Neutering Male Dogs

Dogs are man's best friends! No, they are dearer than friends to man! They are like children, always seeking love and attention. But when they suffer from chronic infections and cancerous ailments, it becomes a highly emotive dilemma for the owner, whether to go for neutering his dog or not.

Why Neutering Male Dogs is Important

Testosterone is an anabolic steroid/hormone. Any variation in its normal level can lead to cancer symptoms in dogs. As far as dog health is concerned, neutering male dogs becomes a necessary procedure only in certain cases. This procedure is usually done by surgical method (removal of testicles) or injection of Neutersol to reduce the testosterone production. Following are a few serious forms of dog illness caused by altered levels of testosterone:

• Some of the major prostate problems in dogs are caused under the influence of testosterone. Prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate in dogs), prostatic carcinoma (a metastatic cancerous affliction), prostatic abscess (a bacterium caused infection in prostate gland) and prostatitis (chronic inflammation of the prostate gland) are the most common prostate ailments in dogs.
• Altered testosterone levels can lead to cases of scrotal hernia, inguinal hernia and perineal hernia in dogs. Surgical correction is the only remedy for hernia in dogs.
• Dog cancer is often associated with testosterone levels. Sertoli cell tumors, perianal adenocarcinoma, seminomas, intestinal cell tumors and Leydig cell tumors in dogs are often caused by altered testosterone levels. Surgery/chemotherapy is recommended by vets for such ailments.
• Chronic infections like brucellosis and balanoposthitis can cause severe pain in dogs. In the latter case, the dog suffers from pus secretions from the opening of its prepuce. Other infections like paraphimosis (inability to resolve penile erection) and rectal fistulas (rectal bleeding) are also caused under the influence of testosterone.

Pros

• Controlled aggression: When it comes to neutering a male dog, pros and cons both exist. Neutered male dogs are less aggressive towards other animals and people. The temperament of dogs post neutering becomes calm. Neutered pets are easy to handle as they don't incessantly bug you to seek a mate for them. Also, they tend to adopt cleaner habits concerning hygiene by not urinating all over your home.
• Increased concentration: There is a significant increase in concentration levels of dogs, post neutering. Hence, they give best results in dog training sessions and can be tamed into becoming perfectly obedient pets. Neutering male dogs while they are puppies helps the dogs grow healthier.
• No tumors: Neutering has reduced the possibility of testicular tumors (both malignant and benign). Usually in canines, certain tumors (like perianal tumors) are stimulated by testosterone hormone. These malignant tumors occur in dogs which are at least 7 years old. Neutering procedures have aided in eliminating many cancer symptoms in dogs.
• Fewer hernia cases: Hernia is a painful condition of organs (like colons, prostate glands or urinary bladder) in which there is a protrusion in the organ. If these conditions are left untreated, the organs can get damaged completely. Getting a male dog neutered stalls such agonizing conditions in dogs.
• Less prostate problems: Research has shown, about 80% of dogs which are not neutered are more susceptible to prostate diseases. Most of the diseases involve cysts and benign enlargement of prostate glands. Neutering a male dog aid in eliminating such prostate cancer symptoms in dogs.
• Improving genetic traits: In many cases, harmful genetic traits (like epilepsy) are aggravated by rising testosterone levels. Neutering prevents continuation of these diseases to the next generation.

Side Effects

• Change in behavior: Dog behavior after neutering is definitely a noticeable change that deviates from normal demeanor of dogs. Their temperament drastically calms down which is quite unlike of what a playful naughty and lively pet it was before neutering.
• Excessive weight gain: After neutering, many dogs get the tendency to put on weight. This is because the activity of the dog reduces as it no more has the urge to spend its energy in seeking a mate and reproducing. Hence, many of its excessive calories do not burn and get stored as fats resulting in dog obesity.
• Sterilization: Now that the dog is neutered, with its testicles removed, its ability to reproduce is taken away from him forever! The sad part is that neutering can hamper a dog's normal routine to a great extent.

Recovery Phase

Once a dog is neutered, he takes about 18-24 hours post surgery to recuperate. Some major symptoms that follow are grogginess, lethargy, lack of balance, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. So when a neutered male dog arrives home, lot of care needs to be taken for a fast recovery. Some tips for neutered dog care are:

• Bring the dog to his bed. Allow him to sleep as the rest is very much-needed post neutering.
• Keep other pets (if any) away from your dog as he may lash out due to his disoriented state.
• Take the dog out frequently for relieving his bladder. Due to a lot of IV fluids injected into his body, pet owners must take extra care tending to his bathroom needs.
• Due to surgery and general anesthesia dogs tend to lose appetite and eat little food. Feed them with homemade food containing bland tasting skinless chicken or boiled hamburger with rice which go easy on their stomachs.
• For a faster recovery, limit the activity of dog. This is because the incision after surgery takes time to heal. Pet owners can take dogs for small walks after 10-14 days post surgery.
• Clean the incision on a regular basis using a bit of betadine to disinfect the area of incision. Make sure that dogs don't get into their regular habit of licking their wounds, which might lead to chances of infection.
• A fortnight after neutering, monitor the dog's incision to check for any signs of infection. If any, seek immediate medical attention from a vet!

Many vets recommend that it is better to get dogs neutered at a young age of 5-8 months. The advantage of early neutering is that the growth rate in dogs is not affected. Nor are the skeletal, physical or behavioral developments altered by early neutering of male dogs. Neutering cost ranges from USD 45 - USD 300 depending on the breed, weight and build of the dog. Neutering a male dog is a very serious procedure. It mellows down the dog behavior which may be preferred health wise but not on social grounds. Who would like to see his lively and energetic dog become sober and lazy exhibiting limited emotions? Hence, neutering is best recommended only if dog health problems are recurring and persistent. Otherwise neutering a dog can surely wait!