes arise. The only treatment and the only prevention is castration.
Oncology
Neoplasms of the testes are a common occurrence in older dogs over 7-8 years of age. There are several types of testicular tumors:
- Sertolioma.
This is a tumor consisting of special Sertoli cells. It produces female sex hormones - estrogens. It is with this “feminization” that the symptoms are associated:
- Symmetrical baldness on the sides, neck, armpits. At the same time, the dog does not itch, there is no inflammation or scratching.
- The skin becomes thin and dark.
- The dog can become an object of sexual interest among other males, but he himself does not show activity when meeting a female in heat.
- The penis becomes smaller and the skin of the prepuce sag.
Sertolioma is insidious in that it does not always cause testicular enlargement. It can be difficult for a doctor to convince the owner of the need for surgery and subsequent histological examination of the removed testis. The evidence base in this case is ultrasound of the testes and determination of hormone levels in the blood.
- Seminoma.
This tumor consists of the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. The average age of onset of seminoma is 10 years. The tumor can behave as benign; it rarely metastasizes. However, it increases in size rapidly and requires urgent surgical intervention.
Seminoma on the left, unaffected testicle on the right
Malignant tumor of the testis
- Leydigoma.
With a Leydig cell tumor, the amount of testosterone in the body begins to go off scale. This leads to an enlarged prostate and tumors around the anus. Perianal tumors can be either benign (adenomas) or malignant (adenocarcinomas).
Prostatitis
Prostatitis occurs in uncastrated male dogs older than 5-7 years. Benign enlargement of the prostate gland in a male dog goes unnoticed for a long time. Only an advanced form of prostatitis causes difficulty urinating and defecating. Prostate infections produce small amounts of pus or blood in the urine. Regular mating prevents congestive prostatitis, but it is impossible to ensure it throughout life.
Treatment of prostate adenoma or bacterial prostatitis begins with surgical or chemical castration. A decrease in testosterone levels causes almost complete atrophy of the gland within 3 months after surgery.
Much more dangerous is prostate adenocarcinoma, a malignant tumor of the gland. In this case, treatment is almost impossible. Not every surgeon will undertake to remove the entire prostate followed by reconstruction of the urethra (urinary canal). But even such a complex operation will not protect against the occurrence of metastases.
When I see a patient like this, I can't stop thinking that castration at a young age would have protected him from prostate tumors.
Perineal hernia
When the prostate enlarges more and more, and the owners do nothing, the result is the same - a perineal hernia. A huge gland mechanically presses on the intestines. To defecate, the dog strains hard. As a result, the weak muscles of the perineum creep apart and the organs of the pelvic cavity fall out under the skin. In the hernial sac, which looks like a huge tumor to the right or left of the anus, there may be: prostate, bladder, intestinal loops. If any organ is injured, the dog may die.
Perineal hernia in a Yorkie
Perineal hernia repair is a long and labor-intensive operation. But despite this, the surgeon must also perform castration, otherwise the root cause of the disease will not be eliminated.
Does a dog's behavior change after sterilization?
A dog's behavior after sterilization may change due to changes in hormonal levels. But everything is individual and depends on age, sterilization technique, individual physiological factors of the animal’s body, conditions of detention, and other aspects.
According to many owners, after the operation, the dogs' behavior, as a rule, changed for the better. The pets' negative behavioral patterns disappeared completely or were somewhat dulled. The bitches became calm, balanced, affectionate, sociable, obedient, and manageable. Spayed females are friendly, more owner-oriented and make excellent companions.
Is it necessary to castrate a cryptorchid?
I often hear the following phrase: “Remove the testis that has not descended, and leave the other one.” For what, for beauty? After all, you can’t breed a male! "We want him to remain a man." I refuse to carry out such an operation, if castrate, then with the removal of both testes!
The temperature in the scrotum is 3-4°C lower than the body temperature in the abdominal cavity. This is necessary for normal sperm formation. The testis, which is constantly overheated, eventually degenerates with the appearance of a malignant tumor. If in an ordinary male the average age of detection of seminoma is 10 years, then in a cryptorchid it is 5-6 years.
Testicular tumor in a 9-year-old Jack Russell
Tumor of the testis located in the groin area
If the testicle is not located under the skin in the groin area, but in the abdominal cavity, then the danger increases many times over. Owners do not see changes in the size of the testis, and the tumor manages to metastasize. And most importantly, torsion of the testis on the vascular pedicle is possible. This causes sharp pain (acute abdomen), the cause of which the therapist may be looking for in the “wrong place.”
The operation to lower the testis into the scrotum and fix it in it in the Russian Federation is recognized as illegal (fraud) and should not be carried out. Cryptorchidism is a direct indication for castration, which will not prevent a male dog from living a long, fulfilling life.
Sometimes an undescended testis can be easily felt under the skin
Two stitches after castration of cryptorchid
Myths about sterilization
It is generally accepted that sterilized animals become apathetic, lazy, and less amenable to training and learning. In fact, this is nothing more than a myth. Sterilization and castration have absolutely no effect on the service, working, security, hunting qualities, or overall potential of a dog.
Important! The individual character of the pet remains virtually unchanged after surgery. Much depends on age, conditions of detention, temperament, type of nervous system, upbringing, and ability to learn.
We also note that after sterilization, dogs may not always lose unwanted behavioral patterns that were present before the operation. For example, marking territory, dominant, aggressive behavior.
At what age is a male dog castrated?
There is no optimal age for castration. One thing is clear: it must be a young, healthy animal. With current vaccinations, free of parasites, in optimal physical shape.
Since the puppy receives the second vaccination at 3 months of age or older, castration before 4 months is not indicated. And early castration is not accepted in Russia. From 4 to 6 months, teeth actively change and bones grow rapidly. Sexual behavior is not yet a concern for owners.
Therefore, I consider the best age for castration of a male dog to be between 7 and 12 months. The testes are small and “tender”, so the incision is tiny and the suture heals quickly. In miniature dog breeds, at the same age, milk teeth that have not been replaced on their own are removed. These procedures can be performed under one general anesthesia.
Most often, male dogs are referred for castration at the age of 1.5-4 years. By this point, it becomes clear how promising the manufacturer’s career is and whether behavior correction is required. There is no upper age limit. Older dogs have to take operational risks for medical reasons. Another question is that the wear and tear of the body and chronic diseases add work to the anesthesiologist.
The owners would not agree to castrate this Jagd Terrier under any pretext.
I recommend castrating an abdominal cryptorchid as early as possible. Although the owners promise to appear for an ultrasound of the “hidden” testis at least once every six months, in fact it is often left unattended. And already at 4 years old there is a real risk of developing cancer. Why take the risk?
If both testes are in the scrotum, starting from the age of 4-5 years, you need to do an ultrasound of the prostate. And castrate a male dog at the first signs of congestive prostatitis.
Preparing for surgery
Please note that self-respecting specialists will not undertake to castrate a dog on the day of treatment. At the clinic, the animal must take blood and urine for analysis, perform an ultrasound diagnosis of internal organs, and check the function of the heart. The preparatory period will not require any special procedures, but nevertheless you should take it seriously and follow the recommendations.
1-2 months before castration
It is important that the dog's body is free of parasites. Even if your pet does not have obvious signs of internal or external pests, in preparation for neutering you should take preventive measures against worms, fleas and ticks.
After getting rid of parasites, the dogs are given the missing vaccinations. Make sure your pet is vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvovirus enteritis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis, microsporia and trichophytosis.
3 days before castration
When there are several days left before castration, the dog must adhere to proper nutrition. Pets are transferred to light food. Dietary dry foods or natural foods are suitable - lean meat and fish, vegetables, dairy products. Cereals are kept to a minimum, fatty and floury foods are strictly prohibited.
The day before castration
The dog stops feeding 10-12 hours before castration, and water 4-6 hours before castration.
Carry out a general cleaning of the house - the animal should recover after surgery in cleanliness and comfort. Don't forget to dust and wash the floors with disinfectant.
Pack your bag for the clinic in the evening. Standard list of things: carrier, bedding, paper napkins, antiseptic and a special collar. Ask your veterinarian in advance for the name of a suitable antiseptic, and it is also possible that some of the listed items will be given to you on the spot.
Keep a positive attitude and be attentive to your pet!
Castration of a male dog: cons
If people were confident in the beneficial effects of castration on a pet’s body, this operation would be performed much more often. But the fact is that castration of a male dog does not have any negative effects. There are some things that still confuse me though:
Tendency to obesity
The male sex hormone (testosterone) is a powerful fat burner that accelerates metabolism and supports the growth of muscle rather than fat tissue. After castration, testosterone levels decrease, which increases the dog's tendency to become obese. Plus, the male stops chasing females in heat, refusing to eat. He does not sit for a week in a row in front of someone else’s entrance, where the “lady of his heart” lives.
I often meet fat, uncastrated males. And even more often – slender, athletic, sterilized dogs. The secret is that fat does not come from thin air! It is enough to feed the dog correctly so that castration does not affect the weight in any way.
A castrated male gets fat for the same reason as a fertile male. The owners feel sorry for him and slip tidbits from the table, without devoting time to active games and walks.
Diet and an active lifestyle allow your dog to stay in shape after castration.
Operational risks
If a veterinarian says that castration of a male dog is an absolutely safe procedure, he is lying. At a minimum, the operation is performed under general anesthesia, and this is a certain risk. Errors during the operation cannot be ruled out, although an experienced surgeon practically never makes them. We are talking about bleeding that occurs if a ligature comes off a vessel feeding the testis.
Bleeding can also occur from skin vessels. At risk are dogs with bleeding disorders. There are hereditary diseases, such as von Willebrand disease, which can cause your pet to bleed to death. If the breed is at risk, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, a genetic test should be done before surgery.
Before castration, the animal is not only examined, but also examined. For young male dogs, it is enough to do:
- Cardiogram (ECG);
- Clinical blood test;
- Blood clotting test.
For older animals, the list is expanded at the discretion of the doctor:
- ECHO of the heart (this study does not replace an ECG);
- Biochemical blood test (anesthesia can worsen renal failure);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, kidneys, prostate.
Anesthetic risks are significantly higher for dogs of brachiocephalic breeds.
The owner must be aware of operational risks - not to be afraid of the operation. And in order to properly prepare for it and choose a clinic wisely.
There are no absolute contraindications to castration. To those who say with a sigh, “ours is too old and won’t survive the operation,” I want to say one thing: old age is not a diagnosis! Options are always possible. If castration is necessary for medical reasons, and the animal has serious heart or kidney failure, Suprelorin is used. This is a subcutaneous chip that releases hormones that block the functioning of the testes.
Read more about chemical castration of a male dog HERE (the article will open in a new tab)
Complications after castration of a male dog
Castration of a male dog is not an abdominal operation (unless we are talking about abdominal cryptorchid). Complications after the intervention are rare. The most common problems:
- Inflammation and suture dehiscence;
- Severe swelling of the scrotum.
Complications are always associated with a violation of the surgical technique or care during the recovery period. These problems are discussed in more detail in a separate article.
Labrador Retriever Doesn't Like a Collar, But It's Necessary
What owners of sterilized dogs need to know
Some dogs experience an increase in appetite, metabolic disruptions, and decreased activity, so after surgery, review your pet’s diet to avoid obesity and excess weight gain. To avoid health problems, endocrine disorders, and metabolic problems, feed your dog special food intended for spayed/neutered dogs or reduce the caloric content of the diet. Consider the dog’s age, breed, activity level (energy expenditure).
Pay attention to your dog's exercise and training. Try to make your walks fun and active. Sterilized dogs really need physical and mental exercise.
Need to operate
There are cases when this procedure is mandatory. It is necessary to do this manipulation in the following cases:
- If the pet is not purebred, it is difficult to “place” mongrel puppies, so even to humanely avoid such offspring, such dogs are sterilized.
- If the male does not produce offspring. By sterilizing your dog during puberty and during estrus, you will free the dog from aggression and anger towards other people and children.
- Also, a neutered male reacts to a female dog in heat completely differently. It happens that a male dog’s testicles do not descend completely into the scrotum; with such a pathology, it is better to castrate the dog to avoid many diseases.
At what age is it best to perform this operation? Veterinarians themselves believe that the most appropriate age when it is best to carry out sterilization is when a male dog has completed puberty. Males of small breeds are also neutered, but dogs of small breeds are sterilized as early as six to seven months. Large breeds can be operated on for this purpose from eight to ten months. If done sooner, the surgical procedure may negatively impact your pet's development.
Price issue
Many people wonder how much castration costs; this procedure is not free and its price depends on some factors. Depends on the clinic, materials, postoperative period. On average, the price of such an operation is from 2500 to 6000 rubles. Remember that saving on your dog's health is not worth it.
When thinking about castration of dogs, weighing the pros and cons, everything must be taken into account on an individual basis. Think about your dog's personality. Then you will understand whether your pet should be neutered or not. You can consult a veterinarian or dog handler. If there are serious indications, then it is better to have surgery. Why torture an animal? Castration is not a panacea for all diseases, but it is not a mockery of a dog either. The amount of data from veterinary clinics shows that there is nothing scary or inhumane in this procedure. This is a procedure that will prolong your pet's life by reducing the risk of many diseases. However, each owner chooses for himself, based on the individual characteristics of the animal.
At home or in a veterinary clinic
Most veterinary clinics provide the service of calling a veterinarian to your home; dog castration at home will be suitable for owners of timid pets. The operation is considered easy and the doctor will take the necessary medical supplies with him. The dog will also avoid the stress of other animals in the clinic and transportation to the surgery site.
However, the downside is that the home is not as sterile as a veterinary clinic. If any complications occur, the doctor may not be able to provide assistance without emergency equipment.
