Neutering is a surgical procedure in which a male animal’s testicles are removed. This type of surgery is sometimes also known as castration. In female animals, removal of the reproductive organs is referred to as spaying.
Benefits of Neutering
When a male animal is neutered, they are no longer able to impregnate females. The most obvious benefit of the procedure is that it prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number of abandoned pets.
Neutering has also been shown to reduce unwanted behaviors such as roaming, territorial aggression, and marking in the house. In addition, neutering protects male pets against the development of conditions such as testicular cancer, prostate enlargement, and anal tumors.
Neutering Procedure
Since a male’s reproductive organs are positioned on the outside of the body, the neutering of male animals is less invasive than spaying of female animals. For this reason, it is not usually considered major surgery.
Before the neutering procedure, your veterinarian will physically examine your pet and perform pre-surgical bloodwork to make sure they are healthy enough for anesthesia to be administered. When your pet is ready for surgery they will be placed under general anesthesia. An incision will then be made in the scrotum and the testicles will be surgically removed.
The neutering procedure is relatively simple and will usually take just a few minutes to complete. Following surgery, it may be necessary for your pet to stay in the veterinary clinic overnight for observation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Aftercare is vital for helping your pet recover from surgery. Make sure to limit activity during the healing process and prevent your pet from jumping on and off furniture. You should also keep the wound clean and dry, and avoid bathing your pet for at least the first 10 days following surgery.
It’s also important to provide plenty of freshwater while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet to provide your pet with the nutrients they need to help their body heal.
Keep a close eye on your pet’s incision and avoid allowing them to lick the wound. Often, your veterinarian will provide an Elizabethan collar (cone) that fits around your pet’s neck to prevent this behavior. It is also a good idea to keep pets away from other animals when they are recovering from surgery.
Finally, please make sure to follow any additional recovery advice given by your veterinarian and contact them immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as redness or swelling.
