Neutering should be considered if you are keeping any male cat or dog as a pet.

What are the advantages of neutering my male cat or dog?

Reduces territorial aggression and urine marking in cats

Reduces aggression which can lead to wounds, abscesses and diseases like FeLV and FIV which can cause Aids-like syndromes and cancers in cats.

Reduces the urge to stray far from the home (many dogs and cats that are hit by automobiles are un-neutered dogs and cats)

Reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis

Reduces the risk of hormone-related diseases such as perianal adenoma in dogs

Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common cancer in intact dogs

Removal of sexual urges, which usually decreases roaming behaviors      

Reduction of certain types of aggression

Is neutering performed for any other reason?

The operation may be performed to treat testicular tumors and some prostate gland conditions. It is also used to control hormonal (testosterone) dependent diseases such as anal adenomas in dogs.

 Neutering may also be used in an attempt to treat certain forms of aggression.

 What are the disadvantages?

Most of the perceived disadvantages are false. The most quoted of these are that the cat or dog will become fat, lazy, and useless as a guardian. Obesity is probably the most commonly quoted disadvantage of neutering. Obesity is the result of overfeeding and not exercising enough. By regulating your dog's diet and caloric intake, you can prevent obesity in neutered or intact males.

Neutering doesn't cause a change in personality, guarding instincts, intelligence, playfulness and affection.

 When should the operation be performed?

Research reveals that neutering a pet at an early age does not cause any increased risk. Most veterinarians recommend neutering at around six months of age.

Is there anything that owners need to prepare for when scheduling their pet for surgery?

Our staff will call to confirm the surgery the day prior to the scheduled appointment.  Fasting instructions include not feeding your pet after 8:00 pm the evening prior to the  scheduled surgery.  Your pet should have free access to water most of the pre-operative fasting period. Do not feed your pet the morning of surgery.  Our surgical patients are admitted between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. The Registered Animal Health Technologist will call after your pet's surgery is complete to let you know how the procedure has gone.  Pet's are typically ready to be discharged after 3:30 pm  the same day.

Are there any dangers associated with the operation?

Neutering is considered a major operation and requires general anesthesia. With modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk of a complication is very low. It has been said that your pet has a greater chance of being injured in a car wreck than having an anesthetic or surgical complication.

What happens when my pet undergoes this procedure?

Your pet will be examined by a veterinarian and pre-anesthetic blood tests will usually be performed. If everything is acceptable, your pet will then be anesthetized. Most pets will have an intravenous catheter placed to administer the anesthetic and to provide fluid therapy during the surgery. After your pet is anesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in his trachea or "windpipe". This will deliver oxygen and the gas anesthetic, most commonly isoflurane, directly into the lungs. In dogs, the surgery consists of making a small incision in front of the scrotum and removing the testicles. Many veterinarians use absorbable internal sutures so that you do not have to return your dog to the hospital to have them removed.  In cats, both the testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum.  Since the incisions are very small, and since stitches may cause irritation of the sensitive skin of the scrotum, it is rare for the incisions to be sutured.

Are there any post-operative precautions I should take?

Rest and restriction of activity are the primary post-operative care you should provide. Most dogs can resume normal activity five to ten days after surgery. Until then, leash walks, no swimming, bathing, running or climbing stairs and lots of rest are the rule.  Ensure that your pet is not licking at the incision.  Most animals should be sent home with an E. collar so that they are unable to traumatize the incision.