Castration, often referred to as neutering or gonadectomy, is a surgical procedure performed on male dogs and cats to remove their testicles, which are the primary reproductive organs. This procedure is commonly performed for various reasons, including population control, behavioral modification, and health benefits.
One of the primary reasons for performing castration is to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats. By neutering male animals, they cannot father litters of puppies or kittens. Castration can help reduce certain undesirable behaviors in dogs and cats. These behaviors may include roaming, aggression, urine marking, and mounting. These behaviors are often driven by the hormonal changes associated with testosterone, which is produced by the testicles. Neutering also offers some health benefits. It eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of certain prostate and perianal gland diseases.
Your animal is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are completely unconscious and pain-free during the surgery. The surgeon makes a small incision in the scrotum, which is the external sac that contains the testicles. The testicles are carefully located, isolated, and then removed. This eliminates the source of testosterone production. In cats, after the testicles are removed, the surgical incision is typically left open to allow for drainage. In dogs, sutures are used to close the incision. Your animal is monitored closely during recovery from anesthesia. Pain management is an important part of the post-operative care, and medications will be prescribed to keep your pet comfortable.
Physical activity should be limited for a specified period as directed by the veterinarian to allow the incision to heal properly. It’s important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions for post-operative care.
To set up an appointment to have your pet neutered or to learn more about this procedure, please call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to neuter your pet, please call us so we can discuss your concerns.