Mary Allen
Having a dog neutered means a major intervention in the organism. What are the risks and alternatives?
Females who are spayed when they are young have a slightly lower risk of developing mammary tumors. However, surveys of owners indicate that females who have been spayed before the first heat are more insecure and anxious. Health problems are also possible if bitches are physically very immature at the time of castration. For this reason, prepubertal castration is not recommended for animals that are already anxious. However, to reduce the risk of developing tumors, it is recommended that bitches be neutered between the first and second heat. The procedure should not be carried out on male dogs before they are one year old. The animals need this period of development to fully mature physically and sexually.
What side effects can castration cause?
Incontinence: The hormonal changes associated with castration can result in the sphincter muscle of the bladder no longer sealing the urethra sufficiently and the dog (especially when sleeping) loses urine drop by drop. This occurs primarily in bitches over 20 kilograms and can be treated with medication. Males are affected much less frequently.
Coat changes: Castration can cause the undercoat to grow excessively and give them a puppy-like appearance, especially in long-haired dogs with a silky top coat and/or red coat color (Irish Setter, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund). Veterinarians speak of puppy or wool fur here. Also, hair loss, e.g. B. in the flank area is possible.
Obesity: The most common side effect of neutering is weight gain. Castrated animals have a 25 percent lower energy expenditure, which is why the amount of calories has to be adjusted after the operation. The animals should also be moved sufficiently.
Other changes: There is research to suggest that castrated animals have a higher risk of orthopedic diseases (e.g. cruciate ligament tears) and tumors not related to the reproductive system.
Does castration protect the bitch (e.g. from mammary tumors or false pregnancy)?
Mammary tumors: Tumors of the mammary ridge are relatively common, especially in small dogs and breeds such as the Boxer. Studies examining the influence castration has on the development of so-called mammary tumors come to different conclusions. It is currently assumed that the intervention in adolescence and castration after the first heat can achieve a certain reduction in the risk of tumors. In later spayed bitches, spaying only protects against uterine and ovarian diseases.
False pregnancy: The increase in a certain hormone after heat (progesterone) is responsible for false pregnancy in bitches. False pregnancies are normal and occur to different degrees in every bitch. Typical is pronounced nest-building behavior, mothering of objects, or formed teats. About 20 percent of the pseudopregnant bitches also give milk. Females who become pseudopregnant after each heat and suffer psychologically or produce a lot of milk can be helped by eliminating the sex hormones through castration.
Uterine suppuration: This disease occurs mainly in older, unneutered bitches from the age of ten. Castration offers protection provided the hormone-producing ovarian tissue is completely removed.
In which cases is castration mandatory?
Some diseases require surgical castration. These include e.g. B. Tumors of the sex organs (testicles, ovaries). Inflammation or suppuration of the uterus can also be life-threatening under certain circumstances. Depending on the case, the veterinarian will initiate medical or surgical treatment for sick bitches. The prolapse of the vaginal mucosa under the influence of hormones also makes castration necessary. Ovarian cysts that alter the cycle also need to be removed. Male dogs suffering from testosterone-dependent diseases (e.g. benign prostate enlargement or perianal tumors) can also benefit from surgical or medical castration.
Are there alternatives to surgical castration?
Yes, there is a way to render healthy, mature male dogs temporarily infertile using a chip-like implant placed under the skin. The hormone-like active ingredient (currently on the market: Deslorelin) is responsible for switching off the libido. After a lead time of up to eight weeks, this throttles the production of certain hormones that are essential for a functioning sexual cycle. As a result, testosterone levels and fertility are reduced for a period of at least six or twelve months (depending on the amount of active ingredient). You can even see this: the male’s testicles are getting smaller. Especially in the case of male dogs with behavioral problems, the implant can be used to test whether the unwanted behavior is testosterone-dependent before the surgical step is taken. However, it should be noted that there may be increased hormone release with an increase in sexual behavior for about a week at the start of treatment. This does not mean that the chip does not work. The suppression of sexuality and fertility is fully reversible, both slowly returning over eight weeks as the effects wear off. There are currently no medicinal alternatives to surgical castration available for females that do not have many side effects. The suppression of sexuality and fertility is fully reversible, both slowly returning over eight weeks as the effects wear off. There are currently no medicinal alternatives to surgical castration available for females that do not have many side effects. The suppression of sexuality and fertility is fully reversible, both slowly returning over eight weeks as the effects wear off. There are currently no medicinal alternatives to surgical castration available for females that do not have many side effects.
Frequently Asked Question
When can a dog run free after castration?
Restricted movement: For optimal wound healing, you must rest your animal for two weeks, i.e. keep it indoors and only let it run for short distances (3 times a day for about 15 minutes) on a leash. Don’t pull on the wound!
How much exercise after castration male?
Your bitch or your male dog can go for a walk again the day after the castration. You should limit yourself to 3 walks of 15 minutes each during the closed season and keep your dog on a short leash. The wound must not receive a move.
How long to walk after castration?
When you have your animal back home after the procedure, it should not be offered food again until the next day, as vomiting can still occur during this time. In the first 24 hours, reduce the amount of time you go out to the necessary “walking” to ensure good healing.
How long should a dog wear the bodysuit after being neutered?
If the wound is small and healing well, the protective shirt can often be removed after 2 to 3 days unless your dog is licking or scratching the wound. In this case, it is advisable to keep the onesie on for a few days after the stitches have been removed or until after the veterinarian has examined it.
What should be considered after castration?
The wound must not get wet or dirty for two weeks. Licking or gnawing (also by other animals) must be prevented by wearing a neck brace, abdominal bandage, or bodysuit. Swelling may occur near the wound.
What do I have to consider after castration in male dogs?
In the first two days, movements should be kept to a minimum and there should be no tension on the surgical suture. Overall, the male dog should be rested for about 14 days after castration and should avoid playing with other dogs. The surgical wound should be checked daily.
What does a dog need after castration?
After the castration, the male dog should be rested for a day or two and not immediately allowed to play and romp wildly with other dogs, as this would not be conducive to healing. As soon as the male dog has returned home after castration, water may be offered immediately.
Why do dogs whine after anesthesia?
Dogs often show a special phenomenon: In the post-sleep phase, they howl heart-rending sounds. This is completely harmless and has nothing to do with pain! The anesthesia puts dogs on a kind of “high” as an after-effect of the anesthetics.