Castration of dogs

Castration or sterilization

First let's figure out what castration of a dog is, and how it differs from sterilization. Usually people who have never had a cat or dog believe that castration is a "male" operation, and sterilization is a "female" one. However, these procedures do not differ depending on the sex of the animal, but on the principle of conducting.

Castration of dogs means:

• in males – surgical removal of testes (testicles),
• in bitches – surgical removal of the ovaries, or ovaries together with the uterus.

Sterilization of dogs provides for:

• in males – ligation of the seminal ducts,
• in bitches – ligation of the fallopian tubes.

As a result of both castration and sterilization, the dog permanently loses the ability to reproduce. After castration, the dog completely loses interest in the opposite sex, the bitches lose heat. And after sterilization, the animal can mate, since the genitals are preserved and continue to produce hormones.

Why castrate a dog

As we found out, castration of a dog means the removal of reproductive organs in an animal of any sex. But why is this operation necessary? And why can't we limit ourselves to sterilization?

Veterinarians recommend castrating bitches and males in a number of cases.

• Cryptochrism is a condition when one or two testicles in a male are not lowered into the scrotum. Due to a congenital anomaly, there is a high probability of developing an egg tumor, so it is better to take preventive measures.
• Prostatitis, cysts and other neoplasms in the genital glands are direct indications for castration of males.
• Complications in a bitch during pregnancy or after childbirth can threaten the life and health of the animal. If the dog has reached puberty, there is a risk of uncontrolled conception, which is important to prevent with surgery.
• The development of cancer of the reproductive system and pyometra (purulent endometritis) in females is radically prevented.
• If the dog is used as a sled, guard, hunting or guide dog, castration will increase its efficiency. After castration, the animal will not run away in search of a partner and will be able to focus on the task.
• The dog's behavior may be inadequate due to an overabundance of sex hormones. It is necessary to castrate males with attacks of causeless aggression, spontaneous ejaculations, frequent accidental erection. After the operation, the pet's behavior changes for the better – the dogs stop marking the territory, throwing themselves at other dogs, do not try to dominate the owner, become more manageable and balanced. Changes in character are expressed more clearly in koblels compared to bitches. Now they go outside for a walk and a toilet, and not to look for adventures. However, in this situation, it is important to distinguish between hormonal imbalance and the usual ill-mannered pet. If the first is corrected by castration, then the flaws in training and bad temper will not go away.

Thus, castration of dogs solves problems that cannot be dealt with by sterilization. Experts recommend sterilizing all bitches from whom it is not planned to get offspring, and if there are indications, it is necessary to castrate them. In relation to males, it is worth focusing on the health, behavior and lifestyle of dogs, castration is carried out selectively.

Advantages of castration

The positive aspects of castration of a dog are as follows:

• animals will not be able to reproduce, which means they will not have to attach puppies or increase the number of stray animals;
• the pet's behavior is corrected, it becomes more "homey" and calm;
• the operation indirectly affects the dog's life expectancy, as the risk of prostate hyperplasia, diabetes mellitus and oncology is reduced.

Cons of castration

Castration of a dog leads to a change in the hormonal background and may have side effects:

• the operation is performed under general anesthesia, which sometimes leads to allergies, malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, heart and respiratory organs;
• subsequently, there is a possibility of impaired functioning of the urinary system. So, some bitches develop urinary incontinence;
• a neutered dog is not immune from sleep disorders and disorientation in space;
• the risk of hypothyroidism, obesity, vascular problems, bone sarcoma increases.

The optimal age of a dog for castration

It is best to castrate a dog shortly after puberty. In this regard, the ideal age for castration varies depending on the breed and health of a particular dog. In miniature pets weighing up to 10 kg, puberty occurs at 5-8 months of age, in representatives of medium and large breeds - from 8 months to 1 year, in giants this period reaches up to 2 years. At what age to castrate your dog, the veterinarian will tell you after examining the animal.

Important: castration of a dog for medical reasons is carried out regardless of its age.

It really makes sense to choose the optimal time for castration, if there is such an opportunity. An operation performed very early can lead to abnormalities in the development of the puppy and problems with the genitourinary system. If a male or female was castrated in adulthood, it is often not necessary to count on improving their behavior, since habits have long been ingrained. In addition, older dogs are more difficult to tolerate anesthesia and recover longer than their young relatives. Animals from 8 years and older, as a rule, are castrated only for medical reasons.

Note: Veterinary practice in Russia and Europe is different. In EU countries, puppies who are under 2 months old can be neutered. However, domestic veterinarians recommend waiting at least 6 months of age.

Contraindications for castration

Before the operation, the veterinarian examines the dog to exclude possible contraindications. The main factors influencing the decision to castrate an animal:

• unsuitable age – up to 5 months or older than 6 years (without acute medical need);
• kidney and cardiovascular diseases;
• less than a month has passed since the vaccination;
• violation of appetite, behavior, loss or dull color of the dog's coat;
• weakened condition after illness.

Preparing for surgery

Please note that self-respecting specialists will not undertake to castrate a dog on the day of treatment. In the clinic, the animal should take blood and urine for analysis, make ultrasound diagnostics of internal organs, check the work of the heart. The preparatory period will not require any special procedures, but nevertheless it should be taken seriously and adhere to the recommendations.

1-2 months before castration

It is important that the dog's body is clean of parasites. Even if your pet has no obvious signs of internal or external pests, in preparation for castration, it is necessary to prevent worms, fleas and ticks.

After getting rid of the parasites, the dogs get the missing vaccinations. Make sure that the pet is vaccinated against rabies, plague, parvovirus enteritis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis, microsporia and trichophytia.

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. Suitable dietary dry foods or natural foods – lean meat and fish, vegetables, dairy products. Cereals are kept to a minimum, fatty and flour are strictly prohibited.

The day before castration

10-12 hours before castration, the dog is stopped being fed, 4-6 hours before being watered.

Carry out a general cleaning of the house – the animal should recover after surgery in cleanliness and comfort. Do not forget to wipe the dust and wash the floors with disinfectant.

Pack a bag to the clinic in the evening. The standard list of things: a carrier, bedding, paper napkins, antiseptic and a special collar. Ask the veterinarian in advance 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!

How is the castration of a male

Let's start with male representatives, since males are castrated more often than females. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts no more than 10 minutes. First, the wool is shaved off in the lower abdomen and groin area, the surface is treated with an antiseptic. Then 2 small incisions are made on the skin, through which the testes are removed. Wounds are disinfected, sprinkled with tricillin, sewn with absorbable threads and closed with a bandage. The stitches heal after 3-4 days, the recovery period is easy. You can talk about full rehabilitation in 3-4 weeks.

Large dogs are usually castrated in the clinic, and small-sized males are allowed to operate at home.

How is the castration of a bitch

Castration of a bitch is more difficult and takes longer. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes 30 minutes. The hair on the dog's belly is shaved, the skin area is treated with an antiseptic, an incision is made in the lower part to remove the ovaries (sometimes the uterus is also removed). The wound is treated, a double seam is applied to it, which is closed with a bandage.

Castration of a bitch is a cavity operation that should be performed only in a veterinary clinic. The availability of qualified specialists and specialized equipment minimizes the likelihood of critical situations.

Chemical castration

An alternative to surgery is the so-called chemical castration. This method is reversible and consists in the introduction of a drug (capsule) to the dog, which affects the reproductive function. The production of sex hormones stops after a month. The effect lasts from 6 months to a year.

Chemical castration can be recommended to animals with intolerance to anesthetics, weak immunity, as well as to males of hunting, service and guard breeds to improve working qualities.

After the expiration of the drug, or the removal of the capsule, the reproductive function is restored. Chemical castration does not give a guaranteed 100% result and is expensive, so it is almost not used in Russia.

Dog care after castration

As soon as the dog wakes up after anesthesia, it can be taken home, in the absence of complications. The most important thing a pet needs after castration is care and peace. For a while, refuse to receive guests and visit crowded places, pay maximum attention to the dog. If there is suppuration or divergence of sutures, or any alarming symptoms are observed, contact the veterinarian immediately.

Take care in advance of organizing a warm place for a neutered dog. If the animal lives on the street, it is advisable to temporarily take it into the house. So the probability of infection will be significantly lower.

The first day after castration

In the first hours after leaving anesthesia, the dog can be watered with a small amount of water. You can not feed the animal, because it is difficult for him to swallow and may be sick after anesthesia.

If the dog peed after castration, do not scold him in any way – this is normal in the first 12 hours after the operation. When the dog finally wakes up, you can go for a mini-walk so that he relieves himself.

After 4 hours, the dog can be offered some food, but do not be alarmed if the pet refuses to eat. Appetite may be absent for 1-2 days.

In the first days after castration, watch the seam. If the dog licks or gnaws the wound, you need to put a protective collar around her neck.

Usually, after castration, it is necessary to give the animal antibiotics and treat the suture with an antiseptic. Follow the recommendations of the veterinarian.

A week after castration

About a week after the operation, the dog should be brought for a checkup to a specialist.

If non-self-absorbing threads were used during castration, then on the 10th day you need to come for suture removal.

2 weeks after surgery

So, the most crucial period of time is over. Continue to monitor the pet, provide the dog with a "light mode" – do not overload with training, active games, long races, swimming.

How much does it cost to castrate a dog

The cost of castration depends on the weight and sex of the dog, as well as on the city where the operation will be performed, and the "promotion" of the veterinary clinic. Prices vary significantly in public and private institutions. The cost of the operation includes the price of medicines, anesthesia and related materials.

There are two main points in pricing:

• castration of bitches is more expensive than castration of males;
• the bigger the dog, the more expensive the operation.

Babies lighter than 5 kg can be castrated for 3000-4000 rubles, an average dog weighing from 10 to 20 kg – for 6000-7000 rubles, and an operation for a healthy man heavier than 50 kg – from 9000 rubles. The operation at home will cost more than in the clinic, usually they ask you to pay from 1000 rubles for departure, depending on the region.