Canine Neuter
by Dr. Keith Ratcliff, D.V.M.

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  Answers to the Three Most Commonly Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of neutering a male dog?

There are numerous health and behavioral benefits to neutering.  One of the most important involves the prostate, which under the influence of testosterone gradually enlarges over the course of a male dog’s life.  This enlargement can eventually lead to discomfort, as well as difficulty in urination and defecation.  The prostate gland of aged male dogs is also more susceptible to infection and neoplasia (cancer).  Early neutering helps prevent all of these conditions.

There are behavioral benefits as well.  Neutered dogs are:

- 90% less likely to roam

- 60% less likely to be aggressive to other male dogs

- 50% less likely to urine mark

- 70% less likely to exhibit inappropriate mounting behavior

2. What is actually done in a canine neuter?

The procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia, using sterile instruments and under strict aseptic conditions.  Both testicles are removed through an incision just in front of the scrotum. The incision is closed and the patient is allowed to awaken (under supervision).  Post-operative pain is minimal, but pain medicine is prescribed for four days post-op.

  3.  What changes can I expect to see?

The patient will resume normal activities within 48 hours.  Activity level and appetite do not change with neutering.  Friendliness, playfulness and socialization with humans are also not generally affected.

In dogs over 9 months of age it can take up to 60 days for all male hormones to clear the bloodstream, so improvements in roaming behavior, urine marking and aggression may be gradual.

As pet owners, we all have a responsibility to insure that our pets are not a source of unwanted litters of puppies.  Male or female, all non-breeding family pets should be spayed or neutered.  It makes them healthier, better behaved, and unable to contribute to the heartbreaking problem of pet overpopulation.

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